The Depression Cake that Brought a Family Together

During the Great Depression, times were tough and food was scarce. The Johnson family was struggling to put food on the table, let alone enjoy any sweet treats. But one day, Mrs. Johnson stumbled upon a recipe for a cake that could be made with very few ingredients. It was called a "depression cake."

Mrs. Johnson gathered her family together and they all helped to mix the ingredients and bake the cake. It wasn't the most beautiful cake they had ever seen, but it smelled delicious.

When they all sat down to eat the cake, they were surprised at how good it tasted. It was moist and chocolatey, and it made them forget, even for a moment, about the hardships they were facing.

From then on, the Johnson family made depression cake every Sunday. It became a tradition, and they looked forward to it all week. They even started to experiment with different flavors and toppings, using whatever ingredients they could find.

But the best part of the tradition was the time they spent together as a family. They talked and laughed and shared stories, forgetting about their worries for a little while.

Years later, when times were better, the Johnsons continued to make depression cake every Sunday. They did it not out of necessity, but out of love for each other and for the memories it brought back.

Depression cake, also known as war cake or poor man's cake, is a type of cake that originated in the United States during the Great Depression when ingredients such as eggs, butter, and milk were scarce and expensive. The cake is made without these ingredients and relies on pantry staples like flour, sugar, and vegetable oil to create a moist and flavorful cake.

Depression cake recipes often include ingredients like vinegar and baking soda to create a chemical reaction that helps the cake rise. Cocoa powder is also commonly used to add flavor and color to the cake. Depression cakes were often served plain or with simple frosting made from powdered sugar, water, and a small amount of butter or margarine.

Depression cake is a simple, yet delicious dessert that has a lot of historical significance. It represents a time when families had to get creative with the ingredients they had on hand and find ways to make do with less. Nowadays, depression cake is still enjoyed for its simplicity and flavor, and is a reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience of those who lived through the Great Depression.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. Add white vinegar, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and water to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve the cake as is or frost with your favorite frosting.

This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Enjoy!