Description
Cinnamon depression cake showcases resourceful baking from challenging economic times. Pantry staples create a simple, comforting dessert you can enjoy with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (375 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
Leavening and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat an 8×8 inch baking pan with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients using a whisk, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Create a small crater in the center of the dry mixture and gently pour in water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Blend the ingredients with smooth, deliberate strokes until the batter achieves a uniform consistency without overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
- Craft the topping by blending sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl, then delicately scatter the mixture across the cake’s surface.
- Position the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest and cool completely within the pan, set atop a wire rack, before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Swap vinegar with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist and different flavor profile.
- Replace water with dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk to enhance moisture and richness.
- Experiment with adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and depth of flavor.
- Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon topping for a lighter, more delicate finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg