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Crazy Cake

Name: Crazy Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon canola oil; 1-1/2 teaspoons white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4-1/2 teaspoons baking cocoa; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Confectioners' sugar, optional

5 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jul. 11, 2023

I have made this dessert—otherwise known as crazy cake—for more than 50 years. It is classic, tender and moist, and requires only three easy steps. —Devota Angell, Allenstown, New Hampshire

Crazy Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon canola oil
1-1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
4-1/2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 8-1/2x4-1/2-in. loaf pan. In a small bowl, beat the sugar, water, oil, vinegar and vanilla until well blended. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended.

Pour into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes.
Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

Crazy Cake Tips

What kind of frosting can you make for crazy cake?

A delicate, but rich cake like crazy cake doesn’t need frosting, but if you’d like to add something, try this quick vanilla glaze!

Can you make crazy cake in one bowl?

While some similar recipes suggest mixing this cake directly in the baking pan, we find that mixing it in a bowl first ensures equal distribution of the ingredients, and no burnt edges where the batter could have splashed up the sides of the pan. Plus, using a mixer in your pan can ruin any nonstick finishes.

How do you store crazy cake?

Store your crazy cake in an airtight container. It should last about 3 to 4 days on the counter. If you add a frosting or glaze with dairy, it should be kept in the refrigerator and will last about 2 days. Learn more about how to store baked goods, from cake to cookies to cobblers.

—Shannon Norris, Taste of Home Senior Food Stylist

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 262 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.