No-Butter Chocolate Cake
Vegan • Vegetarian • Dairy-FreeUnder 60 MinsBakingDessertComfort Food
Easy
40min
268kcal
8people
MACROS
per serving※gProtein
◆gFat
▣gCarbs
◎gSugar
◇gFiber
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A dark, incredibly moist chocolate cake that requires absolutely no butter, eggs, or milk. This simple one-bowl wonder mixes up in minutes.
Craving a rich, decadent treat but fresh out of butter? This No-Butter Chocolate Cake is here to save the day. Also known historically as a 'Wacky Cake' or 'Depression Cake,' this ingenious No-Butter Chocolate Cake was developed during times of rationing when traditional baking staples were scarce. However, you certainly do not need to be in a pinch to appreciate just how spectacular this dessert truly is. By substituting standard dairy fat with vegetable oil, you guarantee a crumb that is exceptionally moist, incredibly tender, and stays beautifully soft for days on the kitchen counter. The secret to its impressive rise lies in the simple chemical reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar, creating a delightfully light and fluffy texture without the need for eggs or dairy.
Whether you are catering to vegan guests, managing dairy allergies, or simply want a foolproof late-night dessert without a trip to the store, this No-Butter Chocolate Cake delivers on all fronts. Deep, intense cocoa notes shine through brilliantly because there is no heavy butterfat to mask the pure chocolate flavor. We highly recommend using a high-quality cocoa powder for the most dramatic results. Serve it simply dusted with powdered sugar, glazed with a quick dairy-free icing, or alongside a generous scoop of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream. You will be amazed at how quickly this comes together. Say goodbye to waiting for butter to soften, and hello to your new go-to No-Butter Chocolate Cake!
Ingredients
- 180 g All-Purpose Flour
- 200 g Granulated Sugar
- 35 g Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 240 ml Water
- 80 ml Vegetable Oil
- 1 tbsp White Vinegar
- 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease your baking pan.
- 2In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- 3Create three small wells (indentations) in the dry mixture. Pour the vegetable oil into the first well, the white vinegar into the second, and the alcohol-free vanilla extract into the third.
- 4Pour the cold water directly over everything in the bowl.
- 5Stir the mixture gently with a whisk or wooden spoon until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- 6Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- 7Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- 8Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Chef's Tips
- •If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor even further, try substituting the cold water with an equal amount of cold, brewed coffee.
- •Do not skip the vinegar! The acid is essential to react with the baking soda and make the cake rise properly.
- •You can easily double this recipe and bake it in a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) pan for about 35-40 minutes.
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