Description
A cozy, no-frills cake that tastes like a warm kitchen on a chilly afternoon. This nostalgic cake is simple to mix up with pantry staples and delivers a tender crumb with gentle cinnamon warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- Powdered sugar or icing for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the water, vegetable oil, and vinegar.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing if desired and serve.
Notes
For a richer crumb, try replacing water with buttermilk. Store in an airtight container for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cake, cinnamon cake, depression cake, easy dessert, nostalgic recipes