Moist, Easy, Egg-Free Magic
Sometimes, a dessert feels like it was made just for you—and this One-Bowl Chocolate Miracle Cake is exactly that kind of treat. It’s rich, moist, deeply chocolatey, and the best part? It’s made with no eggs, no dairy, and no fuss—just one bowl and a whisk!
I love this recipe because it’s a true pantry cake, meaning all the ingredients are shelf-stable and ready when you are. It’s my go-to for birthdays, after-dinner cravings, or “just because” cake emergencies. Whether you top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a slick of glaze, this cake always delivers.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Is this the same as Wacky Cake or Depression Cake?
Yes! This cake is also known as Wacky Cake, Crazy Cake, or Depression-Era Cake, made popular during times when eggs and dairy were hard to come by.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch pan instead of an 8×8 and bake a few minutes longer.
Q: Can I add frosting or glaze?
Yes! It pairs beautifully with chocolate ganache, peanut butter frosting, or just a dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar.
Q: Is this vegan?
Yes! This cake contains no animal products—just simple, plant-based ingredients.
Q: How long will it keep?
It stays moist for up to 4–5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze slices for later.
What You Need to Make One-Bowl Chocolate Miracle Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make One-Bowl Chocolate Miracle Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Make a well in the center and add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let cool completely in the pan before frosting, glazing, or slicing.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Miracle Cake
✔ Use good cocoa powder – The better the cocoa, the deeper the chocolate flavor.
✔ Don’t skip the vinegar – It activates the baking soda and makes the cake rise beautifully.
✔ Want a mocha twist? – Replace ½ cup of water with strong coffee.
✔ Make it fancy – Top with berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
✔ Bake in cupcake form – Pour into lined muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “I can’t believe how moist and fluffy this cake is without eggs or milk. A true miracle!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Made it for my vegan friend and it was a hit. Added peanut butter frosting—amazing.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “One bowl, no mess, and no weird ingredients? This is my new favorite chocolate cake.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Doubled it for a birthday cake and no one could tell it was vegan. Moist and rich!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “It’s become our weeknight dessert go-to. Love how easy it is!”
Printable Recipe
One-Bowl Chocolate Miracle Cake
This One-Bowl Chocolate Miracle Cake is a rich, moist, and egg-free dessert made with simple pantry ingredients—all in one bowl, no fuss!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Make a well in the center and add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let cool completely in the pan before frosting, glazing, or slicing.
Check out some of our other recipes / crafts.
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Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If this One-Bowl Chocolate Miracle Cake made your day a little sweeter, don’t keep it to yourself! Pin it, post it, or send it to a fellow chocolate lover. This cake deserves to be shared—and devoured. Don’t forget to tag #funcraftykitchen when you bake it!
