Improve "Crazy" chocolate cake recipe, anyone?

Does anyone else have a recipe -- probably depression era -- for a chocolate cake that doesn't have eggs or butter? My grandmother gave me the recipe -- two times! -- before she died. But it's not the same when I make it -- it's not as rich or as chocolate-y. Should I just put in more cocoa? Chocolate chips? Any suggestions? I usually cover it with a ganache to finesse the fact that the cake itself isn't as delicious as hers was.

I'd love to make it for my grandfather's 97th birthday in a few weeks, but I want it to be fabulous!

Here's the original recipe: 1 1/2 c. flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3 Tablespoon cocoa; 1 Tablespoon vinegar; 6 Tablespoon oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 cup cold water

ERoth
  • Posted by: ERoth
  • August 30, 2019
  • 2828 views
  • 4 Comments

4 Comments

Lori T.
Lori T. September 1, 2019
I inherited a similar recipe from my grandmother and mother. Ours calls for using cold coffee instead of water though. I usually make up a cup of espresso to use, and find it works well to enhance the chocolate flavor without giving you a coffee flavor. I also use a 1/4 cup of cocoa powder- the natural sort, not the dutched varieties.
 
ERoth
ERoth October 22, 2019
Thank you!
 
boulangere
boulangere August 31, 2019
Vanilla tends to boost the perception chocolatiness, so I'd suggest doubling it to 2 teaspoons. Also consider increasing the cocoa to 4 tablespoons, which is equal to 1/4 cup. The teaspoon of baking soda should be adequate to the increase.
 
ERoth
ERoth October 22, 2019
Thank you!
 
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