Chocolate Depression Cake

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon coffee (optional)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the frosting:

• 2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt (optional)

Instructions

To make the cake:

1. Preheat oven to 375º F. Lightly grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add water, oil, cider vinegar, coffee (if using), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until no lumps remain.
4. Pour the mixture evenly into the greased cake pans.
5. Bake for 24-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool before frosting.

To make the frosting:

1. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl or mixer, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt (if using).
2. Add water, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar for a thicker frosting or more water for a thinner frosting.
3. Once the cake has cooled, frost it with the prepared frosting.