The Depression Era Vanilla Cake Recipe is a recipe for a cake that was popular during the Great Depression in America and also provided instructions on how to make this delicious cake.
During the 1920s, there was an increase in popular desserts. There were also many social changes within American society during this time which affected various recipes.
The population grew and changed, as did their culinary habits and food preparation methods. During the 1920s, people became more interested in using ingredients with fewer calories, such as white sugar, instead of brown sugar.
Contents
How To Prepare Depression Era Vanilla Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size: 10

Equipment:
- Medium size saucepan,
- Wooden Spoon,
- Sifter
Ingredients For Depression Era Vanilla Cake Recipe:
- 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 12-15 pecan pieces (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream (optional)
For the vanilla frosting:
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
Directions To Prepare Depression Era Vanilla Cake Recipe:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or 1 cake layer pan.
2. In a medium size saucepan, combine all the vanilla cake recipe ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, remove it from the heat, and beat with a wooden spoon until well mixed.
3. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan or cake layer pan. Add pecan pieces if desired.
4. Bake the loaf pan or cake layer for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to cool completely on a rack before frosting as directed below.
5. To make buttercream frosting, combine sugar, water and extract in a saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the softball stage (234 degrees F). Remove from heat and beat in the vanilla extract.
6. Beat in the powdered sugar and then the butter until well-mixed. Frost the cake with vanilla frosting and serve at once.
Nutrition Facts Of Depression Era Vanilla Cake Recipe
- Calories: 264
- Protein: 7 gm
- Carbohydrates: 50 gm
- Cholesterol: 103 mg/dL
- Sodium: 93 mg/dL
- Fats & Fatty Acids: 10 gm
What Is Depression Cake Made Of?
Depression cake is a cake that was popular in America during the Great Depression. Because of the name it likely was named because it was a cheap alternative to other cakes.
The Depression Era Vanilla Cake Recipe is for baking a vanilla cake, but with some additions such as pecans, optional vanilla extract, and sour cream, which add to taste.
This diet-friendly recipe can be made without fats and is quick to prepare.
What Makes A Cake Very Light And Fluffy?
A cake is often very light and fluffy if it contains a lot of air or has been beaten for a long time. The more air is whipped into the batter, the softer and smoother it will be. Baking powder or baking soda can also add extra atmosphere to cakes.
What Are The Three Parts Of Depression?
1. The First Great Depression:
The first economic downturn occurred between August 1929 and the early 1930s. A stock market crash in the United States created it.
2. The Second Great Depression:
It was caused by a fall in production, a rise in unemployment, and a drop in the prices of agricultural commodities.
3. The Third Great Depression:
In 2008, the U.S. experienced its worst recession since the great depression of the 1930s so-called “Great Recession” or “Global Recession.”
What Depression Does To The Brain?
1. Depression increases the risk of suicide.
2. Depression can affect people physically, impacting their health and well-being.
3. Depression can lead to substance abuse and addiction, particularly in young men and women.
4. Depression damages children if it occurs during their early years (below the age of 5).
5. Depression is linked with a range of other physical and mental disorders, including anxiety and substance abuse problems or eating disorders, or even schizophrenia
How To Freeze Depression Era Vanilla Cake Recipe?
If you are not planning to serve your cake immediately, it can be frozen for future use. When freezing the cake, wrap it in plastic and place it in a freezer bag.
Be sure that the plastic is sealed tightly around the cake. The cake can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.
Conclusion
This recipe makes a good cake for a low-calorie dessert or as part of a meal or a snack. It also can be easily added to other recipes if desired.
The depression era cake recipe can be made without fats or oils, making it suitable for low-fat diets.
The ingredients included in this recipe can be substituted with other ingredients depending on personal preference.