Apple Crazy Cake (No Butter, Eggs, Milk or Mess) ~ Inspired by the Depression Era Recipe (aka Wacky Cake) w/ GF Option

“In Heaven, it is always Autumn".”

~ John Donne

This is my most favorite of our crazy cake creations yet! The brown sugar sinks a bit to the bottom giving the cake a "layered" caramel apple taste of fall! And what better way to use up those mealy apples than in a seasonal surprise for your family! It is easy to make in 7 steps -- and don't forget that it is frugal, egg-free, butter-free, milk-free and can even be gluten-free (meaning you will most likely have all the ingredients in your basic pantry!).

Dry Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 c. + 2 tbsp. flour  (all purpose or gluten-free flour blend)
• 3/4 c. white sugar
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. baking soda (use 1 1/2 tsp. is using gluten-free flour blend)
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 5 tbsp. vegetable oil (we use sunflower)
• 1 tsp. white vinegar (use apple cider vinegar for gluten-free version)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 c. water
• 1 1/2 c. shredded apples

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8 by 8 inch square baking pan.

Measure out and mix all the dry ingredients together in your prepared baking pan. Make three wells in the baking pan (making sure one is large enough to contain the oil). Pour the oil into the largest well and the vinegar and vanilla separately into the other impressions. Pour water over all the contents, add the shredded apples and carefully mix your ingredients until combined and smooth. 

Bake for 35 - 40 minutes (it is finished when a toothpick inserted inside the center comes out clean). Cool on wire rack. Once it is completely cooled, you may frost it. Recipe can be doubled – just use a 9 by 13 inch baking pan.

You will find your free printable recipe HERE! Happy homemaking!

For other recipes featuring PANTRY ONLY ingredients, you may also be interested in our Zucchini Crazy Cake, Chocolate Banana Crazy Cake, Banana Crazy Cake, Carrot Crazy Cake, Old Fashioned Pie Crust and for more inspiration -- Frugal Homemaking Lessons from the Great Depression.