Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe
Introduction
Vanilla Crazy Cake is a delightful, simple dessert that’s perfect when you’re short on ingredients but craving something sweet. This unique cake uses vinegar and baking soda for leavening, meaning no eggs or milk are needed, making it an ideal choice for those with dietary restrictions or last-minute baking plans.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 5 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square or round baking pan to prevent sticking. In the pan, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Create three depressions in the dry mixture—two small and one large. Pour the white vinegar and vanilla extract into each of the two smaller wells, and the vegetable oil into the larger one.
- Step 3: Pour the water evenly over the entire mixture. Stir everything together directly in the pan until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Step 4: Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting with your favorite icing.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, try substituting half the water with brewed coffee or milk if not avoiding dairy.
- You can add a teaspoon of almond or other flavored extract along with vanilla for a unique twist.
- Try topping with whipped cream and fresh berries instead of frosting for a lighter dessert.
- Use a non-stick spray or lightly grease the pan with butter to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Storage
Store the cooled cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it moist, cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Leftover slices can be warmed briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for best texture.
Why does this cake use vinegar?
The vinegar reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, which help the cake rise without the need for eggs or other leaveners. It also adds slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
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Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Vanilla Crazy Cake is a simple, egg-free, and dairy-free classic cake made with basic pantry ingredients. This easy-to-make cake uses vinegar and baking soda as leavening agents to create a moist, tender crumb with a rich vanilla flavor. Perfect for quick baking projects or when you want a delicious homemade cake without eggs or milk.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups All-purpose flour
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tsp White vinegar
- 5 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8-inch round or square baking pan according to your preference; both shapes work well for this recipe.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the greased pan, mix together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Create Wells for Wet Ingredients: Make three depressions in the dry ingredients within the pan; two small wells and one larger well. Pour the white vinegar into one small depression and the vanilla extract into the other small depression. Pour the vegetable oil into the largest depression.
- Add Water and Mix: Pour the cup of water over all the ingredients in the pan. Using a spoon or spatula, quickly mix everything together directly in the pan until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy this moist, flavorful vanilla cake.
Notes
- This cake is naturally egg-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Use a greased pan to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- You can customize this cake by adding chocolate chips or nuts before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suitable for cakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vanilla crazy cake, egg-free cake, dairy-free cake, easy vanilla cake, simple cake recipe, vinegar cake

