Cockeyed Cake A.K.A The Lazy-Ass Cake is the only cake recipe you’ll ever need! It’s so simple to make, it’s basically foolproof. It’s so quick and easy, everything gets mixed up and baked in the pan. And with no eggs added, this is a delicious vegan treat you can enjoy year long.
Although already known under many names such as cockeyed, wacky, crazy or depression cake, I am officially rechristening this cake as the LAZY ASS CAKE. It’s so simple to make, it’s almost foolproof!
All the cake needs is a minute or two of whisking, it bakes in the same pan the ingredients are mixed in, and comes out of the oven dark, moist and chocolatey in 30 minutes. No need to grease the baking pan even!
You can enjoy a slice plain and simple or easily take it up a notch with a sprinkling of powdered sugar for a totally vegan treat (no eggs!). If you want something more sinful and indulgent, a generous slathering of canned frosting will do the trick.
Now, if you want to go all out and impress, this lazy ass cake makes a terrific base for tiered masterpieces. Just double the recipe, bake in two batches in round (or square) cake pans and pull it all together with your specialty frosting (mocha flavor, pretty please!) in the middle and chocolate ganache for the outside.
The cake requires so little work, you can focus more on getting it all nice and pretty.
Guys, don’t let the humble ingredients fool you! Soft and fluffy and with intense chocolate flavor, it’s the only cake recipe you’ll ever need. The recipe is a winner as is but I am one of those people who can’t leave great things alone. Occasionally, I like to pump up the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon or so of instant coffee granules to the batter. Totally optional but highly recommended.
Cockeyed Cake A.K.A The Lazy-Ass Cake is the only cake recipe you'll ever need! It's so simple to make, it's basically foolproof. It's so quick and easy, everything gets mixed up and baked in the pan. And with no eggs added, this is a delicious vegan treat you can enjoy year long.
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 5 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, optional
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In a 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, water, oil, vinegar, vanilla extract and instant coffee, if using. Stir together until smooth and blended.
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Bake in a 350 F oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool before frosting.
Tools/Supplies You Might Need for This Recipe (disclosure: affiliate link)
Ghirardelli Chocolate Unsweetened Cocoa Pouch, 8 Ounce
naleśniki says
It seems delicious!!!
Lalaine says
It is! 🙂
Fran says
I just made this cake. It was a very last minute decision, as my fiancé’s birthday present arrived too late and I still wanted to make his day special. I literally typed in “easy vegan cake” on Pinterest and this was the first thing that came up. I happened to have all the ingredients at home already, so I started baking! 🙂
This cake is actually the first vegan, more healthy dessert that my 3,5 yo likes, so I’m very happy! Thank you for sharing!
Lalaine says
Isn’t this cake amazing? I was skeptical it would really work without eggs when I first came across the recipe but it definitely prove my doubts wrong 🙂
Ofelia Doqueza says
hi… i’m a fan of your recipes… still learning how to bake good cakes… anyways, thanks for this recipe of yours, made one and my children loved it… i wonder, what mocha frosting recipe would you suggest best with this cake??
hope you answer this… thanks and i’m glad i found your blog!!!!
Lalaine says
Thank you so much, Ofelia. I am glad the kiddos loved the cake. Here is a link to my favorite mocha buttercream frosting http://www.food.com/recipe/the-best-mocha-buttercream-frosting-icing-262883 It’s so good and will go well with the chocolate cake 🙂
Patti Juraso says
I just loved the name: Lazy Ass Cake. Although I did not have all the ingredients nor the right sized pan,. I had to do some rearranging of this recipe and it was still delicious. First, I did not have the right size pan so I used a 9 x 2 round cake pan. It worked just fine. Second, I only had apple cider vinegar which I chose not to use. I also did not use frosting as this recipe can stand on its own. As for the round cake pan, it still only took 30 minutes. Thanks for the wonderful and easy cake recipe. At 10:30 this morning, my husband and I were eating The Lazy Ass Cake. Keep the recipes coming. I just love to bake and share with my family and friends.
Lalaine says
Thank you for the feedback and tips, Patti. I am glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Bklyncowgirl says
I’m wondering how it would be with balsamic vinegar. I think that hint of sweetness and the subtle undertones would be really good. I’ll definitely have to try it both ways. 😉
Lalaine says
I’ve never tried it with balsamic but like you said, the subtle undertones might work well with the chocolate. Please let me know how it turns out 🙂
Susieqt666 says
Thank you for this recipe! I used Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 gluten free baking flour and it turned out amazing. It was a hit with the kids.
Lalaine says
You’re welcome, Susie. I am glad the kids enjoyed the cake. This is a favorite in my house and thanks to you, I can make a gluten version so everyone in my family can enjoy it. 🙂
Lisa says
Love an easy cake. Think it would be great with a 7 minute frosting. Thanks for the recipe.
Elizabeth says
Hi,
How can I make a vanilla version of this cake? More vanilla and cut the chocolate?
Thanks!
Angel says
What kind of vinegar to use? Regular clear vinegar or apple cider vinegar? Thank you!
Lalaine says
Hi Angel
I just used regular white distilled vinegar 🙂
Two Red Bowls says
Hahaha with a name like that, I had to investigate — and this looks SO delicious! Bookmarking it for sure. Thanks and glad I came across your blog!
Lalaine says
Yes, Lazy Ass Cake receives more interest than Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting. 🙂
Thanks for the visit and I am glad I found your blog, too.