The unusual name of this cake, also known as "Crazy," "Mixed-Up," "Mix-in-the-Pan," or "Three-Hole" cake, was inspired from the fact that the ingredients are sifted, mixed, and baked in the same pan. The result is a surprisingly light chocolate cake, quick to make, which kids love to help prepare because it is so easy. I like it plain (for breakfast!) or with whipped cream and fresh berries on the side.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes one 8-inch square cake, or 8 to 12 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan.
Step 2
2. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt directly into the baking pan, then add the sugar. With your finger, poke 2 small holes and 1 large one in the dry ingredients. Into one of the small holes pour the vanilla, into the other one the vinegar, and into the larger one the oil.
Step 3
3. Pour the water over all the ingredients and stir the ingredients together with a table fork, reaching into the corners, until you can’t see any more flour and the batter looks fairly well homogenized.
Step 4
4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is springy and a tester inserted in the center comes out dry. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack, then cut and serve it from the pan.
Step 5
Storage
Keep at room temperature, wrapped airtight, for up to 3 days; refrigerate after that.Step 6
Level of difficulty* [easy enough for a novice to make]
