Crazy Cake & icing (all dairy free!)

This recipe has many names: Crazy cake, wacky cake, depression cake...... we just call it Yummy!  This is one of those timeless recipes that just happens to be dairy free (it is also egg free for those who are looking for a great recipe)! I also love the fact that is only dirties up one bowl!  Less dishes and a homemade cake equals win-win!

As is, this recipe makes 12 cup cakes or 1 8x8 cake & VERY easily doubled!

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups All Purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup oil
1 cup cold water

Gather all of your ingredients and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

 I sift all of the dry ingredients into a large bowl.

 Add in the wet ingredients & mix until incorporated but don't over mix!

 Place into greased pans or muffin tin with cupcake wrappers.

 Some people why ask why sift?  This is why ;o)

 Bake 15-30 minutes depending on your vessel until toothpick comes out clean.

Now here's a great icing recipe from Wilton. Wilton Recipe This is the class butter cream recipe that is also dairy free! This is vegan (dairy & egg free) if you do not use the meringue powder (which is basically a dried egg product).  The powder gives the icing the ability to crust which is necessary when making certain decorations, but for everyday use it is not needed. For this particular cake I was making it vegan so I omitted the meringue powder from the original recipe.

Also, the Wilton flavors are clear so that your icing will stay bright white.  If you use regular vanilla it will slightly tint your icing.  Also note, to color this icing use wilton colors instead of regular food dye.

• 1 cup solid vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon Wilton Flavor (vanilla, almond or butter)
• 7-8 teaspoons milk or water
• 1 lb. confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon Meringue Powder
• pinch of salt (optional)

 Cream shortening, water, & vanilla

 Slowly incorporate sugar & meringue powder

 This will be stiff consistency (see the standing spatula)  this is normal.  To thin, just add small amounts of water as needed.