It’s interesting to see how generations past used to handle scarcity. Many families during the Great Depression had to cut back on supplies and were limited not only by income but by what was in store. Despite this, the resourcefulness of the Greatest Generation’s cooks meant that most families still had enough to eat and even had a yummy dessert now and again. There’s no question that folks stretched what they had, but the cakes and desserts of the era are quite appetizing nonetheless.

Water cake gets its name from the fact that water is used instead of milk or buttermilk, along with oil, vinegar, and baking soda to give the batter both moisture and leavening.

If you don’t have fresh milk then this is a great recipe to follow to create a yummy cake that satisfies the call for something sweet after dinner.

The basic version of this recipe results in a luscious vanilla cake, but you can also add cocoa for a chocolate cake instead.

This cake can be plainly topped with powdered sugar for simple finish. Or you can use this delicious vanilla buttercream frosting recipe.

If you’re adding the cocoa to the cake batter then you might try this chocolate frosting recipe which uses cream cheese for a decadent flavor.

For this recipe we made the vanilla version, garnished with whipped cream and fresh fruit, and it turned out so tasty. However, both ways of making this cake are wonderful.

If you’re looking for a fun twist on dessert, then look no further than this Great Depression Water Cake recipe.