This is a delightful simple chocolate cake whether or not you observe dietary restrictions.
Preheat the oven to 350┬░F. Grease and flour one 8 x 8-inch pan or line the bottom with wax or parchment paper.
Sift together into a large bowl:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened nonalkalized cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
Combine and add:
1 cup cold water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla
Stir until smooth. Scrape the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Slide a slim knife around the cake to detach it from the pan. Invert the cake and peel off the paper liner, if using. Let cool right side up on the rack. Serve plain, dusted with:
Powdered sugar
or frost with:
Quick Cookie Icing flavored with rum, brandy, or coffee liqueur
