Garbage Cake
Looking for a creative way to breathe new life into pantry leftovers? This Garbage Cake recipe is your ultimate solution! Packed with rich cocoa flavor and an irresistible medley of crushed cookies, leftover chocolate candies, and optional mix-ins like shredded coconut and chopped nuts, this cake proves that "garbage" can be gourmet. With no eggs or dairy, it’s an effortlessly vegan dessert that comes together in just 15 minutes of prep, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight sweet cravings. The magic happens as simple pantry staples—flour, sugar, and baking soda—combine with vinegar and water to form a moist, fudgy base that’s topped off with a unique twist of textures and flavors. Whether served plain or drizzled with chocolate ganache, this easy and resourceful dessert will quickly become a household favorite. Perfect for zero-waste baking enthusiasts or anyone who loves a fun and inventive recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup leftover chocolate candies or chopped chocolate
- 0.5 cup crushed cookies (like Oreos or graham crackers)
- 0.25 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 0.25 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch cake pan and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until you get a smooth batter with no lumps.
Fold in the leftover chocolate candies or chopped chocolate, crushed cookies, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix gently to evenly distribute the add-ins.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve as is, or top with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
567 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.7 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 317 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.2 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.0 g | ||
| Protein | 7.9 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 47 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 353 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
