Lenten Chocolate Cake

The following recipe for Lenten Chocolate Cake was submitted by Abigail Burke. Thank you Abigail!

"I was raised in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and during Great Lent we followed a strict fast of no meat or dairy products (with the exceptions of Sundays). My parents, as well as other members of our church, were creative in coming up with recipes for families during this time. For example, if a birthday fell during Lent we made Lenten Chocolate Cake. It's a cake that requires no dairy or animal products. It's surprisingly moist and tasty. Here is the recipe--hope you enjoy!"

Lenten Chocolate Cake

Ingredients: 

3 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
6 Tbsp good unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
3 Tbsp vinegar (any flavor will do; I generally use apple cider vinegar)
2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup cooking oil
2 cups cold water

Directions: 

Sift the flour, baking soda, cocoa, salt and sugar together in a large bowl.

Add the vinegar, vanilla, oil, and water to the dry ingredients and mix well. Because of the soda and vinegar combination you'll see some bubbles and that's normal.

 Pour batter in a greased 9 x13 pan and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

You may make a butter cream frosting using margarine instead of butter if you like (to keep the cake dairy free) or dust with powdered sugar to serve. It also goes well with fresh fruit.