Cheap Chocolate Cake

For the cake: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, and baking soda. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the vegetable oil, white vinegar, vanilla, and hot water into the well. Gently mix with a fork until combined. Do not use an electric mixer. Bake in an ungreased 9×13 baking dish at 350F for 30-35 minutes. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake. Cool completely, or at least until the cake is barely warm.

For the glaze: In a small bowl combine the sugar and cocoa, set aside. In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer, then add the sugar and cocoa mixture. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes at a full boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. After the glaze has cooled for a few minutes, whisk in the vanilla.

Now use a fork to poke holes in the surface of the entire cake. Pour the glaze over the cake, and spread evenly with a spoon, making sure the entire cake is covered. Let cool until the glaze has hardened. It will become smooth and hard to the touch once cooled. This hardening process may take just a few minutes, or up to an hour; so make sure you keep an eye on the glaze while it is cooling in the pan. You don’t want it to set up in the pan, and not be able to pour it over the cake. Serve and enjoy! This cake keeps very well for several days.