Wacky Cake

This has been a staple for birthday cakes in our house for decades:

3 cups flour
2 cups white sugar
2 tsp baking soda
6 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa (1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp)
1 cup vegetable oil
2 Tbsp white vinegar
2 cups water
1/4 tsp vanilla (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch pan.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda and cocoa.

In a separate bowl, combine water, oil, vinegar and vanilla.  Pour liquids into flour mixture and beat until smooth.  Pour into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.  Allow to cool