Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Mix first 4 dry ingredients in the prepared pan (flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.)

Step 3

Make 3 depressions in the dry ingredients – two small, one larger.

Step 4

Pour vinegar in one of the smaller depressions. Pour the vanilla extract in the other smaller depression and the canola oil in the third, larger depression.

Step 5

Pour water over all. Mix well until smooth.

Step 6

Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 35 minutes. Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.

Step 7

Cool completely before frosting (if using). You can also just sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar.