Lenten cake

Vegan Chocolate and Fruit Cake - a simple and quick recipe

I invite you to discover a delicious and easy-to-make recipe - a vegan cake, perfect for any occasion. This dessert is ideal for vegans, as well as for those who want to reduce their consumption of animal products. With a soft and moist texture, this chocolate cake will delight any taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the base:
- 200 g of flour (preferably whole grain for added nutrients)
- 100 g of brown sugar (which adds a caramelized note)
- 50 g of cocoa powder (choose a high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 200 ml of sparkling water (you can also use soy milk for extra flavor)
- 50 ml of sunflower oil (or coconut oil for an exotic taste)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (to add depth to the flavor)
- 100 g of dried fruits (raisins or apricots, optional)

Preparation method:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure you have a cake pan (about 20 cm) lined with baking paper so the base doesn’t stick.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well with a whisk to avoid lumps.

3. In another bowl, mix the sparkling water with the oil and vanilla extract. If you wish, add the dried fruits now, to distribute them evenly in the batter.

4. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Avoid over-mixing to achieve a fluffy cake.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. The toothpick test is essential: if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done.

6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions:
This vegan cake can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a vegan chocolate glaze. Add some fresh fruits or soy ice cream to create a truly special dessert.

Possible variations:
You can experiment with other flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture. Also, replace the dried fruits with nuts or vegan dark chocolate for added crunch.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform batter.
- If the cake is too moist, you can adjust the amount of water or add a little extra flour.
- Measure the ingredients accurately to achieve the best results.

This vegan cake is not only tasty but also healthy, making it a perfect choice for everyday desserts or special occasions. I wish you happy cooking and enjoy your meal!