Carob powder cake (vegan)

Carob Powder Cake: A Lenten Delight

If it's Friday and you want to indulge in a delicious Lenten cake, I invite you to discover the recipe for this carob powder cake. This cake has an intense flavor, a moist texture, and a subtle chocolate taste, thanks to carob powder, an ingredient that not only enriches the dessert but also comes with numerous nutritional benefits. Let's get started!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups sparkling mineral water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup carob powder
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1/2 cup palm oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 5 oatmeal cookies

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the carob powder and baking powder. Mix well with a whisk to ensure even distribution of the ingredients. Carob powder is a natural substitute for cocoa, rich in antioxidants and low in calories, making this cake a healthier choice.

2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, add the sparkling mineral water and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The sparkling water adds a fluffy texture to the cake, so don’t skip it!

3. Combining the Ingredients: Pour the water and sugar syrup into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon until there are no lumps. Then, add the oil and continue mixing until well combined. Palm oil is ideal for this cake, but you can also use sunflower or olive oil, depending on your preference.

4. Layering the Cake: In a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, pour half of the batter mixture. Place the oatmeal cookies over the entire surface, then pour the remaining batter over the cookies. If you notice that the cookies tend to rise to the surface, use a toothpick to gently push them back into the batter.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to the maximum temperature for the first 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C. Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (this means that if you insert a toothpick in the middle of the cake, it should come out clean). Baking time may vary depending on the type of pan used, so don’t forget to check.

6. Serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of flavor, melt some 75% cocoa chocolate and pour it over the cooled cake.

Serving Suggestions: This carob powder cake is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a pleasant contrast of flavors. A cup of herbal tea or flavored coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Nutritional Benefits: Carob powder is rich in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It contributes to digestive health and helps maintain optimal weight, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour, but adjust the liquid amount according to their absorption.
- Can it be made without sugar? Yes, you can replace sugar with a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, but check the amount to maintain the consistency of the batter.

Possible Variations: You can add some chopped nuts or peanuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor or even dried fruits like raisins or apricots. You can also experiment with various spices, such as cinnamon or vanilla, to add an additional flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to gather the mentioned ingredients and enjoy a delicious and healthy Lenten cake! Enjoy!