Fast-friendly halva cake

Halva Cake for Lent - A Delightful Treat That's Easy to Make

Have you ever wondered how to transform an unusual ingredient like halva into a delightful dessert? This halva cake recipe for Lent is not only easy to make but also an explosion of flavors that will surely surprise you. Halva, a sweet treat made from sesame or sunflower seeds, adds a deep flavor and unique texture to this delicious cake. Perfect for a snack, a dessert for a festive meal, or simply to indulge your taste buds, this cake is an inspired choice.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

- 270 g flour
- 160 ml sesame oil (or peanut oil if sesame oil is unavailable)
- 150 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 60 g ground almonds
- Zest of one orange
- 170 g powdered sugar
- 200 g vanilla halva (cut into cubes)
- For decoration:
- 100 g halva (cut into cubes)
- A little brown sugar

Tips and Advice for Ingredients

- Halva: Choose a high-quality halva, preferably vanilla, for a richer taste. Halva is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with many flavors.
- Oil: Sesame oil provides a specific taste, but peanut oil is an excellent choice and offers a different flavor profile.
- Orange juice: Use freshly squeezed juice for a vibrant flavor. Avoid store-bought juice, which often contains preservatives.
- Powdered sugar: You can use brown sugar for a deeper caramelized taste.

Step-by-Step Preparation Techniques

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 170°C (340°F). Ensure it is well-heated before placing the cake in, so it bakes evenly.

2. Prepare the pan: Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) loaf pan with oil and sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper without greasing the pan to ensure it releases perfectly.

3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the oil, orange juice, and powdered sugar. Whisk well with a whisk or spatula until the sugar is completely dissolved.

4. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Add the ground almonds and orange zest. Carefully mix everything until you achieve a smooth batter.

5. Incorporate the halva: Cut the halva into small cubes and add it to the batter. Use a spatula to gently fold it in, so the pieces remain intact. They will melt during baking, leaving delicious bits in the cake.

6. Transfer the batter to the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, leveling the surface. Sprinkle the remaining halva cubes and a little brown sugar on top for an attractive finish.

7. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes at 170°C (340°F). Then, lower the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and continue baking for another 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and serve: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the halva cake alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. You can add a spoonful of orange jam on top for a delicious contrast. Additionally, pair it with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Possible Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients such as:

- Canned fruit: Add some pieces of canned peaches or apricots for a fruity touch.
- Nuts: Substitute the almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts to diversify the texture.
- Spices: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a more aromatic flavor.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of halva cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Halva adds a source of protein and healthy fats, while orange juice is rich in vitamin C, contributing to a strong immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar or honey, but adjust the quantities based on your desired sweetness.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for a few days.

3. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan, making it perfect for Lent or for those following a plant-based diet.

This halva cake for Lent can quickly become one of your favorite desserts. So, don’t hesitate to try it and enjoy unique flavors that are easy to achieve even for beginners. I invite you to share this recipe and explore new delicious combinations! Enjoy!