Nut and raisin cake (vegan)

Nut and Raisin Cake (Vegan)

A simple yet flavorful dessert, the nut and raisin cake is a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a delicious sweet treat without using animal-derived ingredients. This recipe is a reinterpretation of a classic cake, featuring a slightly moist texture that perfectly complements the flavor of nuts and the sweetness of raisins. Ideal for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day, this cake will bring a smile to anyone's face.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup oil (approximately 150 ml)
- 2 cups sugar (approximately 400 g)
- 2 cups cold water (approximately 500 ml)
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups flour (approximately 500 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 100 g chopped nuts
- 100 g washed raisins

Preparing the Nut and Raisin Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a uniform texture for the cake. Start by washing the raisins well to remove any impurities and rehydrate them. If you want an even more intense flavor, you can soak them in a cup of warm water for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the oil and sugar. There's no need to mix too much, just enough to combine the ingredients. Then, add the vinegar, water, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is homogeneous. If you want to add a touch of creativity, you can replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor.

Step 3: Adding Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking soda and baking powder. This step is essential for ensuring an even rise of the cake. Sifting the flour will also help avoid lumps. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until there are no traces of flour.

Step 4: Adding Nuts and Raisins
Once the batter is homogeneous, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins. These will not only add texture but also a wonderful flavor, giving a touch of savor to every bite.

Step 5: Preparing the Pans
Prepare two loaf pans by greasing them with oil and dusting with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Pour 3/4 of the batter into the two pans. If desired, you can also add cocoa to the remaining batter, mixing well to achieve a dark color, resulting in a marbled cake.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180-190°C. Place the pans in the oven and let them bake for 40-45 minutes. Check if they are done by doing the toothpick test – if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve them plain or dress them in melted chocolate for an elegant look. Personally, I melted dark chocolate with 75% cocoa in 100 ml of water and coated the cakes with it for an extra flavor boost.

Practical Tips:
1. Substitute nuts with hazelnuts or almonds to explore other flavors.
2. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an even more interesting taste.
3. Serve the cake with a flavored tea or quality coffee for a complete culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I replace the oil with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or melted butter, but make sure they are vegan if you want to keep the recipe vegan.
2. What can I do to make the cake moister?
Add a little more water or replace some of the flour with banana or apple puree, which adds moisture.
3. How can I keep the cake fresh?
Wrap it well in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is a good source of fiber due to the nuts and raisins, which are rich in antioxidants. It also contains healthy fats from the nuts, which can help maintain heart health.

Possible Variations:
- For a sugar-free version, you can use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey (if you're not strictly vegan).
- Try adding dark chocolate chips to the batter for a burst of flavor.

Serving:
The nut and raisin cake can be served plain or with a fresh fruit sauce, such as a strawberry or raspberry sauce, which will add a delicious contrast of acidity.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking and enjoy the final result! You will be amazed at how easy it is to prepare such a delicious and comforting dessert. Enjoy your meal!