Nut cake (vegan)

Nut Cake (Vegan) - a simple and delicious delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love a fluffy and fragrant cake? Nut cake is a perfect choice, especially during fasting days or when you want to impress your loved ones without using animal-derived ingredients. This recipe, inspired by the famous 'Day and Night Cake', is not only delicious but also very easy to make. I will guide you step by step, providing useful tips and interesting information to achieve a perfect result.

Necessary ingredients:

- 250 ml mineral water
- 150 g sugar (plus 1 packet of vanilla sugar)
- 100 ml oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 1 packet baking powder
- 300 g flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- Nuts (chopped)

Ingredient details:

- Mineral water: Ideal for providing a fluffier texture to your cake. You can use sparkling mineral water, which will help activate the baking powder.
- Sugar: Essential for sweetness and for helping to form the cake's structure. You can experiment with brown sugar for a more caramelized taste.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil, such as sunflower or canola oil, so as not to influence the cake's flavor.
- Vanilla essence: Choose a quality essence, as it will enrich the cake's aroma.
- Flour: Make sure it is well sifted to avoid lumps in the mixture.
- Cocoa: Choose a good quality cocoa to achieve an intense flavor and beautiful color.
- Nuts: They not only add a crunchy texture but also a delicious taste. You can use Romanian walnuts or any other preferred nuts.

Step by step to achieve the perfect cake:

1. Preparing the base mixture
In a large bowl, start by dissolving the sugar in the mineral water. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, add the oil and vanilla essence. These ingredients will form the wet base of your cake.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps and to ensure an even texture. Mix the dry ingredients well and then gradually add them to the wet mixture, mixing constantly. You will obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Dividing the mixture
Divide the obtained mixture into two equal parts. This will form the two distinct layers of your cake.

4. Preparing the cocoa layer
In one of the bowls, add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa and mix well until the cocoa is completely incorporated. This way, you will obtain a rich and aromatic chocolate layer that will add a delicious contrast to the cake.

5. Assembling the cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the first part of the mixture (the white layer) into the tray, leveling it evenly. Then, carefully add the cocoa layer on top, making sure to distribute it evenly.

6. Adding the nuts
Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top of the cocoa mixture. They will add a crunchy texture and an intense flavor.

7. Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions:
The nut cake can be served plain or sprinkled with powdered sugar on top for a more elegant look. You can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea, which will beautifully contrast with the cake's texture.

Practical tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base mixture.
- Try replacing some of the flour with almond flour to add an interesting note and a boost of nutrients.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to change the texture and flavor of the cake.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Yes, the nut cake is completely vegan, without animal-derived ingredients.
- Can I use another type of sweetener? Yes, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid quantity in the recipe.

The vegan nut cake is not just a delicious choice, but also an excellent way to add a touch of sweetness to your life without compromising dietary principles. Enjoy every bite and savor the culinary moment! Bon appétit!