Vegan Black Cake

Chocolate Almond Brownie: A Sweet Delight for the Soul

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert recipe, the chocolate almond brownie is the perfect choice. This recipe, adapted from Mona's culinary traditions, is easy to make and will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. The rich cocoa flavors perfectly combine with the crunchy almonds, while the chocolate glaze adds a touch of elegance.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 80 g almond flakes
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 1/2 cup oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 g cooking chocolate
- 1 tablespoon margarine

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Prepare the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients in one place - this will help you save time and be more organized during the cooking process. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform mixture.

2. Make the syrup:
In a large bowl, add the water and sugar. Mix well until the sugar completely dissolves. Use a silicone spatula to avoid scratching the bottom of the bowl. It is important that the syrup is homogeneous before adding the other ingredients. Here you can add the rum essence - a choice that will add a flavor note to your cake.

3. Add the ingredients:
Once the sugar has melted, add the almond flakes, strawberry jam, and oil. These ingredients will not only enrich the flavor of the cake but also bring a unique texture. Mix well until combined.

4. Mix the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Sifting is essential to avoid lumps and ensure a fluffy cake. Mix the dry ingredients with a spatula so that they combine well.

5. Incorporate the mixtures:
Pour the dry ingredient mixture over the wet mixture, gently stirring until homogeneous. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, making the cake denser.

6. Bake the cake:
Prepare a baking tray (about 20x30 cm) and line it with baking paper. Pour the batter into the tray and level the surface with a spatula. Then, place the tray in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake passes the toothpick test - insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Cool the cake:
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. This step is crucial to avoid condensation forming on the cake.

8. Prepare the glaze:
In a bowl, melt the cooking chocolate together with the margarine in a bain-marie or microwave, being careful to stir occasionally. Once the chocolate and margarine are completely melted and homogeneous, pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.

9. Portion and serve:
Once the glaze has set, you can cut the cake into squares or rectangles. This dessert can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fluffy whipped cream.

Practical tips for a delicious result:
- Use quality strawberry jam, preferably homemade, for an intense flavor.
- You can customize your cake by adding nuts, peanuts, or other types of dried fruits.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can replace the sugar with a natural sweetener or honey.

Nutritional values (per serving):
Calories: approximately 250 kcal
Fats: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Proteins: 4 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. What can I use instead of jam?
You can use any type of jam or preserve you prefer. You can also omit the jam if you want a less sweet cake.

2. Can I replace the oil?
Yes, you can use melted butter or Greek yogurt for a creamier version.

3. How can I store the cake?
It keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Remember that cooking is an art, and every recipe can have a personal touch! This chocolate almond brownie is not just a treat, but also a perfect opportunity to gather family around the table. Enjoy!