Vegan Black Cake with Jam

Vegan Chocolate Brownie with Jam – a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines fruity flavors with the soft and moist texture of brownies. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat without using animal-derived ingredients. It’s a quick dessert, ideal for moments when you need something sweet without compromises.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 cups sparkling water (preferably carbonated, for an airy texture)
- 1 cup sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 jar of jam (800 g, we recommend apricot or plum jam for an intense flavor)
- Flour as needed (about 2-3 cups, depending on the desired consistency)
- 100 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil, depending on taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 10 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1-2 teaspoons rum essence (for an aromatic note)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for freshness)
- Zest of 1 orange (for an intense citrus flavor)
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder (for a darker color and complex taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract)
- 5 g salt (about half a teaspoon)
- Walnut kernels (about 100 g, toasted and crushed)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure you have the necessary utensils: a large mixing bowl, a spatula, a baking tray, and parchment paper.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar and salt with the sparkling water. Use a whisk or spatula to mix well until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.

3. Adding flavors: Continue by adding the rum essence, lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla sugar, oil, and jam. Mix everything well until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Now, start adding the flour gradually, along with the baking powder. Add flour until you obtain a thicker batter than that for a loaf cake, but still pourable. It’s important not to add too much flour, to avoid a dry brownie.

5. Activating the baking soda: In a small container, extinguish the baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice (this will create a fizzy reaction that will help fluff the brownies). Add the activated baking soda to the mixture, along with the 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder.

6. Adding the nuts: Toast the walnut kernels for 5-10 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius to enhance their flavor. Once cooled, crush them lightly and add them to the mixture, mixing to distribute evenly.

7. Preparing the tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring it is well secured. Pour the mixture into the tray, smoothing the surface with a spatula to level the batter.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the brownie tray inside. Let it bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the brownie cool completely. After it has cooled, cut it into desired shapes and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Useful tips:

- Choose the jam carefully: A quality jam will make all the difference in the final taste of the brownie. Opt for natural varieties without added preservatives.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add pecans or almonds for a different taste. You can also use vanilla essence instead of rum for another aromatic note.
- Serving: The brownie with jam pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream. A cup of black coffee or flavored tea will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional benefits: The vegan brownie with jam is a source of carbohydrates, fiber (if you use whole flour), and antioxidants, thanks to the nuts and jam. It is a healthier choice compared to other desserts that contain dairy or eggs, while also being low in saturated fats.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I substitute the jam for something else? Yes, you can replace the jam with fruit puree, such as banana or apple puree, but adjust the sugar quantity accordingly.
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the final texture will be different.
- How can I keep the brownie fresh for longer? Store the brownie in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for a few days.

In conclusion, the vegan brownie with jam is not only a simple recipe but also a true delight for any sweet lover. With a little effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that will impress anyone. Try this recipe today and enjoy every bite!