Vegan cake with nuts and cocoa

Lenten Cake with Nuts and Cocoa – A Delicious Treat Easy to Prepare

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn’t love a delicious, fluffy, and aromatic cake? The Lenten cake with nuts and cocoa is the perfect choice for those moments when you want to indulge in a simple and healthy dessert without using animal products. This recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavor, transforming humble ingredients into something truly special. Let’s discover together how to prepare it!

A Brief History of Lenten Cake

Lenten cakes were invented out of necessity during times when dietary restrictions imposed a healthier and more creative lifestyle. Without eggs, milk, and butter, cooks had to find ingenious alternatives to create tasty desserts. Thus, the Lenten cake with nuts and cocoa became a symbol of culinary ingenuity, bringing a touch of joy to sugar-free days.

Necessary Ingredients

- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup of sparkling water
- ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest from one orange
- 1 tablespoon of orange jam (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of orange essence
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Nuts (coarsely chopped, to taste)

Step by Step – Your Guide to a Perfect Cake

1. Preparing the Mixture
In a large bowl, add the sugar, oil, orange essence, grated orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients well with a mixer until the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a flavorful base for your cake.

2. Adding the Liquids
Pour the sparkling water and orange juice over the mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated. The sparkling water will give the cake a fluffy and airy texture.

3. Sifting the Flour
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This is an essential step, as aerating the flour will help the cake rise. Add the sifted flour to the liquid mixture and gently mix with a spatula until it becomes a homogeneous mixture.

4. Preparing the Cocoa Mixture
In a small bowl, take 5 tablespoons of the white mixture and mix with cocoa and orange jam. This mixture will add an intense chocolate flavor and a pleasant orange aroma.

5. Preparing the Baking Tray
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it with a little oil to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to remove the cake from the tray after baking.

6. Assembling and Marbling
Pour the white mixture into the tray, leveling it with a spatula. Here and there, add teaspoons of the cocoa mixture and use a spoon to marble the mixture. This step will create a beautiful and appetizing pattern on the surface of the cake.

7. Adding the Nuts
Sprinkle the coarsely chopped nuts over the mixture. The nuts not only add texture but also a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and orange.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the tray in the oven. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until it becomes lightly golden on top and passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready).

9. Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This delicious cake can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add other nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts. You can also customize your orange jam with other jams or syrups.
- Storing the Cake: This cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze it, cutting it into individual portions.
- Recommended Drinks: The Lenten cake with nuts and cocoa pairs perfectly with a citrus tea or almond milk coffee.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 200
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the orange juice?
Yes, you can use apple juice or plain water, but the taste will be different.

2. Is this cake vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making it an excellent choice for vegans.

3. How can I enhance the flavor?
Adding cinnamon or cardamom to the cocoa mixture can provide an interesting and complex taste.

4. Can the cake be made without sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but you will need to adjust the liquid quantities in the recipe.

5. Can I add dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried fruits like raisins or dried apricots will add extra sweetness and an interesting texture.

The Lenten cake with nuts and cocoa is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and learn to transform simple ingredients into delightful treats. So put on your apron and let’s cook together! Enjoy!