Vegan Raisin Cake

Vegan Raisin Cake - a simple yet flavorful delicacy, perfect for moments when you want to indulge without using animal-derived ingredients. This raisin cake is an excellent choice for vegan desserts, as well as for any other occasion when you crave something sweet.

Behind this recipe lies a rich tradition, where desserts were made from simple, accessible ingredients, yet with a surprisingly delicious taste. Each bite brings back memories of moments spent with loved ones, and the aroma of raisins combined with cocoa creates a perfect culinary experience.

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

Necessary ingredients
- 1.5 cups of flour
- 1.5 cups of cold water
- 1 cup of oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 1.5 cups of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa (for an extra flavor, you can choose high-quality cocoa)
- 50 g of raisins (I recommend soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes to make them softer)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 1 vial of rum essence
- 1 vial of vanilla essence

Necessary utensils
- A large mixing bowl
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A baking dish (preferably 25x25 cm)
- Baking paper (optional but recommended)
- An oven preheated to 160 degrees Celsius

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. It is essential to have everything at hand to make the cooking process as quick and pleasant as possible. Measure the flour, sugar, and other ingredients carefully to achieve a perfect result.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, add the 1.5 cups of cold water and 1 cup of oil. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon until the oil is evenly combined with the water.

3. Adding the dry ingredients
Now, add the 1.5 cups of flour and sugar. Gently mix to avoid lumps. It is important to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

4. Activating the baking powder
In a small bowl, dissolve the baking powder in a teaspoon of vinegar. This step is essential, as the reaction between vinegar and baking powder will create carbon dioxide, helping the cake rise. Once activated, add it to your mixture.

5. Flavoring the mixture
Add the grated lemon zest, rum essence, and vanilla essence. These flavors will give your cake a special taste. Mix again to incorporate all the flavors.

6. Adding cocoa and raisins
Incorporate the 2 tablespoons of cocoa and the soaked raisins into the mixture. Ensure that the raisins are evenly distributed so they do not settle at the bottom of the cake.

7. Preparing the baking dish
Grease the baking dish with oil and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. If you prefer, you can use baking paper to make the cooling and serving process easier.

8. Baking the cake
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and level the surface with a spatula. Place the cake in the preheated oven at 160 degrees Celsius and let it bake for about 45 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Cooling and serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, you can dust it with sugar for an attractive appearance. Cut the cake into squares or triangles and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.

Useful tips
- Storage tricks: The cake keeps well sealed in an airtight container for a few days, remaining soft and delicious.
- Variations: You can add ground nuts or chocolate chips for a different touch. You can also replace cocoa with carob for a caffeine-free version.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits
The raisin cake is a good source of energy due to the natural sugars from the raisins and the carbohydrates from the flour. The oil adds healthy fats, and the lemon zest provides antioxidants. It is a good choice to replace processed sweets, having a lower content of chemical additives.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace the oil with butter? This recipe was designed to be vegan, so oil is recommended. However, you can experiment with melted butter if you are not following a vegan diet.
- What can I use instead of raisins? You can use dried apricots, cranberries, or even dark chocolate for a different taste.
- Is the cake suitable for vegans? Yes, as it does not contain animal-derived ingredients.

So, get ready to enjoy a delicious vegan raisin cake! This is more than just a recipe; it is a way to bring joy and warmth in every bite. Enjoy your meal!