Carrot cake

Lenten Carrot and Jam Cake – A Delicious Treat from Childhood

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

Do you remember the days when the aroma of freshly baked cakes filled the house, and every bite took you back to your childhood? This Lenten carrot and jam cake is definitely one of those recipes that brings a smile to our faces. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and, more importantly, an excellent choice for those following a plant-based diet.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 cup oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 cup finely grated carrot (I recommend using one and a half cups for extra flavor)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 3-4 cups, but add gradually)
- Jam (any kind, I used peach jam, but you can experiment with any jam you prefer)
- Chopped nuts (optional)

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. It’s important to use fresh carrots, as they bring moisture and a natural sweet taste to the cake. If you don’t have sparkling water, you can use regular water, but the fizz of sparkling water helps the cake rise.

2. Mixing wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the oil, sugar, and sparkling water. Mix the ingredients well with a whisk until the sugar starts to dissolve. Adding vanilla sugar will give the cake a delicious fragrance.

3. Adding the carrot: Incorporate the grated carrot into the wet mixture. Be careful to grate it finely, so it mixes evenly. The finer the carrot, the better the texture of the cake will be.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: Start adding flour gradually, along with the baking powder. Mix gently until you get a batter thicker than pancake batter but softer than bread dough. It’s important not to overmix to avoid making the cake dense.

5. Preparing the baking tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. You can use a medium-sized tray, as the cake won’t rise too much.

6. Pouring the batter: Pour the batter into the tray, making sure to level it evenly. This step is essential for even baking.

7. Adding the jam and nuts: Use a spoon to spread the peach jam over the batter. You can spread it evenly or leave it in small dollops for delightful surprises in every bite. If you choose to use nuts, sprinkle them over the jam for added crunch.

8. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. It’s important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to avoid affecting the baking process.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This will help maintain its fluffy texture.

10. Serving suggestions: You can serve it plain or dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. A slice of cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or hot coffee.

Tips and suggestions for variations:
- Instead of peach jam, you can experiment with plum, raspberry jam, or even a mix of jams.
- Add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the cake’s flavor.
- If you like fruits, you can add pieces of apple or pineapple to the batter.

Nutritional information: This cake is a healthier choice, considering its natural ingredients. Carrots provide essential vitamins, such as vitamin A, and nuts add omega-3 fatty acids. Depending on the jam chosen, you can also control the sugar level in the recipe.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.

This Lenten carrot and jam cake is not just a simple and delicious recipe but also a way to celebrate childhood memories. I invite you to try it and share this delight with your loved ones! Each slice brings a touch of joy and nostalgia, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!