Cocoa Cake (Vegan)

Cocoa Cake for Lent - a fluffy and delicious treat

If you are looking for a quick, simple, and extremely tasty dessert, the cocoa cake for Lent is the perfect choice for you! This cake is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor, thanks to the combination of cocoa, nuts, and raisins. It will delight you with its elegant appearance and fluffy texture that will bring a smile to your face. Additionally, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a dessert option without animal-derived ingredients.

Total preparation time: 80 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

- 3 cups of flour
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of mineral water (or 1 cup of mineral water and 1 cup of soy milk)
- 3/4 cup of oil (approximately 170 g)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons of cocoa (I recommend 4 for an intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon of orange zest
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1 handful of raisins
- 1 handful of nuts
- 9 squares of dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
To achieve a perfect cocoa cake, we start by preparing the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Then, take the nuts and place them on a baking tray, leaving them in the oven for 5-10 minutes. This step will enhance the flavor of the nuts, and when used in the batter, they will provide a special taste.

Step 2: Grinding and chopping the nuts
After the nuts have cooled, shell them. Divide the nuts in half: half will be finely ground, and the other half will be chopped. The ground nuts will help achieve a fluffy texture, while the chopped nuts will add a crunchy note to the cake.

Step 3: Hydrating the raisins
In a small bowl, soak the raisins in the rum and vanilla essences. This step will soften them and allow them to absorb the flavors, enriching the final taste of the cake.

Step 4: Mixing the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and cocoa. This is an essential step that will help achieve a fluffy cake without lumps.

Step 5: Combining the liquid ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the oil with the sugar and the essences from the raisins, along with the vanilla sugar. Add a little lemon juice and the two cups of mineral water. The mineral water is the secret to a fluffy cocoa cake, so don't skip it!

Step 6: Integrating the dry ingredients
Gradually add two tablespoons of the dry ingredient mixture to the liquid ingredients, mixing on low speed. At this point, incorporate the ground and chopped nuts, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous batter.

Step 7: Assembling the cake
Line a loaf pan with baking paper. Pour part of the batter into the pan, followed by the raisins and nuts, then add the melted dark chocolate (you can pour it in the middle of the cake). Cover with the remaining batter.

Step 8: Baking
Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for 50-60 minutes. After 50 minutes, do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Check in the middle as well, as the chocolate can make the center look wet even when baked.

Serving and variations
After the cake has cooled, you can slice it and serve it with a cup of coffee or tea. If you want to add a touch of creativity, sprinkle powdered sugar on top or add a chocolate glaze. This delicious cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce.

Variation suggestions:
- Instead of mineral water, you can experiment with fruit juice, syrup from compote, or soy milk.
- If you want a simpler cake, you can omit the nuts and raisins, and the result will be an even fluffier dessert.
- Add spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or anise for an even more captivating flavor.

Nutritional benefits
This cocoa cake for Lent offers a moderate caloric intake, making it a healthier option compared to many other desserts that contain butter or eggs. Nuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while dark cocoa is rich in antioxidants. Raisins add a boost of fiber and vitamins, making this dessert a better choice for those who want to enjoy something sweet without compromising their health!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour to make the cake healthier, but the final texture may be slightly different.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later!

3. Is it possible to add fresh fruits?
Yes, you can add berries or bananas, but make sure to adjust the amount of flour to maintain the consistency of the batter.

Conclusion
The cocoa cake for Lent is a versatile dessert, full of flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion. It will surely become a favorite among your family! So, don’t hesitate to try it and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. Enjoy!