Lenten cake

Vegan Banana and Vanilla Pudding Cake

Are you looking for a tasty, easy-to-make recipe that is also 100% vegan? Then our vegan banana and vanilla pudding cake is the perfect choice. This recipe is not only delicious but also brings a touch of nostalgia, evoking pleasant moments spent with family at festive meals. Whether it's a special event or just a sweet snack, this cake will surely please everyone.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 cup oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

For the filling:
- 1 packet vanilla pudding
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 300 ml natural fruit juice (you can use apple and carrot juice)
- 2-3 tablespoons jam (of your preferred flavor)
- 2 bananas
- Juice from half a lemon
- Half a bar of vegan chocolate
- 1 tablespoon oil (for melting the chocolate)

Preparing the cake

Step 1: Making the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, combine the sparkling water, oil, and sugar. Mix well with a spatula or whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved. This mixture will give the cake a pleasant moisture and soft texture.

Step 2: Combining the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This essential technique helps aerate the ingredients and achieve a fluffy base. After mixing the dry ingredients, gradually add them to the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula. Finally, add the rum essence, which will give the cake a delightful aroma.

Step 3: Baking the base
Pour the batter into a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it is baked by using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the base is ready. After baking, let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
While the base is cooling, you can prepare the pudding. In a saucepan, bring the remaining fruit juice to a boil. In a small bowl, mix the pudding powder with the two tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of fruit juice. When the juice starts to boil, add the pudding mixture and stir continuously until it thickens. Once the pudding is ready, let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
Once the base has cooled, carefully slice it horizontally. This step can be delicate, so use a sharp knife and slow movements to avoid crumbling. Spread each layer with 2-3 tablespoons of jam, which will add sweetness and a pleasant texture. Pour the cooled pudding over the first layer.

Step 6: Decorating the cake
Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds. Drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh. Arrange the banana slices evenly over the pudding. Then, melt the chocolate together with a tablespoon of oil over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Pour the melted chocolate over the bananas, creating a delicious visual effect.

Step 7: Serving
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting time will allow the flavors to meld and make the cake easier to slice. You can serve it with a fresh fruit sauce or vegan vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast.

Practical tips
1. Use sparkling mineral water for a fluffier base.
2. If you prefer a more intense cocoa flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cocoa to the flour mixture.
3. Instead of bananas, you can add other fresh or frozen fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a different taste.

Nutritional benefits
This vegan cake is not only delicious but also healthy. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and vitamins, while natural fruit juice provides antioxidants. Without dairy and eggs, it is a good choice for vegans and those looking to reduce animal product intake.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the oil with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use coconut butter or another type of vegetable oil, but make sure that the ingredient is also vegan.

2. What other jam options can I use?
You can choose apricot, raspberry jam, or even orange marmalade for a more exotic flavor.

3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour, rice flour, or a combination of gluten-free flours.

4. How can I enhance the appearance of the cake?
For a more elegant look, you can decorate the cake with chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top. Additionally, a dusting of cocoa around the edges will add a nice decorative effect.

This vegan cake is not just a recipe, but also a pleasant cooking experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. We wish you good appetite and much joy in the kitchen!