A Lenten delight.

Vegan Apple Cake Recipe with Strawberry Jam

Total preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

If you are looking for a wonderful dessert that is both delicious and suitable for a vegan diet, you have come to the right place! This vegan apple cake with strawberry jam is not only an inspired choice but also an explosion of flavors that will delight everyone's taste buds.

The history of cakes like this goes back in time when people began experimenting with simple yet flavorful ingredients. Today, I will share with you a simple yet full of personality recipe, perfect for adding a touch of joy to your days.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 large apple (about 200 g)
- Grated zest of one orange
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 50 g coconut
- 160 g ground walnuts (preferably coarser for texture)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 10 g)
- 90 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon almond essence
- 300 g flour
- 350 ml soy milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 5-6 tablespoons strawberry jam

Helpful tips about ingredients:

- The apple: Choose a sweet apple, like a Golden apple, to add a note of natural sweetness to your cake.
- Coconut: This not only provides a tropical flavor but also a pleasant texture that contrasts with the other ingredients.
- Ground walnuts: Coarser ground walnuts will add a crunchy note, so feel free to choose the version you like best.
- Soy milk: This is an excellent alternative to keep the cake vegan; I recommend choosing unsweetened soy milk to better control sweetness.

Step by step: Preparing the cake

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C. It is important to have the oven already hot to achieve even baking.

2. Preparing the ingredients: Peel the apple, then finely grate it using a small grater. This will add moisture and flavor to your cake.

3. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the grated apple, orange and lemon zest, coconut, ground walnuts, sugar, baking powder, and flour. Mix all the ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

4. Adding wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the oil, soy milk, and almond essence. Mix well with a whisk or mixer to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Then pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until you get a smooth dough. Do not overmix, just enough to incorporate the ingredients.

5. Preparing the tray: Line a 36 x 25 cm tray with baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.

6. Pouring the dough: Pour the dough into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula.

7. Decorating the cake: Carefully add the strawberry jam on top of the dough, distributing it evenly. This will not only provide a delicious taste but also an attractive appearance.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 35 minutes. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to rise properly.

9. Checking the baking: After 35 minutes, you can check the cake by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

10. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, cut into squares.

Serving suggestions:

This vegan cake pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or fruit tea. You can also sprinkle some coconut on top or add a few apple slices for an attractive decoration.

Possible variations:

If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients, such as cinnamon or grated ginger, to add a spicy note. You can also replace the strawberry jam with another fruit jam, such as peach or cherry, to vary the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:

This vegan cake is rich in fiber due to the apples and nuts, and the coconut adds healthy fats. It is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a dessert without compromising dietary principles.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace the oil with butter? No, this recipe is designed to be vegan, and the oil is essential to maintain the desired texture.

2. Can I use another type of plant-based milk? Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk, depending on your preferences.

3. How long does the cake last? If stored in an airtight container, the cake can be kept at room temperature for 3-4 days.

In conclusion, this vegan apple cake with strawberry jam is not only easy to prepare but also extremely tasty. With flavors that will delight your senses, it is a perfect choice for any time of day. So, dress your culinary adventures with this simple and delicious recipe! I invite you to challenge your creativity and enjoy every bite!