Lenten cake

Quick Cocoa Dessert: Soft and Aromatic Cake

Do you want a quick dessert with an intense cocoa flavor that will delight your taste buds and is easy to prepare? Then you've come to the right place! This vegan cake recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but want to stick to a healthy diet. Whether you enjoy it alongside a fragrant coffee or as a delicious snack, this cake is the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-45 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Your ingredients will be:
- 3 cups of flour (approximately 375 g)
- 2 cups of sugar (approximately 400 g)
- 3/4 cup of oil (approximately 180 ml)
- 2 cups of sparkling water (approximately 500 ml)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (approximately 30 g)
- 1 + 1/4 packets of baking powder (approximately 15 g)
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder (approximately 40 g)

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's start this wonderful cooking process!

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. Make sure the flour, cocoa, and baking powder are sifted to achieve a uniform and fluffy cake. Sifting the dry ingredients helps eliminate any lumps and improves the texture.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Use a spatula or whisk to mix well, ensuring the baking powder is evenly distributed in the flour. This step is essential for ensuring the cake rises evenly during baking.

3. Mixing the wet ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the sugar with the vanilla sugar and cocoa. Mix well to homogenize. Then, add the oil and mix again until all ingredients are well incorporated. Now add the sparkling water and continue mixing. The sparkling water will add extra fluffiness to your cake.

4. Combining the ingredients:
When the wet ingredient mixture is homogeneous, gently pour the flour mixture over it. Use a spatula to combine the ingredients gently until no flour streaks are visible. Avoid overmixing, as this could make the cake dense.

5. Preparing the baking pan:
Prepare a baking pan (preferably 25x10 cm) by greasing it with a little oil or lining it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

6. Baking:
Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is ready, place the pan inside. Important: avoid opening the oven in the first 20 minutes to not affect the cake's rise. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling and serving:
After the baking time is up, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. You can serve the cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside a fruit jam or delicious ice cream.

Nutritional benefits:
This vegan cake is an excellent choice for those who want a dessert without eggs and milk. Whole wheat flour used (if you choose to use it) provides increased fiber content, and cocoa, rich in antioxidants, contributes to heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a caramelized note to your cake.
- What other flavors can I add to the recipe?
You can experiment with almond extract or cinnamon to add a unique taste.
- How can I store the cake?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Serving suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also try combining it with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast between warm and cold.

Possible variations:
For a healthier version, you can replace part of the oil with applesauce or banana puree. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy every step of this creative process and savor the final result. Bon appétit!