Syrup-soaked black cake - fasting

Syrup-soaked brownie - vegan

Who doesn't love a fluffy, moist, and delicious brownie? This syrup-soaked vegan brownie is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without breaking any dietary restrictions. It's a simple and quick recipe that combines the intense flavors of cocoa with the sweetness of jam and the soft texture of a homemade cake. Besides being extremely tasty, it’s also an excellent choice for any moment you want to share something special with your loved ones.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5-15 minutes
Number of servings: 16 servings

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 3 cups of flour (250 ml cup)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of sparkling water
- 100 ml oil
- 400 g jam (preferably plum, but you can use other types)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Zest of one lemon (grated)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the syrup:
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of water
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 50 g margarine (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the jam is at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture. You can choose to use plum jam, but peach or apricot jam can also add an interesting note.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well with a spatula to ensure there are no lumps.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: In the same bowl, add the sparkling water, oil, and jam. Use a whisk or spatula to mix everything until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It’s important not to overmix, just enough to combine the ingredients.

4. Preparing the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. You can use a 25x35 cm tray to achieve the perfect thickness of the brownie.

5. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. At this stage, the delicious aroma of the brownie will fill the kitchen!

6. Preparing the syrup: While the brownie is baking, you can prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cocoa. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the rum essence and margarine, stirring until the margarine completely melts.

7. Cooling and soaking: Once the brownie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 10-15 minutes. Then, cut the cake into squares and pour the hot syrup evenly over each piece so that they soak well through the cuts.

8. Decorating: If desired, you can sprinkle ground nuts or coconut on top for a more decorative appearance and added flavor.

9. Serving: Let the cake sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the syrup to soak in well. Enjoy the syrup-soaked brownie alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect indulgent moment.

Useful tips:

- Use sparkling mineral water for a fluffier texture.
- You can experiment with different types of jams to vary the flavor of the cake.
- If you want to add a health boost, replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- If you prefer, you can also add some chopped nuts or almonds to the mixture for extra crunch.

Nutritional benefits:

The syrup-soaked brownie is a relatively light dessert, having around 180 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. This recipe contains no eggs or milk, making it ideal for those following a vegan diet. The plum jam adds fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of sweetener? Yes, you can replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Adjust the amount according to your desired sweetness.

2. How can I store the brownie? Keep the brownie in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. What other recipes pair well with the syrup-soaked brownie? This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a fruit sauce. You can also serve it with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

This syrup-soaked brownie is not just a delicious option but also a great way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Making it is a pleasant and simple process that can turn any ordinary day into a special one. So, put on your apron and let’s enjoy this delicacy together!