Vegan cake with walnuts and caramel

Post cake with walnut and caramel – a sweet delicacy full of flavor, combining the inviting aromas of walnut with the sweetness of caramel. This special recipe was created to bring a touch of joy during fasting, but it is also perfect for any other occasion. Even though it couldn't convince my husband to fast, I am sure this cake will win over anyone who crosses its threshold. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the base:
- 4 cups of flour
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of oil
- ½ bag of yellow coconut (for a vibrant color)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A few drops of lemon juice
- 1 essence of rum
- A pinch of salt
- Water (approximately 1 cup, enough to dissolve the sugar)

Ingredients for the caramel:
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 cup of ground or crushed walnuts

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base
Start by preparing a large bowl. Add sugar and water, mixing gently until the sugar dissolves. This step is essential for obtaining a moist and flavorful base. Once the sugar has melted, add the oil and mix well until the composition becomes homogeneous.

Step 2: Adding dry ingredients
Ask for help from a cooking spatula to incorporate the flour. Gradually mix the flour into the composition, ensuring there are no lumps. Once well homogenized, add the baking powder dissolved in lemon juice, the essence of rum, and the yellow coconut. Mix again until you obtain a uniform dough.

Step 3: Baking the base
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour. Pour the dough into the tray and level the surface. Bake the base for 20 minutes or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean, the base is ready).

Step 4: Preparing the caramel
While the base is baking, you can prepare the caramel. Take a small pot and bring water to a boil. Add the sugar and let it boil, stirring occasionally, until a thick syrup forms. Add the essence of rum and the ground walnuts. Let it boil for a few moments, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Finishing the cake
Once the base is ready, take it out of the oven and pour the caramel on top. Put the cake back in the oven for another 10 minutes, so the caramel integrates perfectly into the base, adding a crunchy and delicious note.

Step 6: Serving
Let the cake cool slightly before cutting it into servings. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors. Also, a mint tea would perfectly complement this fasting cake.

Useful tips:
- To add a personal touch, you can experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla or almond essence, instead of rum.
- The base can be enriched with pieces of dried fruit, such as apricots or figs, for an extra flavor boost.
- If you don't have yellow coconut, you can use regular coconut. The color is just an aesthetic detail, but the taste will be just as delicious.

Approximate nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 3 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the oil with butter?
Yes, but the recipe will no longer be suitable for fasting. If you are not fasting, butter will add a richer flavor.
2. How can I make this cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 1/3, but make sure to adjust the caramel as well.
3. What can I use instead of coconut?
You can use ground almonds or even hazelnuts, which will add an interesting texture.

This walnut and caramel cake is not just a delicious dessert but also an invitation to cook and create, perfect for those moments when you want to treat your family or friends. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 4 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of oil, 1/2 bag of yellow coconut, rum essence, a few drops of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, baking powder. For the caramel: 10 tablespoons of sugar, 1 glass of water, rum essence, 1 glass of ground or crushed nuts.

 Tags:  vegan cookies nut caramel