Vegan black cake

Vegan brownies are a dessert that combines the intense taste of chocolate with the sweetness of candied fruits, creating a treat that will delight your taste buds. It is a simple recipe, perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious cake without using animal-derived ingredients. This brownie is not only easy to make but also has a touch of originality due to the combination of candied fruits and citrus flavors.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

- 300 g sugar
- 500 g flour
- 350 ml water
- 250 ml oil
- 6 tablespoons jam (any kind)
- 30 g cocoa + 30 g carob powder (or just 50 g cocoa)
- 350 g candied fruits (raisins, dried mango, pineapple, bananas, etc.)
- 100 ml sweet alcohol (sour cherry liqueur, rum, liqueur)
- 100 g mixture of ground nuts and almonds
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons grated orange peel (or freshly grated orange)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel (or freshly grated lemon)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients and measuring them accurately. The candied fruits should be well hydrated. It is recommended to sprinkle them with the chosen alcohol (100 ml) about an hour beforehand to give them a more intense flavor. Raisins, dried mango, and other tropical fruits blend perfectly to create a rich and complex taste.

2. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat). This step is essential to ensure even baking of the brownies.

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, orange peel, lemon peel, vanilla sugar, ground nut and almond mixture, cocoa, and carob powder. Use a whisk to mix all the dry ingredients well, ensuring there are no lumps. This combination will give the cake a fluffy texture and rich flavor.

4. Add the wet ingredients: In another bowl, pour in the water, oil, and jam. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition. This step ensures that all the wet ingredients combine perfectly.

5. Incorporate the ingredients: Add the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. At this point, also add the candied fruits soaked in alcohol. Use a spatula or spoon to gently mix, without overdoing it. The secret to fluffy brownies is not to overmix, so it's important to stop as soon as the ingredients are homogeneous.

6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Bake the brownies for 30-40 minutes. You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s a sign that it’s baked. Be careful not to leave it in the oven too long, as we want to achieve a soft and fluffy texture.

7. Cool and decorate: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can sprinkle sugar crystals on top or dust it with powdered sugar. A delicious option is to decorate it with cocoa or grated coconut for an extra flavor boost.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different combinations of candied fruits, depending on your preferences. For example, you can replace mango with pineapple or even add chopped dark chocolate for an even more intense flavor.
- Serving: Vegan brownies pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. You can also enjoy the cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a moment of indulgence.
- Storage: This cake keeps well, covered, at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions.

Nutritional benefits:

Vegan brownies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients due to their ingredients. Whole flour provides fiber, while candied fruits bring vitamins and antioxidants. Ground nuts and almonds are excellent sources of healthy fats, proteins, and essential minerals, and cocoa contributes to an intake of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of oil?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or olive oil to add a distinctive flavor.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This is a vegan brownie recipe, so it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

3. Can I replace the candied fruits?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe with fresh or dried fruits, depending on your preferences.

Vegan brownies are more than just a simple dessert; they are an explosion of flavors, a perfect combination of sweetness and bitterness that will always bring a smile to your face. Every time you make them, you will create not just a dessert but also pleasant memories with your loved ones. Enjoy every slice and delight in this delicious brownie that can quickly become your favorite!

 Ingredients: 300 g sugar 500 g flour 350 ml water 250 ml oil 6 tablespoons jam (any kind) 30 g cocoa + 30 g carob powder (or just 50 g cocoa) 350 g candied fruit (raisins + various other fruits: pineapple, mango, bananas ...) 100 ml sweet alcohol (cherry liqueur, rum, liqueur) 100 g mixed ground nuts and almonds 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground orange peel (or grated orange) 1 teaspoon ground lemon peel (or grated lemon) 2 packets vanilla sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon