Fragrant Orange Cake (Vegan)
To prepare a delicious cake that will delight everyone's taste buds, we will start with a tasty base. In a large bowl, we mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa, ground nuts, and orange zest well. These ingredients combine perfectly to create a flavorful and fluffy base. Once the dry ingredients are blended, we will add our favorite flavors and water until we achieve a consistency similar to thick cream. This will ensure a moist and delicious base.
Preheat the oven to a medium temperature, and pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, but it is important to check the baking status with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the base is ready. After baking, let it cool completely and then wrap it in cling film, placing it in the fridge overnight. This step is essential, especially when working with sponge cakes, as it will make them much easier to slice.
The next day, the base is cut into three equal slices, which will be soaked with a syrup made from water, sugar, and rum essence. This syrup will add a touch of moisture and flavor, making each slice irresistible.
For the delicious cream, we will use store-bought juice that we will bring to a boil along with lemon zest and orange zest. After covering it and letting it infuse for 5-10 minutes, strain the mixture. Then, combine it with fresh juice, sugar, and pudding powder, and cook until thickened. Finally, add orange essence for extra flavor.
In another bowl, gelatin is soaked in 50 ml of cold water for 10 minutes. Then, dissolve it over low heat, being careful not to boil. This will be mixed with the cooled pudding, ensuring no lumps remain. Once the pudding has cooled completely, gently fold in the whipped cream, and let the mixture chill in the fridge for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to achieve a smooth texture.
For assembly, place one layer on a platter and surround it with a cake ring. Pour half of the prepared cream, add another layer, the remaining cream, and finally place the last layer on top. The cake should be left in the fridge until the next day to set well and allow the flavors to meld. Decoration can be done according to preferences, and slices of orange will add a fresh and appetizing look.
Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Ingredients: Base: 2 cups white flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup oil, 1 cup ground walnuts (optional), 2 packets baking powder (2 teaspoons), 3-4 tablespoons cocoa, 1 teaspoon orange essence, 1 tablespoon rum essence, 1 tablespoon grated orange peel, sparkling water, possibly a tablespoon of orange jam (but reduce the sugar). Syrup: 250ml water, 5-6 tablespoons sugar, 1 vial of rum essence. Cream: 500ml fresh orange juice, 500ml commercial non-carbonated orange juice, 2 packets of vanilla pudding powder, 4-5 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon orange essence, grated peel from 2 oranges and 1 lemon, 2 packets of gelatin (20g white gelatin), 500ml liquid cream and one orange for decoration.
