Lenten cake
Post Cake: a delicacy that combines tradition with sweetness, perfect for those moments when you want to enjoy a dessert without animal-derived ingredients. This simple yet delightful recipe will bring a touch of joy to your table, making it ideal for any occasion, whether it's a celebration or a family gathering. The Post Cake is not only delicious but also a healthier choice, thanks to the natural ingredients it uses.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings
Ingredients
For the cakes:
- 200 ml tea infusion (you can use herbal, black, or green tea, depending on your preference)
- 200 g artificial honey (you can substitute with agave syrup or maple syrup)
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g oil (sunflower oil or coconut oil are the best options)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider vinegar adds a pleasant flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably pure cocoa without sugar)
- Flour (about 400-500 g, enough to achieve a non-sticky dough)
For the glaze:
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon artificial honey
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough for the cakes
In a large bowl, combine the tea infusion, artificial honey, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Gradually add the oil while continuing to stir.
2. Activate the baking soda
In a small container, quench the baking soda with a tablespoon of vinegar. This will help activate the baking soda and make the cakes fluffy. Add the resulting mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients.
3. Add the dry ingredients
Start incorporating the flour into the wet mixture. Gradually add the flour while stirring constantly until you achieve a soft dough similar to 30% cream. It should be easy to handle and not stick to your hands.
4. Divide the dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. In one part, add the 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa and mix well. In the other half, add a little more flour to achieve a uniform consistency.
5. Shape the cakes
Take a portion from each dough and form small rounds. Flatten them slightly to create the cakes. This is where you can let your imagination run wild – the cakes can be larger or smaller, depending on your preferences. From each half of the dough, you should get about 5-6 rounds.
6. Bake the cakes
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Place the cakes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they become slightly golden and firm to the touch. Once baked, let them cool.
7. Prepare the glaze
In a saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients: cocoa, artificial honey, sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent sticking. Wait for it to come to a boil, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
8. Assemble the cake
Here comes the creative part! Take a white cake, spread a generous layer of jam or plum or peach preserves on it, then add a cocoa cake and repeat the process, alternating between the white and cocoa cakes. Finally, pour the warm glaze over the cake, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Serving and variations
The Post Cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can decorate it with crushed nuts or coconut flakes for a more appealing look. A personal suggestion is to serve it alongside a cup of hot tea or fresh lemonade, which will perfectly complement the sweetness of the cake.
Tips and tricks
- Choose quality ingredients: Use pure cocoa, quality artificial honey, and freshly brewed tea for the best results.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add cinnamon or vanilla to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: The Post Cake keeps well in the fridge, covered, for up to a week.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This cake is a healthier choice since it is made without eggs or milk. Each serving contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace artificial honey with something else?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup, but keep in mind that the taste will change slightly.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free flour to make the cake gluten-free.
3. Can I add fruit inside the cake?
Absolutely! Dried or fresh fruits can add a delicious note and can replace the jam.
4. Can I freeze the Post Cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, making sure it is well covered to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
The Post Cake is not only a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of sweetness into your life without sacrificing dietary principles. Experiment with your favorite ingredients and transform this recipe into a personalized delicacy that reflects your culinary style. Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the cakes: tea infusion - 200 ml, artificial honey - 200 g, sugar - 200 g, oil - 100 g, baking soda - 1 teaspoon, vinegar - 1 tablespoon, cocoa - 2-3 tablespoons, flour - enough to obtain a dough that won't stick to your hands. For the glaze: cocoa - 1 tablespoon, artificial honey - 1 tablespoon, sugar - 1 tablespoon, water - 1 tablespoon.