Lenten chocolate cake with fruits

Vegan chocolate cake with fruits is the ideal dessert for days when we crave something sweet but want to stay within the limits of fasting. This simple, easy-to-make cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the fruits we add. Whether you choose bananas, grapes, or other fruits, the result will be guaranteed! The recipe is inspired by my friend, Nadina, and I am sure you will love it as much as I do.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 450 g flour
- 400 g sugar
- 120 g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 500 ml water
- 250 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 4 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon almond essence (optional)
- 2 large bananas
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Step by step, here’s how to prepare this delicious vegan chocolate cake:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). It’s essential to have the oven ready before putting in the cake to achieve even baking.

2. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and salt. Mix them well with a whisk or spatula, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. Add the oil, water, and almond essence (if you chose to use it) to the dry ingredient mixture. Mix everything with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until you obtain a smooth and lump-free batter.

4. Line a 23x30 cm baking tray with parchment paper. This step is important as it will prevent the cake from sticking to the tray and make it easier to cut later.

5. Pour the batter into the tray and level it evenly with a spatula.

6. Peel the two bananas and slice them into rounds. Arrange them on top of the batter in your desired shape. If you want to add other fruits, such as grapes or apple pieces, now is the perfect time. They will add a pleasant taste and texture to the cake.

7. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar on top of the cake. This will caramelize slightly during baking, giving a sweet taste and a crispy crust.

8. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it is cooked; if it comes out clean, then it is ready.

9. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

10. After it has cooled, cut the cake into squares or cubes, depending on your preference. You can serve the cake plain or with a scoop of soy yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, try adding some chopped nuts to the batter or even a pinch of cinnamon.
- This recipe is versatile: you can replace bananas with applesauce or other seasonal fruits to achieve different flavors.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Enjoy! This vegan chocolate cake with fruits will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but will also bring a touch of joy to your fasting days!

 Ingredients: 450g flour, 400g sugar, 120g cocoa, 1 baking powder, 500ml water, 250ml oil, 4 packets of vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon almond essence (optional), 2 large bananas, 3 tablespoons brown sugar.

 Tags:  chocolate cake post bananas