Festive vegan cake

This delightful chocolate vegan cake is rich, moist, and incredibly easy to make! Sweetened with honey and a touch of sugar, it has a naturally soft texture, enhanced by cherry flavour and the crunch of toasted walnuts.

Ingredients

• 200 ml warm water

• 120 g granulated sugar (can be adjusted for sweetness)

• 70 g honey

• Pinch of salt

• 80 ml sunflower oil (or another neutral oil, like canola)

• 2/3 tsp baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

• 230 g all-purpose flour (sifted for better texture)

• 40 g cocoa powder (unsweetened, high-quality recommended)

• 80 g walnuts (chopped, toasted for extra flavor if desired)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or use the seeds from 1 vanilla pod for a stronger flavor)

• (optional) 4 tbsp cherry jam (or your favorite jam)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan or similar-sized pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the wet ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm water, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and sunflower oil until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

3. Prepare the dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.

4. Combine wet and dry mixtures
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Incorporate add-Ins
   Fold in the chopped walnuts and cherry jam (if using). Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Bake the cake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and serve
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a side of cherry jam or whipped cream.

This cake is a perfect treat for any occasion - whether you’re serving it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with a dollop of whipped cream.