METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base and sides of a loaf pan or square cake tin with baking parchment.
Tip: Standard loaf pan dimensions are about 8½ × 4½ inches, which is perfect for this amount of batter. If you multiply the ingredients, you’ll get a larger cake—just choose a baking pan that fits the final quantity.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl: sifted flour, unrefined cane sugar, vanilla powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, fair-trade chocolate chips, baking powder, and salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
Note: We always sift the flour for muffins and cakes, as it helps incorporate the dry ingredients evenly.
3. Combine the wet ingredients in another bowl: oat drink, berry jam, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle unrefined cane sugar and sesame seeds on top (optional).
6. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is browned.
👉 Do not open the oven while baking. You can always extend the baking time by a few minutes if needed.
7. Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool slightly. Carefully peel off the baking parchment and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve as is, or enjoy with a scoop of vegan ice cream, vanilla vegan sour cream, or vegan custard.
🧓🏻💚 Grandma Sita’s Tips for Chocolate Lovers
✅ Store chocolate properly: Keep it away from strong odors (chocolate absorbs smells) and direct light, which can cause discoloration. Avoid refrigerating chocolate or chocolate-covered treats, though freezing is fine.
✅ Hot climates: If you live somewhere warm and chocolate tends to melt, refrigerate it in an airtight container. Just remember, refrigerators are humid, which can affect texture.
✅ Shelf life: Chocolate doesn’t spoil like perishable foods, but its taste, texture, and appearance can change over time. These changes may affect overall quality and enjoyment.
✅ Choose ethically: Look for chocolate labels that guarantee fair trade or sustainable sourcing to support ethical supply chains.
🌿About Chocolate
Chocolate comes from roasted and ground cacao pods and can be found as a liquid, solid, or paste, either on its own or as a flavoring ingredient. Cacao seeds are naturally bitter and must be fermented to develop their rich flavor. Most chocolate today is sweetened chocolate, combining cocoa solids, cocoa butter, added vegetable oils, and sugar.
📗A Brief History
Chocolate has been consumed as a beverage for nearly its entire history. Evidence shows the Olmec civilization (19th–11th century BCE) used cacao, and later, the Maya and Aztecs enjoyed chocolate drinks as a staple of their culture.
🌎Sustainable Tips
You can take simple actions to reduce food waste during holidays and beyond. Making plant-based desserts at home—like this vegan chocolate cake—helps reduce waste and promotes a planet-friendly diet. Every effort counts, and it’s as easy as baking a cake!
