Kolač na Vodi/Vegan Jam Cake

While fasting before Christmas or Easter can be a challenge for some in the Orthodox faith, I find that I actually enjoy the Lenten meals during that time of year. There’s nothing more comforting than my grandmother’s meljan pasulj or the various other Lenten/vegan dishes that take me right back home. And who can forget the many pita recipes, all vegan and delicious. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of vegan cookies and cakes. On those days that you want something super simple though, this is a wonderful recipe to have on hand. I know it by the name “kolač na vodi” which when translated indicates in the name that this dish does not contain any oil.

This recipe might be called something else based on where you’re from, but for me, this is all I’ve ever known it as. The familiar taste of walnuts, homemade jam, and the very simple ingredients that make up this dessert always remind me of the grandmothers/aunts/neighbors in my village and their humble desserts. In fact, when I took my first bite of this cake after not having it for years, I closed my eyes and I was right there again by the wood-burning stove. What I’d give to travel back in time for just one day….

Thankfully, we have the recipes. Little snippets of time travel to the past. Just close your eyes and take a bite. Whether it’s this dish or another, the tastes and smells of homemade Balkan food will always evoke memories of early childhood for me.

I hope you try it whether you’re fasting or just looking for a vegan-friendly recipe to share with your loved ones. No eggs, oil, or dairy but still so moist and delicious.

Are you following me on Instagram yet? Head on over to my page and make sure to follow as I’m active there daily! Recipes like this are usually shown on my stories and end up as recipe posts due to popular demand 🙂

Kolac na Vodi/Vegan Jam Cake

Recipe by The Balkan HostessCourse: DessertCuisine: Balkan, Serbian

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

A perfect simple vegan dessert that goes well with a nice cup of kafa.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar

• 1.5 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder (1 kesica)

• 1 teaspoon (6 g) baking soda

• 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar (1 kesica) or extract

• 1/2 cup (60 g) ground walnuts

• 4 generous spoonfuls (~120-150 g) jam of choice

• 1.5 cups (400 ml) sparkling/mineral water

• Also

• 2 tablespoons (40 g) jam

• 1 /2 cup (60 g) ground walnuts

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 F/175 C and line a baking pan with parchment paper. The larger your baking pan the shorter/thinner your cake will be. I like to use a smaller baking pan for this (see photos above). Set aside
  
  Important note: You must use parchment paper for this recipe since there is no oil. Otherwise, the cake will stick to your pan and it will be very hard to clean. You may also try using silicone baking molds.
• Add all cake ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine well.
• Once combined, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 F/175 C or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• While the cake is hot, spread the remaining jam on top and sprinkle the remaining ground walnuts on top of the jam.
• Allow to cool completely before serving.
• Enjoy!