Posni Kolač — Fasting Walnut Cake

A moist, dense walnut cake made without eggs, butter, or milk. The walnuts provide structure, fat,
and protein, while sparkling water gives the batter lift. This is a serious cake — not a pale
imitation of anything, but a rich, nutty confection in its own right. Perfect with strong coffee.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (contains oil in the batter; not suitable for oil-free days)

SERVINGS: 12 slices
TIME: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS:
- 250 g walnuts, finely ground
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g sugar
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 250 ml cold sparkling water
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional, for a marbled effect)
- Pinch of salt

For the syrup (optional):
- 150 g sugar
- 150 ml water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

METHOD:
1. Preheat oven to 170C (340F). Grease and flour a 25 cm round or rectangular baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground walnuts, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add oil, sparkling water, vanilla, and lemon zest. Stir until just combined — do not overmix.
4. For a marbled cake: pour two-thirds of the batter into the pan, mix cocoa powder into the remaining third, and pour it on top. Use a knife to swirl.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a skewer comes out clean and the top springs back when pressed.
6. If making the syrup: while the cake bakes, simmer sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla for 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
7. Pour warm syrup over the hot cake. Let soak for 30 minutes before serving.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting.

NOTES:
- The sparkling water creates air pockets that replace the lift normally provided by eggs. Use it cold for best results.
- Ground walnuts make this cake naturally moist and dense. It keeps well for 4-5 days at room temperature.
- The syrup is optional but traditional. It transforms a good cake into an extraordinary one.
- Each slice provides about 6 g of protein from the walnuts.

NUTRITION (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 6 g | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Fat: 18 g | Fibre: 2 g