Vegan Chocolate Cake | Italian Sisters

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil or coconut oil
• 1-1/8 cup warm water
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda melted in 1 teaspoon of warm water
• 3 cups of pastry flour
• 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 medium pears, peeled and diced 1/2-inch
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
• 1 heaping teaspoon of coconut oil in a small pot
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 cup spiced brandy or rum