Vegan Black Forest Cake Recipe

Vegan Black Forest Cake: A Decadent Delight for Every Occasion

Indulge in the luxurious layers of this Vegan Black Forest Cake, a dessert that seamlessly combines rich chocolate with the vibrant taste of cherries. Perfect for any celebration, this cake is a show-stopping centerpiece that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cherry liqueur (optional)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 ½ cups vegan dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just blended.
5. Pour the boiling water into the batter and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin, which is expected.
6. Evenly distribute the batter among the three prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Cherry Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl.
3. Stir the slurry into the cherry mixture and cook until it thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cherry liqueur, if desired. Allow the filling to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour the hot coconut milk over the vegan dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
3. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly before using.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread half of the cherry filling over the first layer.
3. Add the second cake layer and repeat the process with the remaining cherry filling.
4. Top with the third cake layer.
5. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache evenly over the entire cake.

5. Final Touches:

1. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature, or refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before serving.
2. Optionally, garnish with fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice and enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of this Vegan Black Forest Cake, perfect for any special occasion.

Tips:

• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Substitutions: For a different flavor, consider replacing the cherry filling with raspberry or strawberry filling.
• Make Ahead: The cake layers and cherry filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5 g
• Sugars: 34 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Vitamin A: 0% DV
• Vitamin C: 4% DV
• Calcium: 8% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

This Vegan Black Forest Cake is the perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you wish to impress your guests with a stunning and indulgent treat. Enjoy every decadent bite!