German Vegan Black Forest Cake

local_grocery_store Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cans canned tart cherries, drained, reserving 1/2 cup juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cans whipped coconut cream, refrigerated overnight
• 8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted

restaurant_menu Method

1. 1.Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. 2.In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
4. 4.Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. 5.Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. 6.Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.
7. 7.In a small saucepan, combine the reserved cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
8. 8.Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the drained cherries.
9. 9.In a large bowl, beat the whipped coconut cream until stiff peaks form.
10. 10.To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Top with half of the cherry filling and half of the whipped coconut cream.
11. 11.Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with the remaining cherry filling and whipped coconut cream.
12. 12.In a small saucepan, heat the coconut cream until it just begins to simmer.
13. 13.Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
14. 14.Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
15. 15.Top with fresh cherries and serve.

lightbulb_outline Tips

• chevron_rightMake sure to use canned tart cherries, as they have the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness for this recipe.
• chevron_rightRefrigerate the coconut cream overnight to ensure that it whips up properly.
• chevron_rightTo make whipped coconut cream, simply refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solid cream that has risen to the top and whip it with a mixer until stiff peaks form.