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–+ servings
Dark Forest Cake

Vegan Dark Forest Cake: Indulge in a Cherry Chocolate Dream

This Vegan Dark Forest Cake combines rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating an indulgent dessert that's entirely plant-based and perfect for everyone.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 3/4 cup Cocoa Powder
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Sugar can be adjusted
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup Plant-Based Milk almond or oat milk
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Espresso Powder or strong brewed coffee
For the Cherry Compote
  • 2 cups Black Cherries fresh or frozen
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
For the Ganache
  • 1 cup Vegan Cream or coconut cream
  • 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips ensure vegan-friendly
  • Black Gel Food Coloring optional

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Cake Pans
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cooling Rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures and stir until no lumps remain. Divide batter evenly between pans.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
  6. Prepare cherry compote by simmering cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Thicken with cornstarch slurry and cool.
  7. For ganache, heat vegan cream and pour over dark chocolate chips; stir until smooth.
  8. Assemble cake by alternating layers and pouring ganache over the top.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set ganache before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25gVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Avoid overmixing to maintain fluffiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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