Dark Forest Cake Recipe
Indulge in the dramatic and decadent Dark Forest Cake, featuring moist, rich chocolate layers enhanced with deep cocoa and espresso powder. Filled with a luscious tart black cherry compote and enveloped in a glossy black vegan chocolate ganache, this dairy-free dessert combines intense flavors and striking visuals for a showstopper perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- ½ tsp charcoal powder (optional)
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups pitted black cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Ganache
- 1 cup vegan cream
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp black gel food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and optional charcoal powder. In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and espresso powder. Gradually add wet mixture to dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and lump-free. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cake springs back gently when pressed. Cool layers completely on a rack.
- Make the Cherry Filling: Combine pitted cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow cherries to soften and release juices. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry and add to cherries. Stir until compote thickens to a jam-like consistency. Cool fully to prevent sogginess in the final cake.
- Prepare the Black Chocolate Ganache: Warm vegan cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and allow to sit for two minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add black gel food coloring gradually, stirring until the ganache achieves a rich, deep black sheen.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the cherry filling evenly on top. Add the second cake layer and spread remaining cherry filling. Cover the entire cake with the black ganache, smoothing sides and top for a sleek finish. Refrigerate for at least one hour to set. Decorate with whole cherries and dark chocolate curls if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen pitted black cherries for the filling depending on season.
- Charcoal powder is optional but enhances the cake’s deep black color.
- Ensure cake layers are completely cool before assembling to prevent melting the ganache.
- For best results, use vegan cream and plant-based milk compatible with your dietary preferences.
- Refrigerate the finished cake to help the ganache set firmly before serving.
Keywords: Dark Forest Cake, vegan chocolate cake, black cherry cake, chocolate ganache, dairy-free dessert, dramatic chocolate cake
Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/dark-forest-cake-recipe/
