Oil-Free Black Forest Cake

Black Forest cakes are just about as indulgent of a dessert as you can get. It's made with layers of chocolate-cherry cake, with thickened coconut cream, and cherry chia jam sandwiched in between. You won't believe this decadent cake is wheat-free, refined sugar-free, and oil-free!

Oil-Free Black Forest Cake [Vegan]

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups wholemeal spelt flour
• 1/2 cup cacao powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup cherries (fresh, canned, or defrosted frozen)
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cherry-vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Cream:

• 13.5-ounce coconut cream
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons stevia powder

For the Cherry Jam:

• 1 cup cherries (fresh, canned, or defrosted frozen)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

For Assembly:

• Extra cherries for garnish
• Confectioner's sugar or stevia powder

Preparation

To Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix together flour, cacao, and baking soda.
3. Blend the bananas, cherries, water, and extract (if using) until smooth.
4. Mix the wet mixture with the dry mixture.
5. Fold in the apple cider vinegar.
6. Transfer to an 8-inch round cake pan lined with baking paper.
7. Bake for 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
8. Let the cake cool.

To Make the Cream:

1. Stir together all the cream ingredients until there are no lumps.
2. Bring to the boil while stirring. The cream will thicken.
3. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to assemble the cake. It will thicken as it cools.

To Make the Cherry Jam:

1. Blend the cherries and chia seeds on low speed for 30 seconds, or until broken down slightly.
2. Let the jam sit for 10 minutes or longer, to thicken.

To Assemble:

1. When the cake is cool, slice in half so you have 2 circles.
2. Place one circle on a serving plate.
3. Spread about half the cream on the cake and top with cherry chia jam.
4. Place the other cake half on top and spread the rest of the cream on top.
5. Top with the extra cherries and dust with confectioner's sugar or stevia powder, if using.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/oil-free-black-forest-cake/