Go Back
–+ servings
Dark Forest Cake Recipe

Indulge with This Irresistible Dark Forest Cake Recipe

This vegan-friendly Dark Forest Cake Recipe features rich chocolate, tart cherries, and a delightful cherry compote for an irresistible dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Base
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sift for a lighter cake
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder opt for high-quality dark cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar adjust for less sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon charcoal powder optional
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil can use melted coconut oil instead
  • 1 cup plant-based milk almond or soy milk
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder instant coffee can be a substitute
For the Cherry Compote
  • 2 cups black cherries fresh or frozen
  • ½ cup sugar for compote
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
For the Ganache
  • 1 cup vegan cream or coconut cream
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips ensure dairy-free
  • 1 drop black gel food coloring optional

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Cake Pans
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients until blended.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
  5. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  7. In a saucepan, combine black cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until soft, then thicken with cornstarch.
  8. Heat vegan cream and pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
  9. Assemble the cake with layers of cake and compote, then top with ganache.
  10. Chill the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftover pieces tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!