Are you a fan of chocolate cake but want to try something new and animal-friendly? Look no further than this delicious vegan almond cherry chocolate cake recipe! Not only is this cake completely plant-based, but it also incorporates the flavors of almonds and cherries for a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
Why choose a vegan almond cherry chocolate cake?
Vegan desserts are becoming more and more popular as people look for ways to reduce their environmental impact and to eliminate animal products from their diets. Additionally, this cake is perfect for those with dairy or egg allergies and is healthier than a traditional chocolate cake due to the use of almond flour instead of refined white flour.
Furthermore, the combination of cherries and chocolate in this cake provides a delicious and unique flavor that is sure to impress your taste buds. Cherries are also a great source of antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body. So not only is this cake a tasty treat, but it also has some added health benefits!
Essential ingredients for a vegan almond cherry chocolate cake recipe.
To make this cake, you will need:
- 2 cups of almond flour
- 1 cup of coconut sugar
- 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup of coconut oil, melted
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of frozen cherries, chopped
This vegan almond cherry chocolate cake recipe is not only delicious, but it is also a healthier alternative to traditional cakes. Almond flour is a great source of protein and healthy fats, while coconut sugar is a low glycemic sweetener that won’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
If you don’t have frozen cherries on hand, you can substitute them with other frozen fruits such as raspberries or blueberries. You can also add some chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts to give the cake some extra crunch and texture.
Tools and equipment needed to make a vegan almond cherry chocolate cake.
Before beginning, make sure you have the following tools and equipment on hand:
- Two 8-inch cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
- Cooling rack
In addition to the tools and equipment listed above, you will also need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
When making this cake, it’s important to note that the almond flour and applesauce help to keep the cake moist and tender, while the cherries and chocolate chips add bursts of flavor throughout. To ensure the cake is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake layer. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Once the cake is finished baking, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. For a vegan frosting option, try using a mixture of vegan butter, powdered sugar, and almond milk. Top the cake with additional cherries and chocolate chips for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.
Step-by-step instructions to make a vegan almond cherry chocolate cake.
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools, here are the steps to make the perfect vegan almond cherry chocolate cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add almond milk, coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Add chopped cherries to the batter and mix well.
- Grease two 8-inch cake pans with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter evenly into the two pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely.
- Once cooled, layer the cakes with your favorite frosting or whipped topping. Serve and enjoy!
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter. This will enhance the almond flavor and complement the cherries and chocolate.
If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can make your own by grinding blanched almonds in a food processor until they are finely ground. This will give you the same texture and flavor as store-bought almond flour.
Tips and tricks for baking the perfect vegan almond cherry chocolate cake.
Some additional tips for ensuring a delicious and successful baking experience include:
- Use frozen cherries to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- Use vegan frosting options such as coconut whipped cream or cashew buttercream.
Another important tip is to use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the chocolate. Look for vegan chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa for a rich and decadent flavor. Additionally, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, as baking is a science and even small deviations can affect the final result. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations, such as adding a hint of orange zest or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors of the cake.
How to decorate your vegan almond cherry chocolate cake.
Get creative with your cake decoration! You can decorate your cake with additional cherries or almond slices for a simple yet elegant look. Or, get fancy with an elaborate frosting design and use edible flowers or chocolate shavings as a finishing touch.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your cake, consider adding a layer of raspberry jam or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. This will give your cake a unique and delicious twist that your guests will love.
Another fun idea is to create a themed cake decoration. For example, if you’re making this cake for a birthday party, you could use colorful sprinkles and candy to create a festive design. Or, if you’re making it for a holiday, you could use seasonal decorations like candy canes or pumpkin-shaped candies.
Variations of the vegan almond cherry chocolate cake recipe.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix up this recipe! You could try swapping out the cherries for raspberries or blueberries or replacing some of the almond flour with oat flour.
Another variation you could try is adding a layer of vegan cream cheese frosting between the cake layers. This will give the cake a tangy and creamy flavor that pairs well with the chocolate and almond flavors.
If you want to make the cake even more decadent, you could add a layer of vegan chocolate ganache on top. Simply melt vegan chocolate chips with coconut cream and pour it over the cooled cake. Let it set in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Frequently asked questions about making a vegan almond cherry chocolate cake.
Here are a few commonly asked questions:
- Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk? Yes, but it will no longer be vegan-friendly.
- Is there an alternative to coconut sugar? Yes, you could use brown sugar or maple syrup instead.
What are some other vegan-friendly ingredients that could be used in this recipe? You could try using soy milk or oat milk instead of almond milk, and coconut oil instead of butter.
Can I substitute the cherries with another fruit? Yes, you could use raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries instead of cherries.
Vegan-friendly ingredient substitutions for the recipe.
If you need to substitute any of the ingredients due to dietary restrictions or preferences, here are a few options:
- Coconut oil can be replaced with vegan butter or vegetable oil.
- Almond flour can be replaced with gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour.
- Cherries can be swapped for any other type of fruit you like.
Another great vegan-friendly ingredient substitution is using aquafaba instead of eggs. Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas and can be whipped into a foam that acts as a great egg replacement in recipes like meringues or macarons.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to cream, try using coconut cream instead. It has a similar texture and can be used in recipes like whipped cream or in curries and soups.
Serving suggestions and pairings for the vegan almond cherry chocolate cake.
This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon treat. You could also serve it as a dessert for a dinner party and impress your guests with your baking skills!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving the cake with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the ice cream or coconut cream will complement the rich chocolate and nutty almond flavors of the cake. For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle some fresh cherries or sliced almonds on top of the cake before serving.
Nutritional benefits of a vegan almond cherry chocolate cake.
Compared to a traditional chocolate cake recipe, this vegan version is much healthier due to its use of whole food ingredients and lack of animal products. Almond flour is a great source of protein and healthy fats, while cherries are full of antioxidants.
In addition, this vegan almond cherry chocolate cake is also lower in sugar than a traditional chocolate cake. Instead of using refined sugar, this recipe calls for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar. This not only reduces the overall sugar content, but also provides a more complex flavor profile.
How to store and keep your vegan almond cherry chocolate cake fresh.
Store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You could also freeze individual slices for up to a month.
It’s important to note that if you choose to freeze your cake, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving. Additionally, if you notice any mold or off smells, it’s best to discard the cake to avoid any potential health risks.
Common mistakes to avoid when making a vegan almond cherry chocolate cake.
Some common issues with this recipe include over-mixing the batter and using too much coconut oil, which can make the cake too greasy. Additionally, make sure to use frozen cherries to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan.
Another common mistake is using the wrong type of flour. It’s important to use almond flour instead of regular flour to ensure the cake is gluten-free and has a moist texture. Also, be sure to measure the flour accurately to avoid a dry or crumbly cake.
Lastly, don’t forget to let the cake cool completely before slicing it. Cutting into a warm cake can cause it to crumble and fall apart. It’s best to let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious vegan almond cherry chocolate cake!
Testimonials from those who have tried the recipe.
Here are a few reviews from people who have tried this vegan almond cherry chocolate cake:
- “I’m not even a vegan, but this cake was amazing! The flavors of the almonds and cherries worked so well together.” – Emily
- “I made this cake for my husband’s birthday, and it was a hit! We couldn’t even tell that it was vegan.” – Sarah
- “I was surprised at how easy this cake was to make. I’ll definitely be making it again!” – John
Conclusion
Making a vegan cake doesn’t have to be difficult or lack flavor. With this vegan almond cherry chocolate cake recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy dessert that everyone will love. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and start baking!