Vegan Black Cake
Chocolate Cherry Cake with Cocoa Glaze
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Who doesn’t love a delicious cake that reminds us of childhood? The chocolate cherry cake with cherry jam is a simple recipe but with an intense flavor and a moist texture, perfect for any occasion. With a rich cocoa glaze and a generous topping of coconut, this cake will surely become everyone’s favorite. I will provide you with all the necessary details to achieve a perfect result, as well as some suggestions to personalize the recipe.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil (you can also use sunflower oil)
- 5 tablespoons cherry jam (or any other preferred jam, but cherries add a special note)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor)
- Flour (about 2 cups, depending on the consistency of the dough)
For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons boiling hot water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This is an essential step to ensure even baking of the cake.
2. Mixing wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sugar and water. Mix well with a wooden spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the oil and cherry jam, continuing to mix.
3. Including dry ingredients: In the same bowl, add cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
4. Adding flour: Start adding flour gradually, mixing continuously. The goal is to achieve a softer dough, similar to sponge cake. Don’t worry if the dough doesn’t become very firm, as the cherry jam will keep the cake moist.
5. Preparing the baking tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it with oil and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking. Pour the dough into the tray and level the surface with a spatula.
6. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Do not perform the toothpick test, as the base will remain slightly softer due to the jam. It is done when it firms up on top and pulls away slightly from the edges.
Step 2: Preparing the glaze
1. Mixing ingredients: In a small pot, combine cocoa, sugar, and oil. Add boiling water and mix well until a smooth paste is obtained. This glaze will add an intensity to your cake.
2. Applying the glaze: When the cake is warm, pour the glaze evenly over it. Make sure the entire surface is covered.
3. Decorating: Generously sprinkle with coconut for an appealing look and a crunchy texture.
Serving and combinations
This chocolate cherry cake is perfect to be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also try pairing it with vanilla ice cream or light whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Useful tips
- Personalizing the jam: If you don’t have cherry jam, you can use apricot, plum, or even blackberry jam for a different flavor.
- Adding nuts: For an extra texture, you can add ground nuts to the dough.
- Glaze variations: Instead of cocoa, you can try a white chocolate glaze, which will pair wonderfully with the cherry flavor.
Nutritional benefits
The chocolate cake is a good source of carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar. The cherry jam adds fiber and vitamins, while cocoa is known for its antioxidant properties. Of course, it is best to consume the dessert in moderation, but it will surely bring a smile to anyone's face.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this recipe vegan? Yes, the chocolate cherry cake is a vegan recipe as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
- Can I replace the sugar? You can use natural sweeteners, but the final result may vary in texture and taste. Try your preferred sweetener and adjust the amount according to your preferences.
- Does the cake keep well? Yes, the cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days. You can also freeze it and defrost it when you crave a delicious dessert.
Personal story
I remember how my grandmother made the chocolate cherry cake for holidays. The aroma that filled the house was simply irresistible. Each slice was an explosion of flavors, and the cocoa glaze added a layer of richness that made it everyone’s favorite. It is a recipe that brings back memories of family moments, and now I can share it with you.
I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite. Don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones, as a cake made with love always brings smiles!
Ingredients: Base: 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups water 5 tablespoons oil 5 tablespoons sour cherry jam 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 pinch baking powder 1 pinch salt rum essence flour Glaze 2 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 3 tablespoons boiling hot water 2 tablespoons cocoa
