Making layer cakes takes at least an entire day

but this Black Forest Loaf was ready in under 2 hours
with all the same luscious flavors of the traditional Black Forest Cake!

Baking my famous Vegan Chocolate Cake into a loaf pan

then filling it up with a quick stove top cherry compote
whipped cream topping and you are done!

Easily adjust the sugar in all of these recipes

by using your favorite sugar free substitute in the cake recipe
and honestly the cherries needed no sugar at all!
vegan whipped cream can be made with zero sugar as well!

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Notes for Success

In a traditional Classic Black Forest Cake cherry brandy is a must! Kirschwasser to be exact! Did you know that by German law products specifically named Black Forest Kirschwasser can only be produced from cherries cultivated and distilled in the Black Forest region!
I did not add any brandy to my cherries this time to keep this one alcohol free, but of course add a couple tablespoons if you feel the urge! It’s so fantastic!

Using sugar free alternatives in the Chocolate Cake recipe works great however I will only substitute half of the amount with my preference of Monk Fruit Sugar. I find that replacing all of the sugar tends to make the cake dry and changes the texture too much
Be sure to read more about Sugar Free Baking here!

Frozen dark cherries was my choice for the compote as they have lots of liquid as they cook. If you are using fresh cherries you may have to add up to ¼ cup water to help the cooking process and they were super sweet on their own! Adding sugar is your option and not necessary for the compote or for the whipped cream. Adjust to your taste preference
*If you are using fresh cherries you may have to add some water to help them cook down without scorching.

Gluten Free Flour in a 1:1 Blend like Bob’s Red Mill works great in this chocolate cake recipe!

There will be slightly too much batter to fit in a standard loaf pan so I baked 4 cupcakes along with it! Alternatively you can use a larger loaf pan but I liked the look of the tall domed standard loaf

Coffee in my chocoalte cake recipe is a must as coffee enhances all the subtle nuances of chocolate cake! Of course if you do not use coffee you can replace it with water

Black Forest Loaf

Be sure to read the Notes for Success section above the recipe!

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Prep Time 35

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 20

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Loaf

3 cups All Purpose Flour
½ cup Cocoa Powder
2 teaspoons Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Granulated Sugar
2 cups Brewed Coffee
2 teaspoons Vinegar
¾ cup Vegetable Oil
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

For the Cherry Filling

1½ cups Fresh or Frozen Cherries *see notes
0-¼ cup Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Cornstarch
2 teaspoons Water

For the Icing

½ Recipe Vegan Whipped Cream
Fresh Cherries for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F & Grease a standard loaf pan ~ also line 4 cupcakes with paper *see notes
In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt & sugar. Whisk to combine well
In another mixing bowl combine the cocoa powder with the hot coffee & whisk smooth. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract & vinegar then add all the liquids to the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously to combine well
Pour the batter into your prepared pan no more than 3/4 full to the top. Use the excess batter for cupcakes or a single 6" layer
Bake immediately in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 45 minutes or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the loaf in the pan until you can easily touch them without burning yourself, then flip out onto a cooling rack to cool to cold.
Meanwhile prepare the cherry filling by combining the frozen cherries & optional sugar in a small sauce pot over medium heat stirring often to avoid scorching the bottom until the cherries start to break down & release their juices *see notes for fresh cherries
In a small bowl whisk the water & cornstarch to make a slurry. Once the cherries break down & begin to boil add the slurry to the boiling juice & whisk smooth
Remove from heat & cool to col
Once the loaf & the cherries are cold hollow out the center of the loaf & pour in the cherry compote reserving about 2 Tbs for the topping
Whip your favorite whipped cream & then ice the loaf using some of the cake crumbs & reserved cherry compote for the topping. Fresh cherry garnish is optional

Notes

Be sure to read the Notes for Success section above the recipe!

Storage Black Forest Loaf must be kept refrigerated & will stay fresh wrapped loosely for up to 5 days

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!