This cake combines the richness of Black Forest flavors with the moist texture of a Tres Leches cake. It’s egg-free, can be made dairy-free, and is super simple to make!
Vegan Black Forest Tres Leches Cake
This Black Forest Tres Leches Cake features a rich fudgy chocolate sponge soaked in a cherry chocolate triple milk mixture, topped with gooey cherry jam, velvety whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. It’s the perfect blend of two incredible desserts!
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
This Vegan Black Forest Tres Leches Cake is a decadent fusion of two beloved desserts, combining the deep, rich flavors of Black Forest cake with the irresistibly moist texture of Tres Leches. The chocolate sponge is perfectly fudgy, soaking up the luscious cherry-infused triple milk mixture for a truly indulgent bite. Topped with sweet cherry jam, velvety whipped cream, and a generous sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings, each slice offers a delightful balance of chocolatey richness, fruity tartness, and creamy goodness. Plus, it’s egg-free and can be made entirely dairy-free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy!
Perfect Occasion:
This cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any celebratory occasion. Its rich flavors and luxurious texture make it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive gathering where you want to impress your guests. Given its chilled nature, it’s also an excellent choice for summer parties or as a cool, refreshing treat to end a special dinner. Its blend of familiar and exotic flavors makes it versatile enough for both casual family gatherings and more formal events.
Decoration Tips:
To make your Vegan Black Forest Tres Leches Cake as visually stunning as it is delicious, consider these decoration ideas:
- Chocolate Curls: Instead of just sprinkling chocolate shavings, create elegant chocolate curls using a vegetable peeler on a block of dark chocolate. These curls add a touch of sophistication and make the cake look like it came straight from a high-end patisserie.
- Fresh Cherries: Garnish the top of the cake with a few fresh cherries with stems intact. This not only reinforces the Black Forest theme but also adds a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
- Cherry Drizzle: For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, drizzle a bit of cherry syrup or reduced cherry juice over the whipped cream before adding the chocolate shavings. The red streaks will contrast beautifully with the white cream and dark chocolate.
- Whipped Cream Piping: If you want to elevate the cake’s appearance, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe decorative swirls of whipped cream along the edges or in a pattern on top of the cake. This adds texture and a professional finish.
- Edible Gold Dust: For a touch of glamour, lightly dust the top of the cake with edible gold dust. This subtle shimmer will catch the light and make your cake look even more luxurious.
By incorporating these decoration tips, your Vegan Black Forest Tres Leches Cake will not only be a delight to the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion!
Black Forest Tres Leches Cake
Ingredients
Chocolate Sponge:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup plant-based milk almond, soy, or oat
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt soy or coconut
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cherry Chocolate Triple Milk Mixture:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup dairy-free condensed milk coconut or oat-based
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup cherry juice or syrup
Topping:
- 1½ cups cherry jam
- 1½ cups dairy-free whipped cream coconut or soy-based
- 1 cup dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Sponge:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, dairy-free yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cherry Chocolate Triple Milk Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, dairy-free condensed milk, almond milk, cocoa powder, and cherry juice or syrup until well combined.
Soak the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface.
- Slowly pour the cherry chocolate milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it absorbs evenly.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the milk mixture to fully absorb into the sponge.
Assemble the Cake:
- The next day, spread the cherry jam evenly over the soaked cake.
- Top with a generous layer of dairy-free whipped cream.
- Finish by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings over the top.
Serve:
- Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled.
- Enjoy this indulgent and moist Black Forest Tres Leches Cake!
Notes
- Chocolate Sponge: Ensure the sponge is fully cooled before adding the milk mixture to avoid it becoming too soggy.
- Cherry Jam: You can use store-bought cherry jam or make your own by simmering cherries with sugar and a bit of lemon juice until thickened.
- Serving: This cake is best enjoyed chilled to enhance the flavors and texture.
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.