Decadent Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake: Your New Favorite Gluten-Free & Oil-Free Dessert

Experience pure indulgence with our Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake, crafted with nourishing almond flour, rich cacao, and an abundance of luscious cherries. Crowned with a luxurious Chocolate SunButter frosting, this dessert promises a truly decadent, guilt-free treat.

A European Dessert Tradition Reimagined: The Inspiration Behind This Vegan Delight

There’s a distinct charm to European traditions, especially when they involve culinary delights. In Germany, for instance, it’s a delightful custom to host guests for afternoon tea and cake, often *before* the main dinner. This might seem unconventional to those accustomed to desserts served only as a grand finale, but it speaks volumes about the culture’s appreciation for enjoying sweet moments and good company throughout the day.

My boyfriend, M, has a mother who is a true culinary artist, particularly when it comes to baking. Her Black Forest Cake, served during these German afternoon tea times, was nothing short of an epiphany. Imagine layers of incredibly fluffy chocolate cake, generously studded with perfectly juicy cherries, and enveloped in a cloud of sweet buttercream frosting. It was an experience that truly transcended ordinary desserts and left an indelible mark on my palate. The harmonious blend of dark chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy sweetness was simply unforgettable.

Growing up in the U.S., my dessert philosophy was quite different. Dessert was always a cherished reward, something earned only after diligently finishing all the broccoli and Brussels sprouts on my plate. So, when M’s mom offered me a slice of her legendary Black Forest Cake, I politely took a small one, fully intending to savor just a bite or two to leave room for dinner. Oh, how spectacularly wrong I was!

That plan instantly failed. The cake was so unbelievably delicious, so perfectly balanced in its richness and fruitiness, that I found myself unable to stop. Each forkful was a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s not every day you’re in Germany, enjoying a homemade cake of that caliber, baked with immense love by your boyfriend’s mom. Every morsel was a treasure, and I meticulously collected every last crumb with the back of my fork. If M’s extended family hadn’t been present, I confess, I might have even licked the plate clean with absolutely no shame!

Crafting the Perfect Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free Chocolate Cherry Cake

Ever since that unforgettable experience, I’ve been on a mission to recreate a vegan and gluten-free chocolate cake that captures the magic and essence of that German Black Forest masterpiece. And I’m thrilled to say, this Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake is my heartfelt ode to that cherished memory. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration – rich, incredibly moist, intensely chocolatey, and delightfully bursting with luscious cherries. To make it even more special, it’s crowned with a luxurious Chocolate SunButter frosting, offering a wholesome twist on traditional buttercream.

This is the kind of cake that will challenge your mealtime conventions – you’ll find yourself wanting to eat dessert first, and honestly, who could blame you when it’s this good? What makes this recipe truly stand out is its commitment to being not only vegan and gluten-free, but also oil-free and refined-sugar-free. This ensures that you can enjoy every single bite without compromise, confident that you’re indulging in a treat that’s both nourishing and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect solution for sharing a wholesome yet decadent dessert with everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences or restrictions.

Wholesome Ingredients for an Unforgettable Flavor and Texture

Despite its luxurious appearance and incredible taste, this Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake relies on a surprisingly simple list of wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect tender texture and deeply satisfying flavor profile. This thoughtful selection ensures a cake that is naturally delicious and nourishing from the inside out. Here’s a closer look at what makes this cake so special:

• Super-fine Almond Flour: As the primary flour for our gluten-free cake, almond flour provides a wonderfully tender crumb and a delicate, slightly nutty flavor that beautifully complements the chocolate and cherry notes. It’s also a fantastic source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, contributing to a more wholesome and satisfying dessert experience compared to traditional flour.
• Raw Cacao Powder: For that deep, intense, and authentic chocolate flavor, we opt for raw cacao powder. It’s less processed than conventional cocoa powder, meaning it retains more of its natural antioxidants and offers a richer, more complex chocolate essence without the added sugars or bitterness often associated with baking chocolate. This truly elevates the chocolate profile of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Our essential leavening agent ensures the cake rises beautifully and evenly, creating that desirable fluffy and light texture. It’s crucial for achieving the perfect lift without the need for eggs, making the cake wonderfully airy.
• Maple Syrup: Nature’s golden sweetener, pure maple syrup provides a delicate and nuanced sweetness that perfectly enhances the natural flavors of the cacao and cherries. Importantly, it keeps the cake entirely refined-sugar-free. Its liquid consistency also contributes significantly to the cake’s exceptional moistness, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
• Chocolate SunButter: This ingredient is truly the undisputed star of our recipe, showcasing its versatility by being used both in the cake batter and as a heavenly, single-ingredient frosting. Chocolate SunButter offers a rich, incredibly creamy, and undeniably decadent chocolatey sunflower seed butter spread. What makes it even better is that it’s surprisingly low in sugar and packed with plant-based protein. It’s the secret to the cake’s incredible moistness, binding power, and adds a unique depth of nutty chocolate flavor that truly sets this cake apart.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: This plant-based milk provides the necessary liquid to bring the batter together, ensuring a smooth and consistent mix while keeping the cake completely dairy-free. It’s a light and neutral base that allows other flavors to shine.
• Cherry Juice: To enhance the cherry flavor throughout the cake and further boost its moist texture, we add cherry juice. This infuses every bite with a bright, fruity note, intensifying the classic chocolate-cherry pairing.
• Lemon Juice: A small but mighty addition, a touch of lemon juice acts as an acidic component. It reacts with the baking powder to aid in leavening, contributing to the cake’s rise. Furthermore, it brightens the overall flavor profile, subtly balancing the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients.
• Dark Sweet Cherries: The very heart of the cake! Whether you choose fresh or frozen (thawed) dark sweet cherries, they add irresistible bursts of juicy, tart-sweet goodness. These plump cherries are absolutely essential for that iconic and beloved chocolate-cherry combination, making each slice a delightful experience.

And that’s truly it! This thoughtful selection of simple, high-quality ingredients comes together to create a cake that’s both effortless to prepare and sophisticated in taste, proving that healthy can be utterly delicious.

Baking This “Piece of Cake” – Your Effortless Guide to Deliciousness

While the final presentation of this cake might suggest a complex, multi-step baking endeavor worthy of a professional pastry chef, I assure you, it’s quite literally a “piece of cake” to make. Pun absolutely intended! The simplicity of this recipe is one of its most charming qualities, making it accessible even for novice bakers.

Preparation is Key: Setting Up for Success

First things first, let’s get your oven ready. Preheat it to a steady 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated throughout before your cake goes in. This consistent temperature is crucial for even baking. While the oven preheats, prepare your chosen cake pan. I found a classic circular cake pan gives it that traditional, elegant dessert look, but don’t feel limited! A square baking dish works wonderfully for a more casual, easy-to-slice sheet cake presentation, or even a pie pan if you’re aiming for a slightly different aesthetic. The key is to use anything of a similar size to ensure your cake bakes evenly and thoroughly.

To prevent any sticking and guarantee an effortless release of your beautiful cake, generously line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper. This creates a reliable non-stick barrier and makes transferring the cooled cake a breeze, preserving its perfect shape. As a fantastic alternative, you can lightly grease the entire pan (bottom and sides) with a small amount of coconut oil or another plant-based oil, then dust it with a little almond flour or raw cacao powder. This technique also helps to create a non-stick surface, ensuring a clean lift every time.

Mixing the Batter to Velvety Perfection

Now for the magic! In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry and wet ingredients for the cake. This includes the super-fine almond flour, raw cacao powder, baking powder, pure maple syrup, the star ingredient – Chocolate SunButter, unsweetened almond milk, tart cherry juice, and a splash of lemon juice.

Stir everything together thoroughly. You’ll want to mix until it’s beautifully well-combined, completely smooth, and without any visible clumps. Take your time with this step, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. The consistency you’re aiming for is thick and wonderfully sticky. This rich, dense batter is what will ultimately give our cake its incredible moistness and deliciously decadent chewiness. Avoid overmixing, however, as this can sometimes lead to a tougher cake. Mix just until combined.

Preparing and Layering the Cherries for Bursting Flavor

Next up, it’s time to get your star fruit – the cherries – perfectly ready. If you’re utilizing frozen cherries for this recipe, it’s essential to thaw them in advance. This crucial step ensures that they release their delicious, natural juices into the cake as it bakes, rather than introducing excess water that could alter the batter’s consistency. If fresh cherries are your preferred choice, make sure to thoroughly wash, halve, and pit them. Pitting them beforehand ensures every delightful bite of cake is pure bliss, free from any unexpected hard pits, providing a seamless and enjoyable eating experience.

To achieve those beautiful, even layers of chocolatey cake and juicy cherries, we’ll alternate between batter and fruit. Begin by carefully adding half of the prepared cake batter evenly to the bottom of your baking pan. Gently spread it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, consistent base. Then, artfully arrange half of your pitted and halved cherries evenly over this first layer of batter. Try to distribute them so every slice gets a generous amount.

Next, carefully spread the remaining batter over the cherries, ensuring it covers them as much as possible to encapsulate their juiciness. Finally, top this second batter layer with the last of your cherries. This thoughtful layering technique guarantees that every single slice of cake you serve will have a delightful, balanced distribution of rich chocolatey cake and vibrant, juicy cherries, creating a truly irresistible experience.

Baking to Perfection and The Star Ingredient Spotlight: Chocolate SunButter

Once your cake is perfectly layered and ready, carefully transfer the cake pan to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always good to keep an eye on it. The cake is ready when it’s mostly firm to the touch in the center and the edges have turned a lovely, slightly brown hue, indicating a beautifully cooked exterior. A reliable test is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean, perhaps with a few moist crumbs attached, which signifies a perfectly baked, wonderfully moist cake rather than an overbaked dry one.

While your cake is filling your kitchen with its irresistible, warm aroma, let’s take a moment to truly appreciate why Chocolate SunButter is unequivocally the star of this recipe. It’s far more than just an ingredient; it’s a revelation. This unique sunflower seed butter spread is incredibly rich, wonderfully creamy, and undeniably decadent. What’s more, it’s packed with beneficial plant-based protein, making this dessert more satisfying and offering a healthier boost, and it’s surprisingly low in sugar, allowing for a guilt-free indulgence.

Its remarkable versatility shines through as we smartly incorporate this delicious, chocolatey spread not only within the cake batter itself – lending it incomparable moisture and a delightful nutty depth – but also as the ultimate, effortlessly luxurious one-ingredient frosting. This clever dual-use strategy not only simplifies the recipe significantly but also maximizes flavor and nutritional value, truly making this cake a wholesome masterpiece.

The Art of Decorating: Elevating Your Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake to Perfection

Once your delectable cake emerges from the oven, golden-brown and filling your home with its irresistible fragrance, a crucial and fun step begins: decorating! This is where you can truly unleash your creativity and make the cake your own, adding personal touches that enhance both its visual appeal and its already incredible flavor. While the cake bakes and subsequently cools to room temperature, it’s the perfect time to prepare your toppings and gather your decorating tools, envisioning your masterpiece.

Recommended Toppings for a Show-Stopping Finish:

• Chocolate SunButter: As previously mentioned, this serves as our incredibly simple yet supremely decadent frosting. Its wonderfully creamy texture makes it an absolute dream to spread smoothly across the cake, and its rich, deep flavor perfectly complements the chocolate and cherry base. It’s a healthy frosting you’ll crave!
• Fresh or Thawed Cherries (pitted and halved): A few extra, perfectly ripe cherries, artfully arranged on top, not only add a vibrant pop of color but also reinforce the cake’s primary flavor profile, promising even more juicy, tart-sweet bites in every slice.
• Shaved Dark Chocolate: For an elegant, sophisticated touch and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, finely shaved dark chocolate sprinkles beautifully over the frosting. It adds both a delightful textural contrast and a stunning visual appeal, making your cake look professionally finished.

Frosting and Presentation Tips: Achieving a Beautiful Finish

You *could* serve the cake as is, perhaps with a simple dusting of raw cacao powder for a minimalistic, rustic approach. However, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the extra step to top it with the luscious Chocolate SunButter. It truly transforms the cake into a “good-for-you” frosting that’s both wonderfully indulgent and surprisingly wholesome, enhancing the entire dessert experience. The absolute key here is patience: allow the cake to cool *completely* – I mean, completely! – before you even think about applying the frosting. A warm cake will simply melt the SunButter, resulting in a runny, messy glaze instead of a beautifully smooth, creamy layer.

Once the cake is perfectly cool to the touch, scoop a generous dollop of Chocolate SunButter onto the very center of the cake. Using an offset spatula, the back of a spoon, or even a knife, gently spread it outwards towards the edges, creating a nice, even layer across the entire top surface. Don’t strive for absolute perfection; rustic swirls and a homemade touch can be incredibly charming and inviting!

Finally, let your creativity truly flow with the optional toppings. Arrange more pitted cherries in a pretty, concentric pattern, scatter them randomly for a more natural look, or create an elegant border around the edge of the cake. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of finely shaved dark chocolate over everything. The gorgeous contrast of the dark chocolate against the creamy SunButter and the vibrant red cherries is simply stunning and makes for an irresistible presentation.

And just like that, your magnificent Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake is ready to serve. It’s truly tea time, friends – or any time you fancy a slice of pure, unadulterated joy that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!

Optimal Storage and Delightful Sharing of Your Delicious Creation

To ensure your exquisite cake remains fresh and delectable, store it at room temperature, covered, for up to three days. For optimal longevity and to preserve its moist texture, if you wish to extend its life, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to one full week. The flavors, much like a fine wine, often continue to meld and deepen over time, making it arguably even more delicious the next day after the ingredients have had a chance to fully settle and harmonize!

I recently had the distinct pleasure of sharing this very cake with my wonderful girlfriends when I hosted our February book club gathering. Even though it might not have looked quite as pristine and picture-perfect as the photos you see here (sometimes, the delightful chaos of baking and last-minute prepping happens!), they absolutely adored it. There’s something truly special and heartwarming about sharing homemade treats, especially when they cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor, texture, or luxuriousness. This cake proves that healthy and inclusive can be incredibly delicious.

Versatility and Enjoyment: The Perfect Cake for Any Occasion

This Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect dessert for a myriad of occasions, big or small. Whether you’re celebrating a cherished birthday, hosting an elegant dinner party, or simply find yourself with an intense, undeniable craving for something wonderfully chocolatey and delightfully cherry-infused, this cake fits the bill perfectly. Its wholesome, plant-based ingredients and incredible taste ensure it will be a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table, regardless of their dietary preferences.

You also have the wonderful freedom to customize its presentation to match the mood and formality of your gathering. You can opt to leave it unfrosted, embracing more of a rustic, charming sheet-pan cake vibe – perfect for a casual family dessert or a potluck. Or, for a truly impressive display, you can go all out with the generous, creamy Chocolate SunButter frosting, artfully arranged fresh cherries, and elegant dark chocolate shavings for a truly show-stopping finish that will impress any guest and become the centerpiece of your dessert table.

This cake pairs exquisitely with a warm mug of freshly brewed coffee, offering a comforting and indulgent experience that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon or an after-dinner treat. Alternatively, a tall, frosty glass of unsweetened almond milk makes for a refreshing and delightful complement, highlighting the cake’s rich flavors without overpowering them. The best part, undoubtedly, is its inclusive nature: it’s entirely vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. This means you can confidently share it with friends and family members who have diverse dietary wants and needs, ensuring that absolutely everyone can enjoy a slice of this heavenly creation without any worries.

Enjoy every delightful bite! This cake stands as a delicious testament that decadent, satisfying desserts can indeed be wholesome, nourishing, and wonderfully accommodating to all.

Share Your Delicious Creations and Connect with Me!

If you embark on the delightful journey of making this Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is incredibly invaluable and genuinely helps me continue to create more delicious, wholesome, and accessible recipes for all of you. Please be sure to leave me a comment, a rating, and a review below – I truly appreciate hearing about your culinary adventures and how these recipes come to life in your own kitchens.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to showcase your stunning creations. I absolutely adore seeing how you interpret and personalize these recipes!

For even more plant-based recipe inspiration, make sure to check out my Pinterest page. You can pin more delightful recipes like this one to your boards, saving them to try out later whenever the craving strikes.

Craving even more rich, chocolatey goodness? You won’t want to miss my popular Vegan Chocolate Cake with Sweet Potato Frosting. It’s another fantastic, wholesome, and surprisingly delicious twist on a classic favorite that I’m sure you’ll love.

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XO Lauren

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