With it being my Dad's birthday today I wanted to bake him something that he'd appreciate. Last year I made him a Black Forest trifle. This year (as always) I decided to do a bit experimenting and make him Black Forest styled cakes that I could also eat. So this one's for you Dad, Happy Birthday!

These are vegan and are gluten, dairy, egg and nut free. 

Mini Black Forest Cakes

(Makes 8)

Ingredients:

 For the cake

70g avocado flesh

110g maple syrup

175g gluten free plain flour (70g oat flour & 105g rice flour)

25g cacao powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

120ml rice milk

75ml rapeseed oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cherry filling

2 cups cherries 

1 teaspoon chia seeds

optional: 2 teaspoons Kirsch 

For the cream

150g firm silken tofu

50ml rice cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the chocolate ganache

50g dairy free chocolate, finely chopped

50ml rice cream

Method:

1. Heat the oven to 180 degrees and grease a mini sandwich tray or you could use a muffin tray. 

2. Whisk the avocado with the maple syrup until smooth.

3. Sieve in the flour and cacao powder. Add in the rest of the ingredients and fold until they're fully incorporated. 

4. Divide the mixture into the greased tray, I use an ice cream scoop to get an even measure of mixture into each case. 

5. Put in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

6. Place the cakes onto a cooling rack. Whilst they're cooling you can make the cherry filling. 

7. Place the cherries into a small pan and gently heat, squashing them once they become soft. Add in the Kirsch if using. Stir in the chia seeds and remove from heat. Leave to cool. 

8. For the cream, whisk together the tofu, cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.

9. Next, for the chocolate ganache, heat the cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour the cream over the chopped chocolate and mix until smooth. 

10. Now to assemble the cakes, cut each cake in half and put about a tablespoon of cream on the bottom half, followed by a dollop of the cherry filling. Place the top half on top and repeat this with the rest of the cakes.

11. To finish, spread a little chocolate ganache on each cake and top with a cherry.