On this (first!) episode of Between Friends - the vegan baking podcast - we hike into new territory as we test out a German classic, the Black Forest. Bake along as we discuss the merits of different kinds of plant based whip. As we eagerly wait for our cake to bake, we chat about something that's just as important to us as plant based cream alternatives - building communities in our cities.

Follow us on insta @betweenfriendsbakes to see the final results. And as always, please rate, review and let us know what plant based delights we can bring to your pod feed. 

Bake along  with the recipe here:
-450g plain flour
-100g cocoa powder
-280g caster sugar
-½ tsp salt
-½ tsp baking soda
-2 tsp baking powder
-525ml plant based milk
-25ml espresso or ½ tsp espresso powder
-180ml neutral oil
-1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-2 tsp vanilla extract

Filling: 
1 x pack of Soyatoo whip
130g tinned cherries
3tbsp of cornflour
50g icing sugar
2 tbsps of brandy

1. Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Whisk to combine and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil, espresso (or espresso powder), apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and stir to combine.
3. Pour the batter as evenly as possible into the two lined cake tins. Bake the cakes for 30 mins at 165 degrees.
4. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes, then remove them from their tins. Prick the cakes a few times with a skewer and while cakes are warm, drizzle each with 2 tbsp of brandy (if using). Let the cakes cool completely.
5. Prepare the cherry filling. Warm tinned cherries with juice and icing sugar on the stove. Dissolve cornflour with a bit if water and add into cherry mixture, add more cornflour to thicken if needed. Allow to cool.
6. Place the first cake, faced down, on a cake stand or large dish. Spread the soya whip evenly over the cake, then spoon over the cherry jam mixture. Stack the second cake, faced down, on top of the filling.
7. Spread the soya whip over the top. Arrange a few cherries on top of the cream, and sprinkle it with chocolate shavings.