Black Forest Parfait (Vegan)
A sweet and creamy layered dessert reminiscent of black forest cake. An egg-free, dairy-free decadent, anytime treat.
A gorgeous layered dessert with all the elements of a black forest cake—cherries, chocolate, and whipped cream. A rich chocolate pudding layered with a perfectly sweet cherry compote and topped with a light whipped cream. You can simplify assembly day by preparing the pudding and compote ahead of time. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully decadent dessert.
What you will need:
Cherries are a must for this recipe and right now they are in season. Everything else you will need to make the pudding and whipped cream are all basic items you can find at the market.
Chocolate Pudding
- see my recipe for chocolate pudding on the website – you can also make your favorite chocolate pudding or use store bought pudding
Cherry Compote
- cherries – pitted and halved
- cane sugar
- cornstarch
- lemon juice
- water
Whipped Cream
- plant based heavy cream
- cream of tartar
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
How to:
Let’s make the chocolate pudding and cherry compote first. If you would rather not prepare all the ingredients at once, you can prepare both of these recipes in advance. It’s a lot easier on assembly day if you make them ahead of time.
Please see the recipe for chocolate pudding on the website. It is simply six ingredients and 12 minutes of cooking time. It really could not get much easier.
Now for the cherry compote. In a medium pot, place the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. In a small container, combine the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pot and mix until all the ingredients are fully combined. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once the mixture thickens and the fruits break down (this took me 30 minutes), the compote is ready. Pour the compote into a heat-safe container and set aside to cool. If you are not using it right away, place it in the refrigerator once it has cooled to room temperature.
To make the whipped cream, place the heavy cream, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer. With a balloon whisk attachment, whip the mixture on high for 3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and continue whipping on high for another 3 minutes.
To assemble the desserts, you will need four serving containers. The first layer is the cherry compote. Divide the compote equally among the four containers. Make sure to spread it out evenly across the bottom of the container. Next, divide the pudding equally among the four containers. Make sure to spread it out evenly over the cherry layer. Lastly, place the whipped cream in a piping bag fitted with the tip of your choice. Pipe equal amounts of the whipped cream over the top of the pudding layer. For a final look, a cherry can be placed on top of each dessert, along with a light sprinkle of some chopped chocolate.
These desserts are best served same day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
So, let’s get started. Please make and enjoy!
Black Forest Parfait (Vegan)
Ingredients
Chocolate Pudding
- 1 cup chocolate pudding (see recipe on website – you will only need 1/2 of the recipe)
Cherry Compote
- 13 oz / 2½ cups cherries – pitted and halved
- 2 tbsp cane sugar
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp water
Whipped Cream
- ⅓ cup plant based heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- 4 tbsp powdered sugar
Optional
- extra cherries for the top of the dessert
- chopped up chocolate for the top of the dessert
Instructions
Chocolate Pudding
- See my recipe for Chocolate pudding ( you will only need 1/2 of the recipe). You can also make your favorite recipe or use store bought pudding. One cup of chocolate pudding is needed. Store the pudding in the refrigerator if not using right away.The pudding can be made a day or two ahead of time to make assembly day easier.
Cherry Compote
- To a medium pot add the cherries, lemon juice, and sugar. In a separate container, combine the cornstarch and water and mix to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the cherry mixture and stir to fully combine. Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Keep the mixture at a low simmer until it thickens and the fruit breaks down. Remember to stir occasionally through out this process. This took me 30 minutes. Once done, place the compote in a heat safe container. Let it cool to room temperature . It can be stored in the refrigerator if not using right away.The compote can be made a day or two ahead of time to make assembly day easier.
Whipped Cream
- To the bowl of a stand mixer add the heavy cream, cream of tartar and vanilla extract. Whip on high with a balloon whisk attachment for 3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and continue blending on high for another 3 minutes.
Assembly
- Divide the cherry compote equally among the 4 serving containers. Make sure it is evenly spread-out across the bottom of each container. The next layer is the pudding. Divide it equally among the 4 containers, spreading it out over the cherry layer. Lastly, the whipped cream layer. Place the whipped cream in a piping bag fitted with the tip of your choice. Pipe equal amounts of whipped cream over the top of each pudding layer. Place a cherry on top and sprinkle a little chopped-up chocolate on each dessert for a final look. These desserts are best served same day. Store the desserts in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will be fine in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
