This post is also available in: French
We thought it would be nice to share a comforting treat, when a large part of the country is waiting for Irene, and so many people are stuck indoors. This time around, we’ve been lucky enough to stay out of the storm’s way. But having lived in Florida for almost a decade, we know how painful hurricane business can get.
When I think of cozying up at home, the first thing that comes to mind is a steaming cup of tea. I like all kinds – green, black, mate, rooibos, and oolong – it all depends on the season and mood. And tea happens to be the perfect accompaniment to a rich, chocolate dessert.
I think it’s safe to say that these layer cakes are our favourite raw dessert out of all I’ve made. We loved them. So much, in fact, that I prepared them twice already.
I put together those chocolate layers with what I had on hand that day, by just throwing different ingredients into a blender and hoping for the best. Don’t you just love when a recipe, that was created on the go turns out well? Coming up with the flavours for the yogurt cream was easy, chocolate is always so enhanced, when combined with either orange or raspberries (or any red berry, really).
First time around, I used rare, frozen berries like black currants, cowberries, and black sour cherries, along with regular fresh raspberries. Black currants and sour cherries give that rich colour and unique, tart flavour to the cream. On the second try, I only used raspberries and blueberries, and the cakes still turned out quite delicious, though a bit less striking in appearance.
And the orange cakes – well, those got the popular vote, as no one could resist the zesty flavour next to the creamy textures and dark cacao layers.
Time to cozy up with a cup of tea. Please stay safe!
Chocolate Layer Cakes with Black Cherry and Orange
Chocolate layers
3 cups nut or coconut milk
6 tablespoons cacao powder
4 tablespoons cocoa nibs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons coconut flakes
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup sprouted pecan butter or almond butter
3/4 cup sweetener of your choice (I used Jerusalem artichoke syrup)
1/2 cup almond flour
1 1/2 cups ground flax seeds
3 tablespoons maca powder (optional)
2 tablespoons lucuma powder (optional)
In a high speed blender, combine all the ingredients until smooth. Spread evenly on 5 Teflex lined dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 115F for about 6-8 hours, or overnight. Flip and peel the Teflex sheet away, then continue to dehydrate on screens only until completely dry. Cut each cracker into 4 pieces, you should end up with 20 total.
Yogurt Cream
1 cup macadamia nuts- soaked overnight
1 cup cashews – soaked overnight
2 tablespoons light agave syrup
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons raw honey
zest of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon nutritional yeast
pinch of salt
8 tablespoons Bio-k acidophilus
1 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons sunflower lecithin (optional) – really good for you
In a high speed blender, combine all of the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Orange Cream
1/2 of the amount of yogurt cream
zest of 3 oranges
1 orange – peeled and cut into chunks
In a high speed blender, combine all the ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before spreading.
Berry Cream
half of yogurt cream
any berries of your choice – add until you achieve the desired colour
If using raspberries or blackberries, puree them first, then run through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
In a high speed blender, combine all the ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before spreading.
Assembly
Spread a thin layer of the cream on chocolate crackers layer by layer, sprinkling with cocoa nibs on top of each layer. You can use all 10 pieces to make a 10 layer high cake each – orange and berry. Or you can make 8 layer cakes, like we did, and eat the remaining crackers for a snack.
Refrigerate the prepared cakes for 1-2 hours until set and ready to be cut. Cut each cake into 4 even pieces with a sharp knife. Decorate with cocoa nibs, orange slices and berries. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Zita says
This looks perfect and yum! I wish I could have a dehydrator to make this cake! One day I will have one… until then I can only dream about this cake! :)
Olya Olya S. says
very nice!
Kasi Bern says
OMG… I love these layer cakes :)
RJ Mesana says
Can’t believe that such beautiful delicacy is “raw”. . .bravo. . .looks absolutely delish!
RJ Mesana says
I love beautiful photography. I am so in “AW” of the journalistic-style of the photography in your blogs. Its like perusing through a fashion magazine. . .but,instead of clothes, its the FOOD that is so eye catching. Thanks for sharing your art. . .
Sarah (Snippets of Thyme) says
Those are beautiful! They burst with colors and fresh flavors.
Sous Chef Sean says
Amazingly delightful looking! I love the way you describe your culinary creations and the flavors you combine. Who needs processed sugar when you have the sweetness of berries? Wonderful writing, perfect photography. Where were you formally trained?
Julie Brendmoen Crowe says
Brilliant!!
Anna Korolkova Zvagelsky says
amazing, again. Thank you :)
I’m not inviting Irene for a cup of tea though , lol
Hazel Raby says
you and your blog make my jaw drop. every time- seriously there needs to be a raw hall of fame and you need to be inducted.
Elena Bensonoff says
Wow,looks amazing! I would love to try it. I wish I could make it,but with nut ingredients I will not be able to.
myfudo says
That’s an elegant work of art. It also reminds of sansrival.
The Procrastobaker says
Oh my gooodnesss, these are beautiful. Truly. And if they taste anywhere near as good as they look then i am extremely envious! :) gorrgeouuss
Zhenya Beloshapkina says
OMG! Its my type of deserts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ylana33 says
WOWWWWW….
I´m Only speack spanish, but I understand english when im reading recipies … thanks, your recipies and pictures are soooo beautifull .. thanks again…
Ylana
Lisa says
Those cakes are works of art! The photo with the tea and cherries brings back memories of my paternal grandparents who used black cherries to sweeten their tea.
Donna says
Excited to have found you.. seriously need/want a dehydrator now so I can make cake… mmmmmm… caaaaaaaake… :D
Tartepink says
Wow!! Looks wonderful! I will bookmark and try this when I buy a dehydrator!
la domestique says
So pretty!
René Onstenk says
Just WoW!
Ina Todoran says
It looks amazing!
Elenore (E) says
Om goddess! Looks stunning and so soothing<3
April says
I just love your pictures, they are beautiful!! The cake looks delicious!
Karima Maruan says
Beauty !!!!!!
Aparna Venkataraman says
Gorgeous!
Laura says
so artistic and gorgeous! you never fail to be such an amazing inspiration for me!
angiconst says
Those cakes look sansational :) Congratulations!
Love, Angela.
Julie the Alkaline Sister says
Ooooh La La, gorgeous! Wish I lived closer to pop in for tea with this kind of tea treat! What is the benefit of Bio-k acidophilus for the recipe?-thickener?? I haven’t come across this at all, nor used it ever. Gorgeous shots once again.
Pilar. Cook and Spoon says
Those cakes look just amazing and I bet they are delicious with or without a cup of tea. Me tea, please! Thanks for the recipe.
Golubka says
Thanks so much for your comments, girls and guys! Hope everyone stayed safe.
RJ Mesana, that’s so nice, thank you!
Sean, too nice with the formal training question :)
Myfudo, thank you. And yes, very sansrival like.
Julie, thank you! The acidophilus is a live culture and gives the creme a yogurt-like taste, you could possibly leave it out.
Nataliya Scarberry says
It looks dangerously good. This 4th day in last 6 i am making tarts.Can not stop , i need an intervention:)
Nataliya Scarberry says
Zhenya it is everybody’s type
veggie wedgie says
Wow these look incredible!
Hope says
I found you via Flickr and am absolutely in love with your pictures, blog and recipes! Amazing! x
Jo-Ann Eccher says
sunflower lecithin sounds wonderful since my son is allergic to soy – what is your source for sunflower lecithin? cant wait to try these beautiful cakes.
VeganLisa says
I would happily stay safe and sound in home with a slice of your lovely cakes. Thank your for the recipe and the comforting words.
xo
Caro Fernandez says
Your blog is absolutely beautiful and inspiring
Golubka says
Thanks again for your comments!
Jo-Ann, we get this brand sunflower lecithin.
The food club says
Beautiful pics & cakes – yum!
Nimi says
I tried this, super yummy!! We had to make ourselves stop from eating all of it. Thanks for the great recipe.
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Best Chocolates In India says
Confused about what to gift to your loved ones on Valentines Day?? I think gifting a chocolate will be good this time: For delivery any where in india for customised photo chocolates Contact Chocolate Hut:9246217112 (or) info@ChocolateHut.in