Oil-Free Black Forest Cake
[Vegan]

To Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix together flour, cacao, and baking soda.
3. Blend the bananas, cherries, water, and extract (if using) until smooth.
4. Mix the wet mixture with the dry mixture.
5. Fold in the apple cider vinegar.
6. Transfer to an 8-inch round cake pan lined with baking paper.
7. Bake for 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
8. Let the cake cool.

To Make the Cream:

1. Stir together all the cream ingredients until there are no lumps.
2. Bring to the boil while stirring. The cream will thicken.
3. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to assemble the cake. It will thicken as it cools.

To Make the Cherry Jam:

1. Blend the cherries and chia seeds on low speed for 30 seconds, or until broken down slightly.
2. Let the jam sit for 10 minutes or longer, to thicken.

To Assemble:

1. When the cake is cool, slice in half so you have 2 circles.
2. Place one circle on a serving plate.
3. Spread about half the cream on the cake and top with cherry chia jam.
4. Place the other cake half on top and spread the rest of the cream on top.
5. Top with the extra cherries and dust with confectioner's sugar or stevia powder, if using.