Desserts > Cake > Chocolate Cakes > Black Forest Gateaus

Black Forest Gateau with Chocolate Sponge Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup hot water
- 2 cans of cherry pie filling
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings

Special equipment needed:
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Cake leveler or serrated knife
- Piping bag with star tip

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.

5. Slowly pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

9. Once the cakes are cooled, use a cake leveler or serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes.

10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cherry pie filling on top.

11. Place the second cake layer on top of the cherry filling.

12. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

13. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the second cake layer.

14. Pipe rosettes of whipped cream around the edge of the cake.

15. Fill the center of the cake with more cherry pie filling.

16. Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream and cherry pie filling.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
12 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 520
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 540mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 43g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Can use a chocolate cake mix instead of making the chocolate sponge from scratch.
- Can use whipped topping instead of making whipped cream from scratch.
- Can use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling.

Variations:
- Can add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
- Can add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry pie filling.
- Can use a different type of fruit filling, such as raspberry or blueberry.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before assembling the cake.
- Use a cake leveler or serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes for a more even cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving for easier slicing.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Serve the cake cold.

Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder for a finishing touch.
- Place fresh cherries on top of the cake for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries
- Cocoa powder

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot cocoa
- Red wine

Suggested side dishes:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake layers are domed, use a serrated knife to level them.
- If the whipped cream is too runny, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before piping it onto the cake.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the cake is stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
- Use pasteurized eggs to prevent the risk of salmonella.

Food history:
The Black Forest Gateau, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in German, originated in the Black Forest region of Germany in the early 1900s. It is a layered cake made with chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherry filling, and is often garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

Flavor profiles:
The Black Forest Gateau has a rich chocolate flavor with a hint of cherry sweetness.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Black Forest Gateau as a dessert for a special occasion or holiday meal.

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Region: German

Taste: Rich, Chocolaty, Sweet, Creamy, Decadent