Description
Indulgent Black Forest Gateau brings German chocolate magic to dessert lovers, blending rich layers of cocoa sponge, kirsch-soaked cherries, and luscious whipped cream. Sweet memories cascade through each luxurious slice, inviting you to savor a classic culinary treasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water or strong coffee
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
- 2 x 15 ounces (425 grams) dark sweet cherries in heavy syrup
- 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur
- 8 ounces (225 grams) semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare chocolate cake layers, ensuring even baking and allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Craft a rich cherry syrup by simmering cherries with kirsch, reducing the liquid to intensify flavor and create a concentrated syrup.
- Prepare a velvety chocolate ganache by gently melting chocolate with cream, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Whip fresh cream to soft peaks, creating a light and airy texture for layering.
- Begin assembling the gateau by placing the first chocolate cake layer on a serving plate, generously brushing with cherry syrup.
- Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the soaked cake, then carefully arrange fresh or preserved cherries across the surface.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake layers, ensuring each is moistened with syrup and generously covered with cream and cherries.
- Smooth whipped cream around the entire cake’s exterior, creating a clean and elegant finish.
- Drizzle the prepared chocolate ganache in an artful pattern over the cake’s surface, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Refrigerate the Black Forest gateau for at least 2 hours to set and allow flavors to meld, then slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Infuse the chocolate cake layers with kirsch-soaked cherries for an authentic, rich German flavor profile.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache to enhance the cake’s deep, complex taste and create a luxurious texture.
- Whip cream just until soft peaks form to ensure a light, airy frosting that doesn’t become grainy or over-beaten.
- Allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before serving, which helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg