Bad Segeberg's Black Forest Gateau: Traditional Black Forest Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of Schleswig-Holstein cuisine with this traditional Black Forest Gateau, also known as Black Forest Cake. This decadent dessert is a beloved classic, featuring layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, and whipped cream, all topped with chocolate shavings.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (20 oz) pitted sour cherries, drained
- 1/2 cup cherry brandy (Kirsch)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pale.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, combine the drained cherries and cherry brandy in a bowl. Let them macerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- To assemble the gateau, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the whipped cream over the cake, then top with half of the macerated cherries. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the layers of whipped cream and cherries.
- Garnish the top of the gateau with chocolate shavings.
- Refrigerate the gateau for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 30 minutes
- Total time:
- 1 hour
- Cooking method
- Oven
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 380 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 20g
- Protein
- 5g
Supplies
2 9-inch round cake pans Mixing bowls Electric mixer Wire rack Serving plate
Tools
Oven Refrigerator
Serving suggestions
Serve slices of Black Forest Gateau with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh cherries on the side for an elegant presentation.
Tips & tricks
For an extra indulgent touch, brush the cake layers with a bit of the cherry brandy before assembling the gateau.
Cost
$20