This recipe features extra cream for extra luxury. Big in the '70s and now making a comeback, the Black Forest gateau is the perfect mix of cream, sponge and fruit. What a revival!
Ingredients
- 45ml (3tbsp) cocoa powder
- 225g (8oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 225g (8oz) caster sugar
- 225g (8oz) self-raising flour
- 5ml (1tsp) baking powder
- 4 large eggs
For the filling and decoration:
- 411g can morello cherries in syrup
- 5ml (1tsp) cornflour
- 45ml (3tbsp) cherry brandy
- 450ml (3/4pt) double cream
- 100g (4oz) plain chocolate, grated
WEIGHT CONVERTER
You'll also need:
2 x 20cm (8in) round sandwich tins
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC, 350ºF or gas 4. Grease and base line the two sandwich tins with greaseproof paper.
- Blend the cocoa powder to a paste with 75ml (5tbsp) boiling water. Place the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and beat well with an electric whisk until thoroughly blended. Beat in the cocoa paste.
- Divide the mixture between the cake tins and bake for 20-25 mins until well risen and the tops of the cakes spring back when lightly pressed with your finger. Leave in the tins for 5 mins, then turn out on to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.
- Drain the cherries and reserve 90ml (6tbsp) of the syrup. Pour the reserved syrup into a small pan and heat gently. Blend the cornflour with 15ml (1tbsp) water and add to the pan. Boil for 1-2 mins until thickened. Add 15ml (1tbsp) of the cherry brandy and leave to cool.
- Slice each sponge cake in half horizontally. Sprinkle each sponge round with some of the remaining cherry brandy.
- Whip the cream until softly peaking. Reserve 8 whole cherries for the top of the cake and halve the rest. Spread cream over one sponge round and top with a few cherries and a little of the syrup. Top with another sponge round, more cream, cherries and syrup. Repeat once more and then top with the remaining sponge round.
- Spread the rest of the cream around the sides and over the top of the cake. Use a palette knife to press the grated chocolate into the cream around the side of the cake. Decorate the top with the reserved cherries and a little more grated chocolate.
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for mums. Established in 2007, our 15-year-strong archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles, 1,500 how-to videos, and 7,000 recipes.
-
Orange polenta and olive oil cake
This orange polenta and olive oil cake has just a handful of ingredients and will taste even better if you can bake it a couple of days ahead.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Mary Berry's chocolate roulade
Mary Berry's chocolate roulade is cooked in 20 minutes and uses only six ingredients.
By Mary Berry Last updated
-
Baileys hot chocolate
This Baileys hot chocolate recipe is 418 calories per portion and has six core ingredients.
By Rosie Conroy Last updated
-
Steak and salsa wraps
Our steak and salsa wraps are one of those build-you-own suppers the teens in your house will love...
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Trifle cake
This trifle cake has all the elements of the classic British pudding but we’ve made it dairy-free
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Coconut and pineapple ice lollies
Our coconut and pineapple ice lollies are healthier and cheaper than shop-bought lollies and you only need four ingredients plus your chosen decorations.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
King Charles and Camilla's Madame Tussauds waxworks hit with chocolate cake by protestors
Protestors threw chocolate cake at King Charles and Camilla's Madame Tussauds waxwork
By Selina Maycock Published
-
McVitie's is launching a new Jaffa Cake flavour but we still can't decide if it's a biscuit or a cake
The controversial biscuit/cake snack is getting a makeover from its traditional zesty orange taste
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Is Sitting in Bars with Cake a true story? Everything we know about the Prime Video movie
Is Sitting in Bars with Cake a true story? As the tearjerking movie arrives to Prime Video, we take a look at the truth behind the tale.
By Lucy Wigley Published