Black Forest gateau

Black Forest gateau is a traditional dessert that originated in Germany, but it is also popular in England. The dessert consists of layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries. The cake is usually soaked in Kirsch, a cherry-flavored liqueur, and decorated with chocolate shavings and more cherries. The name "Black Forest" comes from the Black Forest region in Germany, which is known for its cherry orchards and the production of Kirsch. Black Forest gateau is a popular dessert in England and can be found in many cafes and restaurants throughout the country.

Here's a recipe for Black Forest gateau that you can try at home:

Ingredients: 

For the chocolate sponge cake:

1. 175g caster sugar
2. 175g unsalted butter, softened
3. 3 large eggs
4. 150g self-raising flour
5. 25g cocoa powder
6. 1 tsp baking powder
7. 2 tbsp milk

For the cherry filling:

1. 400g can of pitted cherries, drained
2. 3 tbsp Kirsch or cherry brandy
3. 2 tbsp cornflour
4. 2 tbsp caster sugar

For the whipped cream:

1. 600ml double cream
2. 2 tbsp icing sugar
3. 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the decoration:

1. Chocolate curls or shavings
2. Fresh cherries

Instructions:

Preheat the stove to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Oil and line two 20cm round cake tins.

In a huge blending bowl, cream together the spread and sugar until light and fleecy.

Beat in the eggs, each in turn, adding a tablespoon of flour with each egg.

Filter in the leftover flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, and crease into the blend.

Mix in the milk until the blend is smooth.

Spoon the blend uniformly into the pre-arranged cake tins.

Prepare in the preheated stove for 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes are risen and a stick embedded into the middle tells the truth.

Permit the cakes to cool totally in the tins prior to eliminating.

To make the cherry filling, mix the cornflour and sugar together in a small saucepan. Add the drained cherries and Kirsch, and cook over a medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.

To make the whipped cream, whisk the double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract together in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form.

To assemble the gateau, place one of the chocolate sponge cakes on a serving plate. Spread half of the cherry filling over the cake, followed by a third of the whipped cream. Top with the second chocolate sponge cake and repeat with the remaining cherry filling and whipped cream.

Decorate the top of the gateau with chocolate curls or shavings and fresh cherries.

Chill the gateau in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Black Forest gateau!