Black Forest Gateau is globally popular and trending these days. It has experienced a notable revival from a dated dessert to a nostalgic and indulgent dessert. This dessert has a high demand during New Year celebrations, birthdays, or anniversaries. The authentic Traditional German Black Forest Gateau recipe with cherry filling is just as popular. It has trending modern variations like vegan and eggless versions on social media.
What is Black Forest Gateau?
A Black Forest Gateau aka Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a popular dessert of Germany. A Traditional Black Forest Gateau has three rich chocolate sponge layers soaked in Kirschwasser (cherry brandy). There is a delicious sour Morello cherry filling and whipped cream in between these layers. There is a covering of whipped cream around the gateau, which has chocolate shavings and delicious whole fresh cherries as toppings. This Traditional German Black Forest Gateau has a different feel and taste from a regular black forest cake.
History of the Traditional German Black Forest Gateau
This dessert has origins in the 19th-century Black Forest region of Germany. Joseph Keller created this dessert in 1915. August Schäfer became his apprentice in 1924 and got the original recipe book. Schäfer brought it to Café Schäfer in Triberg that continues to make original gateau. It took its name from the Black Forest region.
Some believe that the appearance of this dessert represents the traditional costume worn in Black Forest in the 19th century. While some believe the cherries represent the Bollenhut hat. Though there are some debates about its origin, Triberg remains the key place associated with the authentic and traditional recipe.
Difference Between Cake and Gateau
Cake and gateau are all layered or single-unit baked desserts. But they have different structures and techniques with different origins. Cake is an English term that covers various sweet baked goods. It is usually denser and has fewer layers. It uses buttercream frosting that serves a broader and everyday purpose. They include simple loaf cakes, layer cakes, etc.
Whereas, a gateau is a French word for cake that usually implies a more refined and more artistic dessert. In English contexts, gateau signals a fancy or French cake. It is a more elaborate and more layered dessert than a standard cake. It often features soft sponge bases and rich fillings like mouse or pastry cream with elegant decorations.
A cake is versatile and can last longer. But gateau is best for special occasions because they have delicate and perishable ingredients. It is best to consume the gateau fresh. Cakes are comparatively simple and take less time and effort to make. Gateau is complex and takes more time and effort.
In short, call it a cake if it is a general home-baked sweet made from flour and leavened normally. If it is plated and pastry shop style, call it a gateau. A gateau is a cake. But a cake is not a gateau.
Important Ingredients for a Traditional German Black Forest Gateau
A Traditional German Black Forest Gateau recipe is moderately simple, that relies on straightforward and classic baking techniques rather than complex methods. There are many steps to follow – baking, soaking, and decorating. But the components are easy to assemble.
Chocolate Sponge Cake Components
- 6 large eggs
- 250g caster sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 120g-150g plain flour
- 100-120ml (8 tbsp) lukewarm water
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional in traditional gateau)
- 50g-75g cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup cornflour for texture
- 50g-60g unsalted melted butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Homemade Cherry Filling
- 1 jar (680g-700g) pitted sour Morello cherries
- 30ml Kirsch/Kirschwasser (cherry brandy) for cherry filling and 90ml Kirsch for soaking sponge layers, total 120ml Kirsch
- 4 tbsp cornflour to thicken the cherry filling
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 pinch cinnamon (optional)
Whipped Cream and Garnishes
- 700ml whipping cream
- 2-3 tbsp icing sugar
- 100g-150g dark chocolate
- Extra 12 fresh cherries
Traditional German Black Forest Gateau Recipe with Easy Steps
This authentic Traditional German Black Forest Gateau recipe may look complex with its complex techniques. But it is simple and easy. Follow all the instructions carefully. You will get a delicious dessert with a distinct balance of flavors.
Bake the Chocolate Sponge Layers
Gather your ingredients and measure each accordingly. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the bottom of a 26cm (10-inch) round pan with parchment paper. Do not grease the sides of the pan. Take a bowl for egg whites with clean beaters because the tiniest hint of grease will hinder the whipping process of egg whites. Whip egg whites until they are thick. Make sure they hold their shape when you lift them to check.
In another, mix egg yolks and water together. Add vanilla extract to the yolk mixture. Slowly and gently pour the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites. Gently fold them because you wouldn’t want to deflate the eggs.
After that, use a sifter to sift the dry ingredients over them. Fold them together gently with the use of a flat spatula. Run it around the edge of the bowl and reach to the bottom of the bowl. Then, pull the ingredients over each other to mix and avoid deflating the eggs. The deflation of eggs makes the gateau flat and dense. Pour it into the pan and level the top with an offset spatula.
Bake it for 35 minutes at 180°C. Cool for several minutes in the pan. Remove the outer ring afterwards and cool it completely after taking it out of the round pan. Stick three toothpicks into the sides and cut them into three layers. This aligns the layers and makes it easy to put them back together. Whip the heavy cream together with a whip and set it in the fridge.
Prepare the Cherry Compote
Drain the cherry liquid from the cherry jar into a cup and put the cherries in another bowl. Measure the cherry liquid and add water to make it 1.5 cups. Pour this cherry liquid into a pot to heat. Add cornflour and caster sugar. You can also add cinnamon for warmth. Boil and stir it regularly. Remove from the heat once the juice thickens. Add cherries and 30ml Kirsch to the pot. Stir it and cool it for several minutes. You have a delicious and glossy cherry filling.
Assemble the Sponge Layers
Place the bottom layer of the chocolate sponge on a cake stand. Put parchment paper under the edges of the gateau. It will keep the stand clean during the assembly and decoration process. Brush 30ml Kirsch on the bottom layer by using a brush or spray it using a spray bottle. Put a cake ring around the bottom layer and tighten it with no gap between. Pipe whipped cream around the outer edge of the bottom layer and fill the middle with half of the cherry compote. Spread whipped cream over it and place the second layer.
Brush 30ml Kirsch on the second layer and pipe whipped cream around the edges. Spread the remaining half of the cherry compote in the middle. Cover the cherry filling with the whipped cream and place the top layer on it. Line the top layer carefully and press down on it slightly. Brush 30ml Kirsch on the top layer. Remember that 30ml Kirsch is for each layer. Cover the assembled chocolate sponge with cling film. Chill for at least 4 hours.
Decorate with Chocolate and Cherries
Cover the whole chocolate sponge with the remaining whipped cream for decoration before serving. Press the chocolate shaving gently on the sides of the gateau. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings over the top of the gateau. Make 12 rossette piping patterns with the whipped cream around the edges. Put fresh cherries on top of each rosette. The authentic Traditional German Black Forest Gateau is ready to serve. Isn’t this Traditional German Black Forest Gateau Recipe easy?
Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor of Traditional German Black Forest Gateau
A perfect and authentic Traditional German Black Forest Gateau recipe should have a precise balance and assertiveness of the ingredients. No single ingredient should mask the others. This gives a balanced yet intense experience.
Fermentation of the sour Morello cherries from the Black Forest region makes the Kirsch. It usually has 40% alcohol content. It is a must and an assertive ingredient for this traditional dessert. Its flavor is soft and aromatic, which integrates well with the gateau. Kirsch makes whipped cream less sugary and sharpens the cherry flavor. The gentle warmth from the Kirsch also deepens the cocoa flavor and makes the chocolate darker.
A common problem is that the gateau is dry. So, make sure that you do not overmix the batter. Brushing the sponge layers with Kirsch makes the layers soft and moist. 30 ml Kirsch on each layer is sufficient and perfect for giving enough authentic and boozy flavor without any overwhelming flavor. Kirsch makes this dessert exceptionally moist and gives it its signature taste. According to German tradition, a Traditional German Black Forest Gateau is not authentic if Kirsch is not present in it. It will only be a regular chocolate and cherry cake without Kirsch.
The cornstarch thickens the cherry filling into a transparent compote. It stops the sponge layers from sliding and ensures the layers do not turn soggy. It gives you perfect sponge layers with glossy and yummy cherry filling. Avoid sweet Maraschino cherries for this dessert. But Bing and Rainier cherries are acceptable. Sour cherries balance the sweetness of the gateau and whipped cream.
Serving and Storing Traditional German Black Forest Gateau
After decoration, allow the cherry flavor and Kirsch to meld into the gateau before serving it chilled. You can cover and store it for two to three days. Best to consume within 2 days of assembly.
Variations of the Traditional German Black Forest Gateau Recipe
There are many variations of the Traditional German Black Forest Gateau recipe according to ingredient substitutions, alcohol content, decoration, and taste. Some alter the alcohol content with some twist or swap traditional sour cherries for other fruits. Many adapt other alcohol profiles to experiment and create the same flavor profile as Kirsch.
There is Black Forest Cheesecake, Black Forest Trifle, or Black Forest Mousse according to the gateau structure. There are also extra decorative ideas for more taste, like chocolate ganache drip or chocolate cherries. Some replace traditional whipped cream with cream cheese or buttercream. Some use gelatin or other stabilizers to stabilize whipped cream to hold up to several days.
Modern Naked Black Forest Gateau features chocolate sponge layers without a covering of whipped cream. It clearly shows the filling of whipped cream and cherry compote in between. There is an alcohol free version that makes use of cherry juice instead of Kirsch for kids or for those who avoid alcohol altogether. But remember, it will not be an authentic Traditional German Black Forest Gateau without any Kirsch.
There is also an eggless version of Traditional German Black Forest Gateau for those who avoid eggs. You can replace eggs with yoghurt or thick buttermilk. You can also use a combination of vinegar and a combination of baking soda or oil and water. They give a moist and light gateau structure. There are small cakes that are excellent for individual servings. You can call them mini gateaux. There is also another delicious version that is Black Forest Yule Log.
Conclusion
An authentic Traditional German Black Forest Gateau is a delicious dessert with a beautiful texture and a distinct taste. The balance of flavors is heavenly and delightful. You should taste this delicious dessert and try this authentic Traditional German Black Forest Gateau recipe. Bake it easily at home from our recipe and savour each bite with indulgence. But do not forget Kirsch to make it authentic and traditional.