Try Easy Hairy Bikers Black Forest Gateau Recipe

Hairy Bikers Black Forest Gateau is an extravagant dessert, boasting layers of moist chocolate cake, rich whipped cream, and succulent cherries. This dessert stands as a pinnacle of indulgence, perfect for gracing the tables of special events, or dinner parties, or serving as a sumptuous treat for family gatherings. Designed to cater to 8-10 people, this gateau requires about 2 to 2.5 hours of preparation and cooking time.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of creating this masterpiece, complete with all the insider tips and techniques to ensure your Black Forest Gateau is nothing short of spectacular.

What is Hairy Bikers Black Forest Gateau Recipe?

The Hairy Bikers Black Forest Gateau is a luxurious reinterpretation of the German classic, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. It features layers of moist chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries, often laced with Kirsch, a cherry brandy. This gateau stands out for its intricate balance of flavors and textures, making it a beloved dessert worldwide.

Other Cake Recipes

• Mary Berry Black Forest Gateau
• Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Carrot Cake Tray Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegance on a Plate: Its sophisticated appearance makes it a showstopper for any occasion.
• Layered Flavors: The combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream is both rich and refreshing.
• Versatile: Suitable for various celebrations, from birthdays to holiday gatherings.
• Skill Building: A great opportunity to hone your baking and cake decorating skills.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Black Forest Gateau

To make Hairy Bikers Black Forest Gateau, you need the following Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 200g plain flour
• 250g caster sugar
• 50g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml vegetable oil
• 250ml buttermilk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 100ml boiling water

For the Filling and Topping:

• 600ml heavy cream
• 50g icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 400g cherries (pitted and halved, fresh or canned)
• 100ml Kirsch (optional)
• Dark chocolate shavings (for decoration)
• Whole cherries (for decoration)

Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Black Forest Gateau

Follow these steps to make this recipe:

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Layers

• Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add sugar and mix well.
• Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Combine and Bake: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth and well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Assembling the Gateau

• Whip the Cream: While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. If using Kirsch, reserve some cream for the topping and fold the Kirsch gently into the remaining cream.
• Layer the Cake: Once cooled, if the cakes have domed on top, level them with a knife. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Brush generously with Kirsch if using. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, then scatter over half the cherries. Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently.
• Decorate: Cover the top and sides of the gateau with the reserved whipped cream. Use a piping bag and nozzle for a more decorative finish, if desired. Scatter over the remaining cherries and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings.