Jamie Oliver’s take on Black Forest Gateau is a playful twist on the classic German dessert, "Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte." The cake layers are rich, moist and full of dark, decadent flavors. Imagine soft, chocolate sponge layers stacked with creamy whipped cream, sweet, tangy cherries and a bit of booze for an extra kick. The overall vibe? Lush and indulgent, perfect for any celebration or just when you’re in the mood for something that makes you feel a little fancy.
This cake isn’t just about looks. The combination of flavors-bitter chocolate, sour cherries and sweet cream-creates a harmonious balance that’s impossible to resist. It’s an impressive dessert to serve at parties, yet surprisingly easy to make once you have the ingredients and a bit of time.
Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie’s Black Forest Gateau, you’ll need the basics for the sponge, a little bit of sweetness from the cherries and some indulgent cream. Here’s what you’ll need:
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For The Chocolate Sponge
- 200g self-raising flour (to give the cake a good rise)
- 200g caster sugar (for sweetness)
- 200g butter (for a soft, moist texture)
- 4 large eggs (binds everything together)
- 100g cocoa powder (this is what gives the cake that deep chocolatey flavor)
- 1 tsp baking powder (helps the cake to rise even more)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (because why not add some depth?)
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For The Filling
- 1 jar of morello cherries (or fresh cherries if you’re lucky enough to find them)
- 3 tbsp kirsch (a clear cherry brandy, optional but it adds a punch)
- 300ml double cream (whipped until fluffy)
- 1-2 tbsp icing sugar (to sweeten the cream just a touch)
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For Decoration
- Shavings of dark chocolate (you can grate it or use a peeler)
- A few whole cherries for a garnish
Equipment Needed
The equipment needed for Jamie’s Black Forest Gateau isn’t anything too fancy. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Mixing bowls (big enough to combine your ingredients)
- Hand whisk or electric mixer (to make your sponge smooth and fluffy)
- Cake tins (typically, an 8-inch round cake tin works best for this)
- Wire rack (to cool the sponge after baking)
- Whisk (for whipping the cream to the perfect soft-peak consistency)
- Grater or vegetable peeler (for the chocolate shavings)
- Spatula (for spreading the cream evenly and layering)
It’s all pretty straightforward. No need for complicated gadgets. just some solid, reliable kitchen tools.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Black Forest Gateau
- Preheat & Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and greasing your cake tins with butter or lining them with parchment paper. This ensures the cake won’t stick and comes out beautifully.
- Make the Chocolate Sponge: In a large bowl, mix the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and sugar. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and eggs together until light and fluffy. Slowly combine both mixtures and fold in the vanilla extract. Pour the batter into your cake tins and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick. it should come out clean when ready.
- Cool the Cakes: Once the sponges are baked, let them cool on a wire rack. This helps prevent sogginess and ensures they stay nice and firm when you layer them.
- Prepare the Filling: While the cakes cool, whip your cream with the icing sugar until it forms soft peaks. If you’re using kirsch, add it to the cherries. This adds a subtle depth of flavor that really complements the sweetness of the cherries.
- Assemble the Cake: Once your cakes are cool, slice each sponge in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread a layer of whipped cream on one, followed by some cherries (with a little kirsch syrup). Top with the second layer of cake and repeat with cream and cherries. Finally, top the cake with a generous layer of whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings and a few whole cherries.
- Chill & Serve: Let the cake sit in the fridge for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld and to let the cream set. This makes slicing much easier and adds to the indulgence factor.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Black Forest Gateau taught me that patience is key. You might be tempted to rush through the layers but each step really does matter. The cooling time, for example, prevents the cream from melting too quickly when assembling. Also, don’t skimp on the quality of your cherries. they’re the star of the show.
The balance between the rich, dense chocolate sponge, the sweet cream and the tart cherries is something special. If you want to make a showstopper dessert that’ll impress your guests but still have that comfort-food feeling, this cake is a winner.
Also, the kirsch while optional, really helps the cake feel authentic. You can always leave it out but I’d recommend trying it at least once for that extra punch of flavor.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Black Forest Gateau
Jamie Oliver’s Black Forest Gateau recipe is pretty iconic but sometimes you might want to put your own spin on it. Here are a few creative tweaks you can try:
1. Add a Layer of Crunch
If you want a bit of texture contrast, adding a layer of crushed nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts can take the cake to a whole new level. They’ll pair nicely with the creamy whipped cream and juicy cherries.
2. Swap the Cake Base
Traditional Black Forest Gateau uses a light sponge or chocolate cake but you can switch it up. Consider making a darker, denser chocolate cake for an added richness. Or even try a flourless chocolate cake for a gluten-free option.
3. Enhance the Flavors with Liqueur
While Jamie’s recipe calls for Kirsch (a type of cherry brandy), you could also play around with other liqueurs, like Amaretto or Grand Marnier. These will give the cake a different flavor profile while still complementing the cherries.
4. Use Fresh Fruit or Preserved?
Typically, the recipe uses preserved or jarred cherries but fresh ones can work wonders if they’re in season. You can also lightly macerate them in a bit of sugar and the liqueur for extra flavor. If you want a more vibrant color, fresh cherries are a beautiful choice.
5. Make it a Double Cream Feast
Jamie uses whipped cream for the filling and topping but you can go all-out by mixing a little mascarpone into the cream. This gives the cake a thicker, creamier texture and adds a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
6. Chocolate Shavings vs. Chocolate Powder
Instead of dusting the top with cocoa powder, try shaving or grating dark chocolate for a more decadent look and texture. The bits of chocolate will contrast well with the softness of the whipped cream and cherries.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
We all know that sometimes you make a cake and end up with more than you can finish in one sitting. Here’s how to keep your Black Forest Gateau fresh for a few more days.
1. Refrigerate, Don’t Freeze
This cake has a lot of fresh ingredients like whipped cream and cherries which don’t freeze well. So, store the leftovers in the fridge. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
2. Keep It Covered
The whipped cream layer is delicate and it can absorb fridge odors. So, cover it up as much as possible. Using a cake dome or a glass container with a tight-fitting lid is your best bet.
3. Don’t Let It Sit Too Long
The cake will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge but the longer it sits, the soggier it might get. The whipped cream could lose some of its fluffiness and the cake might become a bit too moist from the cherry syrup. Try to eat it within 2 days for the best texture.
4. Avoid Adding Extra Toppings
If you know you’re going to have leftovers, it’s better to not add the chocolate shavings or extra decoration until you’re serving it again. This way, it’ll stay looking fresh and presentable when you pull it out for the next round.
5. How to Revive the Cake
If you’re dealing with slightly soggy leftovers, you can pop them in the fridge for a little bit to firm them up or even give them a quick 10-minute spin in the fridge to make the whipped cream a bit firmer before serving again.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Black Forest Gateau?
Black Forest Gateau is so indulgent that it pairs well with something light to balance it out. Here are a few ideas to make your dessert experience even more exciting:
1. A Cup of Coffee or Espresso
The bitter richness of coffee or espresso balances out the sweetness of the cake. Try a strong Americano or an espresso to cut through the creaminess of the gateau. It’s a perfect combination, especially after a big meal.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad with a mix of citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit can really complement the richness of the cake. It’ll bring some freshness and acidity, acting as a palate cleanser.
3. Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream
It might seem like overkill but adding a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds another layer of decadence. The cold and creamy texture will match the cake’s moist richness.
4. A Glass of Sparkling Wine
If you’re looking for something to drink, a glass of bubbly can be the perfect choice. A Prosecco or a Champagne with fruity notes would bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Black Forest Gateau.
5. Dark Chocolate Truffles
For true chocolate lovers, serve some dark chocolate truffles on the side. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate balances out the sweetness of the cake and complements the cocoa flavor.
6. A Scoop of Sorbet
If you want something a little lighter than ice cream, a scoop of raspberry or lemon sorbet could add a refreshing touch. The tartness of the sorbet will contrast beautifully with the sweetness and creaminess of the cake.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Black Forest Gateau Different From Others?
His version uses a lighter, airier sponge and fresh, juicy cherries. It’s less heavy on the cream, making it feel a bit more refreshing.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Black Forest Gateau Ahead Of Time?
Yep! You can prepare the sponge and cherry filling a day in advance. Just assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
Can I Substitute The Alcohol In The Recipe?
For sure! You can swap the Kirsch for cherry juice or a non-alcoholic cherry syrup if you prefer a booze-free option.
