Classic Donauwelle: The Cake that Drives the World Crazy

Donauwelle, also known as “Danube Wave Cake,” is a classic German dessert that captivates with its striking wave-like appearance and delightful combination of flavors. This delicious cake features layers of vanilla and chocolate sponge, dotted with tart cherries, topped with creamy buttercream, and finished with a glossy chocolate glaze. Its name is inspired by the waves of the Danube River, mirrored in the cake’s design. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating this visually stunning and delectable treat, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 150g butter (2/3 cup)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 130g sugar (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 3 eggs
  • 280g flour (1 3/4 cups)
  • 16g baking powder (3 tsp)
  • 90g milk (6 tbsp)
  • 15g cocoa (1 tbsp)
  • 350g canned cherries (2 cups)
  • 60g cherry juice (4 tbsp)
  • Baking form: 20×30 cm

For the Butter Cream:

  • 500ml milk (2 cups)
  • 1 bag vanilla-flavored pudding (37g)
  • 60g sugar (4 tbsp)
  • 150g butter (2/3 cup)

For the Chocolate Layer:

  • 150g chocolate
  • 70g butter (1/3 cup)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 150g of butter with a pinch of salt and 130g of sugar using a mixer until creamy.
  2. Add Eggs: Gradually add 3 eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 280g of flour with 16g of baking powder. Sift the mixture into the butter and egg mixture in two parts, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  4. Add Milk: Pour 30g (2 tablespoons) of milk into the batter and mix until smooth.
  5. Prepare Baking Form: Line a 20×30 cm baking form with parchment paper. Spread 2/3 of the dough evenly in the form.
  6. Make Chocolate Layer: To the remaining 1/3 of the dough, add 15g of cocoa and 60g (4 tablespoons) of milk. Beat until well combined. Spread the chocolate dough on top of the white dough, leveling it smoothly.
  7. Add Cherries: Strain 350g of canned cherries from the excess juice and evenly distribute them over the chocolate dough.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bake: Place the baking form in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Cream

  1. Heat Milk: Pour 400ml of milk into a saucepan and bring it almost to a boil.
  2. Mix Pudding Powder: In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla-flavored pudding powder with 60g of sugar and the remaining 100ml of milk until smooth.
  3. Cook Pudding: Slowly add the pudding mixture to the hot milk, stirring constantly. Cook for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  4. Cool Pudding: Transfer the pudding to a different container, cover with cling film to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool completely.
  5. Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat 150g of butter until creamy. Gradually add the cooled pudding, beating continuously until a smooth buttercream forms.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Soak Sponge Cake: Pour the 60g of reserved cherry juice over the cooled sponge cake, allowing it to soak in.
  2. Spread Butter Cream: Evenly spread the buttercream over the soaked sponge cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  3. Chill Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Layer

  1. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 150g of chocolate with 70g of butter. Stir until smooth.
  2. Cover Cake: Pour the melted chocolate over the buttercream layer, spreading it evenly. For an optional decorative touch, reserve 4 tablespoons of the glaze to create wave patterns on top of the cake.
  3. Final Chill: Return the cake to the refrigerator for another hour to allow the chocolate to set.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Slice and Serve: Once the cake is fully set, slice into squares and serve. Marvel at the beautiful layers and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors.

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 12
  • Calories per serving: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 5g

Conclusion

The Classic Donauwelle is a true masterpiece of baking, combining the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries with a luscious buttercream and a smooth chocolate glaze. This cake not only delights the taste buds but also impresses with its stunning wave-like appearance. Perfect for any celebration or as a special treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious cake that drives the whole world crazy!

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