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
- 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.
- Add Eggs: Gradually add 3 eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
- 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.
- Add Milk: Pour 30g (2 tablespoons) of milk into the batter and mix until smooth.
- Prepare Baking Form: Line a 20×30 cm baking form with parchment paper. Spread 2/3 of the dough evenly in the form.
- 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.
- Add Cherries: Strain 350g of canned cherries from the excess juice and evenly distribute them over the chocolate dough.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 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
- Heat Milk: Pour 400ml of milk into a saucepan and bring it almost to a boil.
- 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.
- Cook Pudding: Slowly add the pudding mixture to the hot milk, stirring constantly. Cook for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Cool Pudding: Transfer the pudding to a different container, cover with cling film to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool completely.
- 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
- Soak Sponge Cake: Pour the 60g of reserved cherry juice over the cooled sponge cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Spread Butter Cream: Evenly spread the buttercream over the soaked sponge cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Chill Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Layer
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 150g of chocolate with 70g of butter. Stir until smooth.
- 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.
- Final Chill: Return the cake to the refrigerator for another hour to allow the chocolate to set.
Step 6: Serve
- 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!