How to Bake Donauwelle, Danube Wave Cake
Donauwelle, also known as Danube Wave Cake or German Snow White Cake in English, is a delicious and traditional German cake that has been enjoyed for generations. This decadent dessert is made up of layers of chocolate cake, vanilla custard, cherries, and is finished with a rich chocolate glaze. The combination of flavors and textures creates a heavenly treat that is perfect for any occasion. It is also sometimes called Donauwellen.
About Donauwelle
The origins of Donauwelle, aka Donauwellen, can be traced back to the early 20th century when it first appeared in Bavarian cookbooks. The cake quickly became popular throughout Germany and is now a staple in most German bakeries. The name “Danube wave” is derived from the alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla, which resemble the waves of the famous Danube River.
Donauwelle is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is perfect as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee, or as a dessert after a delicious German meal. The cake is also popular for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations.
Another similar, but yet different, cake is this black forest cake recipe, which is a mix of tasty chocolate, cream cheese and cherry.
How to Make Donauwelle Cake
The traditional Donauwelle recipe starts with a chocolate sponge cake base. The cake is then layered with vanilla custard, which provides a smooth and creamy contrast to the chocolate. Next, a layer of sour cherries is added, which gives the cake a tart and fruity flavor. The final layer is a generous amount of whipped cream, which adds a light and fluffy texture.
To finish the cake, a rich chocolate glaze is poured over the top, giving it a beautiful and glossy finish. The glaze is made with chocolate and butter, which is melted together and then poured over the top of the cake. Once the glaze has set, the Donauwellen is ready to be served.
Although the traditional recipe for Donauwelle has remained largely unchanged over the years, there are variations that include different types of fruit or even a layer of marzipan. Some bakers also add a sprinkling of grated chocolate or almonds on top for extra flavor and texture.
If you would like a bit lighter cake in general, or a recipe to use as a lighter base for the cake provided here, give this 6 egg white cake recipe a try. It is made primarily with egg whites. It also is a good use of leftover egg whites!
In conclusion, Danube Wave Cake is a delicious and traditional German cake that is loved by many. Its combination of chocolate, vanilla, cherries, and whipped cream creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. Whether you are in Germany or anywhere else in the world, be sure to give Donauwelle a try and experience the delight of this classic dessert.
Donauwelle Recipe
This recipe uses a pudding mix that require cooking. The recipe can be made quicker by using instant pudding if so desired.
How to Bake Donauwelle, Danube Wave Cake
Donauwelle, also known as Danube Wave Cake or German Snow White Cake in English, is a delicious and traditional German cake that has been enjoyed for generations. This decadent dessert is made up of layers of chocolate cake, vanilla custard, and cherries, and is finished with a rich chocolate glaze.
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 16 Tablespoons room-temperature butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 5 Medium Eggs
- 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 3 Tsp. baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp. Cocoa Powder
- 1 Tablespoon. milk
- 12 oz. canned cherries, drained
- For the vanilla pudding:
- 2 boxes vanilla pudding mix, prepared as directed, and used at room temperature.
- 16 Tablespoons butter
- For the chocolate topping:
- 7 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, dust with flour, and set aside.
- Drain the cherries.
- Add the butter and sugar to a large bowl and mix on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- mix in the eggs.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture and stir until combined.
- Spread 3/4 of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet,
- Add the cocoa powder and milk to remaining batter and mix well.
- Carefully spread the cocoa batter on top of the light batter, keeping the layers separate.
- Add the drained cherries on top of the cocoa batter and lightly press into the batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly before removing from the baking sheet and transferring to a wire rack to fully cool
- While the cake bakes, prepare the vanilla pudding according to package instructions.
- Cool pudding to room temperature
- For the vanilla cream:
- Add butter to a large bowl and mix on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the cooled pudding.
- Spread the vanilla cream on top of the cooled cake
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Chop the chocolate for the glaze mix with the coconut oil to a bowl.
- simmer water in a saucepan.
- Place the bowl on top of the saucepan to melt chocolate and coconut oil, Sitring until mixed.
- Partially cool and pour over the top of the cake.
- Use a butter knife or fork to cut a wavy pattern into the top with the chocolate.
- Cool completely, slice, and serve.
Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Carleen
