Classic German Cake with Cherries and Buttercream

Donauwelle, also known as Danube Wave Cake, is a popular German dessert. It is a combination of a rich chocolate and vanilla marble cake with a layer of cherries and a buttercream topping. The name Donauwelle originates from the swirls resembling waves on the Danube River. This cake is perfect for special occasions or a delightful everyday treat. Follow this recipe for a taste of German culinary tradition.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• - 250g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• - 200g granulated sugar
• - 4 large eggs
• - 300g all-purpose flour
• - 2 teaspoons baking powder
• - 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• - 3 tablespoons milk
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 1 pinch of salt
• - 1 jar of cherries, drained
• - 1 tablespoon rum or cherry juice
• For the Buttercream:
• - 250g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• - 500g powdered sugar
• - 2 tablespoons rum
• - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• - 3 tablespoons milk
• - 100g semisweet chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
6. Divide the batter in half. To one half, add the cocoa powder and milk. Mix until well combined.
7. To the other half of the batter, add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
8. Pour the vanilla batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Spread the drained cherries evenly over the vanilla batter.
10. Drizzle the rum or cherry juice over the cherries.
11. Carefully spoon the chocolate batter over the cherries, spreading it evenly across the pan.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13. While the cake is baking, prepare the buttercream. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
14. Gradually add the powdered sugar, rum, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
15. Once the cake has cooled, spread the buttercream evenly over the top.
16. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the buttercream in a decorative pattern.
17. Allow the cake to set for at least 1 hour before serving.
18. Slice and enjoy!

Interesting Facts