Danube Waves

Delicious Recipe: Donauwellen - Waves of the Danube

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors in a perfect blend? Donauwellen, also known as "Waves of the Danube," is a classic cake recipe that will delight your taste buds with every bite. With a fluffy base, juicy cherries, and a smooth vanilla cream, this dessert is sure to become a star in your kitchen! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, Donauwellen is truly an excellent choice.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 250 g margarine (at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar (preferably powdered sugar)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 eggs
- 375 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 20 g cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1 jar of cherry compote (about 400 g, drained)

For the Vanilla Cream:
- 1 packet vanilla pudding (about 40 g)
- 100 g sugar
- 500 ml milk (for making the pudding)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)

For the Topping:
- 100 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 2 teaspoons oil

Preparing the Base

1. Preparing the Cherries:
Start by draining the cherries from the compote and ensure they are well dried. This step is essential to avoid a soggy base.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the soft margarine, sugar (preferably powdered sugar for a finer texture), vanilla sugar, and salt. Mix the ingredients at high speed for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color.

3. Adding the Eggs:
Add the eggs one by one, mixing after each addition for about a minute. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy base.

4. Incorporating the Flour:
Sift the flour together with the baking powder to prevent lumps. Add the flour in two stages, gently mixing with the mixer on low speed, just until the ingredients are combined.

5. Preparing the Dough:
Pour about two-thirds of the dough into a greased and lined baking tray. In the remaining dough, add the 20 g of cocoa powder and the 2 teaspoons of milk, mixing until well combined.

6. Layering and Baking:
Pour the cocoa dough over the light-colored one and place the cherries on top, pressing them down gently. Bake at 170 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, remove the base onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Preparing the Vanilla Cream

1. Preparing the Pudding:
Prepare the vanilla pudding according to the package instructions, using 500 ml of milk. Once the pudding has thickened, let it cool completely.

2. Mixing the Butter:
In a separate bowl, mix the soft butter until creamy. Add the cooled pudding and mix well until the cream is smooth and homogeneous.

3. Assembling the Dessert:
Spread the vanilla cream evenly over the cooled base, ensuring it is well distributed.

The Chocolate Topping

1. Melting the Chocolate:
Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning. Once melted, add the 2 teaspoons of oil and mix well to achieve a glossy mixture.

2. Applying the Topping:
Pour the melted chocolate over the vanilla cream, and if desired, you can create waves with a fork for an artistic look.

3. Final Cooling:
Let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight, to allow the cream to set well and the flavors to meld.

Serving

For an elegant presentation, you can cut the Donauwellen into equal squares and serve them on a platter. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea can perfectly accompany this dessert.

Practical Tips

- Cherries: If you don't have canned cherries, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to drain them well before use.
- Whole Wheat Variation: If you want a healthier version, you can replace the white flour with whole wheat flour, but the taste and texture may vary.
- Chocolate: You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to create a unique dessert.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Donauwellen (1/12 of the recipe) contains approximately 350 kcal, 15 g of fat, 45 g of carbohydrates, and 5 g of protein. This dessert provides a source of energy due to the carbohydrates and healthy fats from butter and chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes, you can replace the cherries with cherries, raspberries, or even peaches, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the dessert?
Donauwellen keep well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze Donauwellen?
Yes, this dessert can be frozen, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before freezing to facilitate defrosting.

So, get ready to enjoy a classic dessert full of flavor and aroma! Donauwellen is more than just a simple cake; it is a true culinary masterpiece that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!