Luscious Gateau

Luscious Gateau Recipe from Malta with Black Cherries and Chocolate

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Luscious Gateau is a decadent and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or celebrations. This rich and creamy cake is made with layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate. It is a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

History

The origins of Gateau can be traced back to Europe, where it was traditionally served at royal banquets and special events. The word "Gateau" is French for cake, and this dessert has been a favorite among dessert lovers for centuries. The combination of light sponge cake, creamy whipped cream, and sweet cherries has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular dessert choice today.

Ingredients

5 eggs
9 oz / 250 g caster sugar
9 oz / 250 g plain flour
1.5 oz / 37.5 g cocoa powder
2 tsp / 10 ml baking powder
1 pt / 600 ml double cream
4 tbsp / 60 ml kirsch
1 lb / 450 g canned black cherries, pitted and well drained
4 oz / 125 g plain chocolate, caraque or grated

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to mark 5 / 375°F / 190°C
Grease and line the base of the tin.
Place the eggs and sugar in a bowl over (but not touching) a pan of simmering water.
Whisk with an electric beater until the mixture is pale and thick and just holds the trail of the whisk (7-10 mins).
Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk for a further 2 minutes while it cools.
To help give the sponge a light texture, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder onto a plate or bowl.
Carefully and gradually fold the flour into the egg mixture, cutting through with a metal spoon or large spatula until evenly mixed. Use a folding and cutting movement and make sure you get to the bottom of the bowl to mix in all the flour. Gently stir in 7-8 tbsp/105-120 ml hot water to soften the mixture slightly and give a lighter result.
Spoon the mixture gently into the prepared cake tin and flatten the top. Bake for 35-40 mins or until just firm to the touch. Stand for 5-10 mins.
Then turn onto a plate and carefully remove the paper.
Turn out onto a wire rack and leave until completely cold. When the cake is cold (don't try before or the sponge will crumble).
Split carefully into 3 layers. Whip the cream until slightly stiff and set some aside for piping.
Sprinkle the sponge layers with kirsch, reserving 8-10 cherries for decoration.
Place the bottom sponge on a serving plate, spread with one quarter of the cream and half of the cherries.
Place the middle layer of sponge on top and spread with the second quarter of cream and the remaining cherries.
Place the third layer of sponge on top of the cream, cover the sponge with more cream, and smooth out with a palette knife.
Spread the remaining cream neatly around the sides with a palette knife.
Pipe the reserved cream around the top edge of the cake.
Press small crumbled pieces of caraque (see bottom) around the sides.
Decorate the top with cherries and larger pieces of caraque.
Chill until required.
Melt 4 oz / 125 g of dark coating chocolate and spread thinly and evenly on a cold surface or foil.
Leave until cold but don't chill. Using a large knife and with a sawing action, hold the knife flat against the chocolate and scrape or push long curls of chocolate away from you.
Keep going until you have a good thick curl. A stubbier, thicker version can be made very easily with an open, neatly cut can.
Holding it almost upright, pull the far side rim of the can across the chocolate.
Store as before in a cool place but do not chill the caraque.

Variations

Substitute the cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the sponge cake layers for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to carefully fold the flour into the egg mixture to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Use hot water to soften the mixture slightly and give a lighter result.

- Chill the cake before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Decorate the cake with chocolate curls and cherries for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Luscious Gateau with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to carefully fold the flour into the egg mixture to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

- Chill the cake before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond extract instead of kirsch for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute the double cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Luscious Gateau can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with fresh cherries, chocolate curls, and a dusting of cocoa powder for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Luscious Gateau with a glass of dessert wine or champagne for a luxurious dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Luscious Gateau in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Luscious Gateau contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Luscious Gateau contains approximately 45g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Luscious Gateau contains approximately 25g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Luscious Gateau contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Luscious Gateau is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Luscious Gateau contains eggs, dairy, and wheat.

Summary

Luscious Gateau is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories, fats, and carbohydrates. It is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, but it is a delicious treat for special occasions.

Summary

Luscious Gateau is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions. With layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate, this decadent dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy this delicious treat with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Luscious Gateau. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning my way around the kitchen. My mother had given me a stack of old recipe cards that had been passed down through our family for generations. Each one was like a treasure waiting to be discovered, and this particular card caught my eye with its elegant handwriting and detailed instructions.

The recipe belonged to my great-grandmother, who was known for her incredible baking skills. She had learned to make the Luscious Gateau from a French chef who had worked at a fancy restaurant in Paris. It was a rich and decadent cake, made with layers of fluffy sponge cake, creamy chocolate mousse, and a silky ganache topping. Just reading the ingredients made my mouth water, and I knew I had to try my hand at making it.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and carefully following the instructions on the card. As I mixed and whipped and folded, I imagined my great-grandmother standing beside me, guiding my hands and offering words of wisdom. She had always been a source of inspiration for me, with her unwavering passion for cooking and her incredible talent for creating delicious dishes.

After hours of baking and assembling, the Luscious Gateau was finally complete. I carefully sliced into the cake, revealing the layers of chocolatey goodness within. The first bite was pure heaven – the sponge cake was light and airy, the mousse was velvety smooth, and the ganache was rich and decadent. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

From that moment on, the Luscious Gateau became a staple in my baking repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and just when I wanted to treat myself to something indulgent. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my great-grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me, all sharing in the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition of making the Luscious Gateau to a new generation. Each time I bake it, I think of my great-grandmother and the legacy she left behind – a legacy of love, passion, and incredible culinary skill.

As I sit here now, flipping through the tattered recipe card that started it all, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through my family. The Luscious Gateau will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and connection that can be found in the simple act of creating something delicious with your own two hands. And I know that as long as I continue to bake this cake, my great-grandmother's spirit will live on in every bite.