Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau Recipe

Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau is a rich, indulgent chocolate sponge cake layered with whipped cream, cherries, and a hint of kirsch for a classic, luxurious finish. This dessert is perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, birthdays, or any occasion where you want a show-stopping cake that feels both retro and modern.
This Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau recipe serves 10–12 people and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, including baking and assembly. The result is a moist, airy chocolate sponge balanced with creamy layers and bright cherry flavour.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau Worth Making

• Light yet rich chocolate sponge – Soft, airy texture that absorbs cherry syrup beautifully.
• Classic flavour combination – Chocolate, cherries, and cream work together perfectly.
• Beautiful presentation – A stylish cake that looks impressive on any table.
• Flexible recipe – Use kirsch or keep it alcohol-free.
• Perfect for celebrations – Feels festive, nostalgic, and loved by all.

What Is Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau Recipe?

Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau is a multi-layer chocolate sponge cake filled with whipped cream and cherries, traditionally soaked in kirsch syrup. It’s a classic German-inspired dessert made simple and modern with Jamie Oliver–style techniques.

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Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau Ingredients List

For the Chocolate Sponge:

• 200g plain flour
• 60g cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 250g sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 250ml milk
• 120ml vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 250ml boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 jar pitted cherries in juice (about 350g drained)
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Whipped Cream:

• 500ml double cream
• 3 tablespoons icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Dark chocolate shavings
• Fresh cherries (optional)

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau – Simple Steps

1. Prepare the Chocolate Sponge Batter

Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar. Whisk in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add boiling water last to create a loose batter.

2. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into two greased 8-inch tins and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.

3. Prepare the Cherry Filling

Drain cherries and heat the juice with sugar. Add kirsch if using. Let cool.

4. Whip the Cream

Whisk double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

5. Assemble the Gateau

Slice each cake into two layers (optional for four layers). Brush sponge with cherry syrup, spread whipped cream, then cherries. Repeat.

6. Frost and Decorate

Cover the whole cake with whipped cream. Add chocolate shavings and fresh cherries on top.

7. Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate at least 1 hour to help layers set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau

• Overbaking the sponge makes it dry and crumbly.
• Not letting the cakes cool results in melting whipped cream.
• Skipping syrup brushing makes the cake less moist.
• Overwhipping cream turns it grainy.
• Using bitter cherries without adjusting sugar affects flavour balance.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau

• Vanilla ice cream – Adds cool contrast.
• Espresso – Enhances chocolate depth.
• Cherry compote – Extra fruity richness.
• Chocolate sauce – For a more decadent slice.
• Fresh berries – Lightens the plate.

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau Just Right

• Use good-quality cocoa powder for a rich flavour.
• Brush generously with cherry syrup for moisture.
• Keep the cake chilled for clean slicing.
• Whip the cream cold to ensure stability.
• Grate chocolate fresh for better texture and shine.

How to Add More Flavor to Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau

• Add kirsch to the cream for an authentic touch.
• Use dark chocolate curls for deeper flavour.
• Add cherry jam between layers for extra sweetness.
• Fold grated chocolate into the cream for texture.
• Toast the chocolate shavings lightly to intensify aroma.

How to Adjust Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau for Kids

Make it alcohol-free by skipping kirsch, add more cherries for sweetness, and keep the layers thin for easier slicing.

Is Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau Gluten-Free?

Not naturally, but you can use gluten-free flour. Texture will be slightly denser.

Best Way to Store Leftovers

• Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Store in a covered container to prevent drying.
• Avoid freezing fully assembled cake due to whipped cream texture.

Best Ways to Reheat Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau Leftovers

This dessert should not be reheated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g

FAQs

How do I keep Black Forest Gateau moist?

To keep Black Forest Gateau moist, brush each sponge layer generously with cherry syrup or kirsch syrup. This helps the cake stay soft, enhances flavour, and prevents dryness even after refrigeration.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau without alcohol?

Yes, you can skip kirsch and use the cherry juice alone or mix it with a little sugar. The cake will still have rich cherry flavour while remaining kid-friendly and alcohol-free.

Why is my whipped cream melting on the Black Forest Gateau?

Whipped cream melts when applied to a warm cake. Always cool the sponge completely before assembling, and use cold cream for stable, fluffy results.

Can I make the sponge for Black Forest Gateau ahead of time?

Yes, the chocolate sponge can be baked 1–2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in cling film and refrigerate until ready to assemble, keeping it soft and easy to slice.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau is a beautiful blend of chocolate, cream, and cherries, creating a dessert that’s decadent yet refreshing. Perfect for celebrations, it delivers impressive flavour and presentation with simple, reliable steps.

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