How to Make Donauwelle - A Step-by-Step Guide

Donauwelle, also known as "Danube wave cake," is a traditional German dessert that is beloved for its rich flavors and beautiful presentation. This classic cake is a delightful combination of chocolate, cherries, and vanilla, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. Its striking appearance, with layers of chocolate sponge cake and vanilla pudding, topped with a glossy chocolate glaze and decorative waves, makes it a show-stopping treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup margarine
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 1 ¼ cups white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 eggs, separated
  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 (16 ounce) can pitted tart cherries in water, drained
  • 1 cup margarine
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 teaspoons rum flavoring
  • 2 egg yolks

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 1 9x13-inch cake

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  • Sift together the flour and baking powder in a bowl; set aside. Beat 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons margarine with an electric mixer in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in the white sugar, vanilla extract, and 5 egg yolks. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
  • Beat egg whites until foamy in a large glass or metal mixing bowl. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites should form a sharp peak that holds its shape. Use a rubber spatula or wire whisk to gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the batter, keeping as much volume as possible. Add the remaining egg whites, folding just until incorporated.
  • Pour half of the batter into a separate bowl. Sift the cocoa powder into one bowl of batter. Stir until just combined. Pour the white batter into the prepared baking dish, then spread the chocolate batter over. Arrange the tart cherries on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • To make the buttercream, beat 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons margarine, confectioners' sugar, rum, and 2 egg yolks until light and fluffy. Spread over cooled cake. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve.
  • Nutrition

    429 cal.

    • Total Fat: 27g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 84mg
    • Sodium: 350mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 43g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 30g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 43mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 86mg