My Chocolate Fantasy

When we think of Black Forest Cake we usually think of a chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries.  But not this Black Forest Cake.  If you notice this is Han’s Black Forest Cake and you can imagine that Han is a German name.  So he knows his Black Forest Cake.  This original recipe was made famous in Texas by a German named  Hans who gave it up to the public domain years ago.  I have made a few changes but still call it Han’s to differenciate it from my other Black Forest Cake recipes. Give it a try, you won’t even miss the cherries.  I promise!  This cake is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends!

HAN’S BLACK FOREST CAKE

10 large egg whites3 cups minus 2 tbsp sugar, divided1 tbsp cornstarch1/2 lb blanched almonds, finely grated1 envelope unflavored gelatin2 tbsp hot water3 cups whipping cream1 tsp vanilla extractdark sweet chocolate, shaveddark sweet chocolate, finely gratedpowdered sugar for dusting

Beat the egg whites in a large mixing bowl until foamy. Gradually add 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons of the sugar, beating constantly until mixture forms a mass that will stand in a stiff peak. Combine 1 cup of the sugar with the cornstarch; carefully fold this into the beaten egg whites along with the grated almonds. Spread the mixture onto baking sheets lined with buttered parchment paper, forming three 10-inch circles using the collar of a 10-inch springform pan. (Place the collar on the paper, fill with the mixture, lift the collar and repeat twice more.) Bake in a 250 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from pans, cool on wire racks.

Dissolve the gelatin in the hot water then allow to cool slightly. Commbine the whipping cream and the vanilla; beat until stiff. Add the remaining 1 cup sugar and the warm gelatin mixture, mixing carefully.

To assemble the cake: Spread some of the whipped cream mixture between the meringue layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream mixture. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings over the top of the cake and press the grated chocolate onto the sides. Sift the powdered sugar over the top. Store in a cool area.

NOTE: You are not misreading the recipe and it is not a mistake; there are no cherries in or on this cake.  But you will never miss them!

Enjoy!

Tags: Black, Cake, Forest, Germany, Han's, Take, Trip

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