Introduction
The Black Forest gateau, or Black Forest cake, is a classic dessert cherished for its layers of chocolate sponge, cherries, and whipped cream. In this article, we'll transform this beloved traditional treat into bite-sized delights using an air fryer, perfect for quick preparation without compromising on taste. These Black Forest gateau bites are easy to make and are a fantastic addition to any dessert table, offering all the flavours of the classic cake in a delightful, compact form.
Ingredients
- 100g of plain flour
- 25g of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 75g of caster sugar
- 75g of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 200g of canned cherries, drained and chopped
- 200ml of double cream
- 50g of dark chocolate, grated
- Optional: Kirsch or cherry liqueur for soaking
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge
Start by preheating your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition, and then mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the sponge dense. Line small silicone muffin molds or ramekins with parchment paper or lightly grease them, and fill each with the batter. Be sure not to overfill; halfway is perfect as the batter will rise during cooking.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chocolate Sponge
Place the filled molds into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Once cooked, remove the sponges and let them cool on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
While the sponges are cooling, prepare the cherry filling. If using, soak the canned chopped cherries in a little Kirsch or cherry liqueur for an extra layer of flavour. Alternatively, you can leave them plain if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
Step 4: Assemble the Black Forest Gateau Bites
Once the sponges have cooled, slice each one in half horizontally. Whip the double cream until soft peaks form. On the bottom half of each sponge, spread a spoonful of whipped cream and top with a generous amount of cherries. Place the top half of the sponge back on and add a dollop more cream on top, finishing with a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
These Black Forest gateau bites are best served fresh, allowing you to enjoy the contrast between the light chocolate sponge, rich cream, and tart cherries. They make an excellent dessert for dinner parties or afternoon teas. If you like, you can garnish with additional chocolate shavings or a dusting of icing sugar for a festive touch.
Additional Tips
- If you're short on time, a store-bought chocolate sponge or pre-made mix can work well.
- For a more intense chocolate flavour, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter.
- Vegetarian gelatine can be added to the whipped cream to stabilize if you need your bites to hold their shape for a longer period.
- You can experiment by adding other berry variants like raspberries if cherries aren't available.
Conclusion
Black Forest gateau bites in an air fryer are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering all the depth of flavours in a bite-sized form. This recipe is ideal for those who want the indulgence of a Black Forest cake but with minimal fuss and maximum impact. Easy to prepare and assemble, they are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. Enjoy your culinary triumph, and don't forget to share your bakes with fellow dessert lovers!