Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling

Chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling is a delectable dessert that combines the rich and indulgent flavors of chocolate with the silky smoothness of Bavarian cream. This delightful creation is a symphony of taste and texture, featuring layers of moist chocolate cake that encase a luscious Bavarian cream filling. Bavarian cream is a luxurious custard-based dessert known for its velvety consistency and delicate vanilla flavor, making it the perfect complement to the decadence of chocolate cake. Whether enjoyed on its own or as the centerpiece of a special occasion, chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling is a dessert that satisfies both chocolate and cream enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and sophistication.

What is Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling?

Chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling is a sumptuous dessert that consists of layers of rich chocolate cake paired with a creamy and smooth Bavarian cream filling. Here’s a breakdown of its components:

Chocolate Cake: The base of this dessert is typically made with moist and decadent chocolate cake layers. These cake layers are rich, dark, and deeply chocolate-flavored. They provide a sturdy and flavorful foundation for the creamy Bavarian cream filling.

Bavarian Cream Filling: Bavarian cream, also known as crème bavaroise, is a luscious dessert custard that’s velvety, silky, and often flavored with vanilla. It’s made by combining a vanilla-flavored custard with gelatin and whipped cream, resulting in a light yet creamy texture. Bavarian cream adds a delightful contrast to the dense chocolate cake layers. It provides a creamy, sweet, and slightly vanilla-flavored filling that complements the chocolate cake beautifully.

Assembly: To create chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling, you typically layer the chocolate cake with Bavarian cream between each layer. The cake layers absorb some of the cream, creating a moist and flavorful dessert. The final cake is often frosted with chocolate ganache, buttercream, or whipped cream, depending on personal preference and decoration.

Decoration: Chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, or decorative chocolate curls are often used to garnish the cake, enhancing its visual appeal and adding extra chocolate flavor.

Chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling is a luxurious dessert option, perfect for special occasions, birthdays, weddings, and any time you want to indulge in a delightful combination of chocolate and cream. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts, striking a harmonious balance between the richness of chocolate and the elegance of Bavarian cream.

Why you will love Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling?

Rich Chocolate Flavor: Chocolate cake is known for its deep, rich, and indulgent chocolate flavor. It’s a favorite for chocolate lovers, and the combination of moist chocolate layers in this cake is a delight.
Creamy Bavarian Cream: Bavarian cream is a luxurious and velvety custard-based filling. It’s smooth, creamy, and has a delicate vanilla flavor that complements the intense chocolate cake layers perfectly. The contrast in textures and flavors adds depth to each bite.
Decadent Indulgence: This dessert is a true indulgence. The combination of chocolate and Bavarian cream makes it a dessert fit for special occasions or celebrations. It’s often seen as a luxurious treat that can satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.

Textural Variety: The combination of soft, spongy chocolate cake layers with the smooth, creamy Bavarian cream filling creates a delightful textural contrast in each bite. This interplay of textures can make the eating experience more enjoyable.
Versatility: Chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling can be adapted and customized to suit various preferences. You can adjust the level of sweetness, the thickness of the cream filling, and even add different toppings or garnishes like chocolate ganache, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
Presentation: This cake not only tastes fantastic but also looks impressive when served. The layered appearance, often covered in a glossy chocolate glaze or ganache, can make it a centerpiece at any dessert table.

Timelessness: Chocolate cake and custard-based fillings have been enjoyed for generations, making this combination a classic choice. Its enduring popularity attests to its deliciousness.
Comfort Food: For many, chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling is a comforting and nostalgic dessert. It’s often associated with fond memories of family gatherings, birthdays, or other special occasions.

In summary, people love Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling because of its irresistible combination of rich chocolate, creamy filling, decadent taste, and versatility. It’s a dessert that brings joy and satisfaction to those who appreciate the harmony of flavors and textures.

Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1¾ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ tsp baking powder

1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

For the Bavarian Cream Filling:

2 cups whole milk

½ cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
¼ cup cornstarch

2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream

For Chocolate Ganache (optional):

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

For the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Bavarian Cream Filling:

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk until it’s hot but not boiling. Remove from heat.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until well combined.
Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil.

Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Transfer the custard to a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool.
Once the custard has cooled, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, and then fold it into the custard to create the Bavarian cream filling.

For Chocolate Ganache (optional):

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Assembly:

Once the chocolate cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.

Spread the Bavarian cream filling evenly over the first cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and press gently to secure it.
If desired, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours to set the filling and ganache.
Slice and serve your Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling. Enjoy!

This recipe yields a delicious and impressive chocolate cake with a luscious Bavarian cream filling.

Nutrition information

I can provide you with a rough estimate of the nutrition information for a slice of Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling, but please note that actual values may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size used in your recipe. Here’s an approximate breakdown per slice (1/12th of the cake):

Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per slice.

Fat: About 20-25 grams of fat per slice.

Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60 grams of carbohydrates per slice.

Protein: About 5-8 grams of protein per slice.

Fiber: 2-4 grams of dietary fiber per slice.

Sugar: Approximately 30-40 grams of sugar per slice. The sugar content can vary based on the sweetness of the chocolate cake and Bavarian cream filling.

Please keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and recipe variations you use. If you have specific dietary requirements or are concerned about the nutritional content, it’s best to calculate the nutrition information using the exact ingredients and quantities you use in your recipe or consult with a registered dietitian for a more accurate assessment.

Tips to make perfect Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling

Creating the perfect Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling can be a delightful but slightly challenging endeavor. Here are some tips to help you achieve a flawless result:

For the Chocolate Cake:

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate. The better the quality of your chocolate, the richer and more flavorful your cake will be.
Properly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and dairy (buttermilk) are at room temperature. This helps with even mixing and a better cake texture.

Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda) together to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
Gradual Mixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients together gently and gradually. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Boiling Water Trick: Don’t be alarmed if the batter seems thin after adding boiling water; it’s supposed to be that way. The hot water helps create a moist, tender crumb.

Even Cake Layers: To ensure even cake layers, use cake strips (or damp kitchen towels wrapped around the pans) to help the cakes rise evenly without a dome in the center.
Proper Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.

For the Bavarian Cream Filling:

Tempering Eggs: When adding hot milk to egg yolks, do it gradually and whisk continuously to temper the eggs. This prevents them from scrambling.

Strain the Custard: After cooking the custard, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits.
Cool Completely: Ensure the custard is completely cool before folding in whipped cream. This prevents the cream from melting.
Stiff Peaks: Whip the heavy cream until it reaches stiff peaks. This adds stability and lightness to the Bavarian cream.

Assembly:

Level the Cakes: Trim the tops of the cake layers if necessary to create even surfaces for stacking.
Bavarian Cream Thickness: Spread the Bavarian cream filling evenly between the cake layers. Use a spatula to create a level and consistent layer.
Chill: Chill the assembled cake for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Optional Ganache: If using chocolate ganache, pour it over the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly if needed.
Serve at the Right Temperature: Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and makes for a more enjoyable eating experience.

Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. With time and experience, you’ll master the art of making a perfect Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling.

How to serve

Serving Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling can be a delightful experience. Here’s how to do it elegantly:

1. Presentation:

Place the chilled cake on a clean and decorative serving platter or cake stand. Ensure the platter complements the cake’s appearance.

2. Slicing:

Use a sharp, clean knife or a cake slicer to cut clean and even slices. Dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each slice for neater cuts.

3. Garnish:

Add some decorative elements to enhance the cake’s appearance and flavor. Consider these options:
- Cocoa Powder or Powdered Sugar: Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a simple and elegant touch.
- Fresh Berries: Arrange fresh berries, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, around the cake or on individual slices.
- Mint Leaves: Place a sprig of fresh mint on each slice or at the base of the cake for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
- Chocolate Shavings: Create chocolate curls or shavings using a chocolate bar and sprinkle them over the cake or individual servings.
- Edible Flowers: Use edible flowers like pansies or violets to decorate the cake for a stunning visual effect.

4. Serving Plates:

Place each slice of Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling on individual serving plates. Make sure the plates are clean and attractive.

5. Complementary Items:

Serve the cake with complementary items that enhance the overall experience, such as a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce, if desired.

6. Utensils:

Provide cake forks or dessert spoons for your guests to enjoy the cake.

7. Beverage Pairing:

Suggest beverage pairings like coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a well-rounded dessert experience.

8. Inform and Enjoy:

If your Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling has any specific or unique flavors or ingredients, inform your guests so they can fully appreciate the experience.

Remember that the key to serving this cake is to balance its richness with presentation and complementary elements. By taking care with the presentation and offering options for customization, you can elevate the enjoyment of this delicious dessert for yourself and your guests.

How to store

Properly storing Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling is crucial to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. Here’s how to store it:

1. Refrigeration: Due to the perishable nature of Bavarian cream filling, it’s essential to store the cake in the refrigerator.

2. Covering:

Cover the cake securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.

If the cake is on a cake stand with a lid or a cake carrier, use these to cover it.

3. Chill Promptly: Place the covered cake in the refrigerator as soon as possible after serving or if you have leftovers.

4. Shelf Life:

Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
However, for the best taste and texture, it’s ideal to consume it within the first 24-48 hours after assembly.

5. Avoid Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze a cake with Bavarian cream filling, as the texture of both the cake and the filling may deteriorate upon thawing.

6. Individual Slices:

If you have individual slices left, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a slightly longer shelf life. This can also make it easier to grab a slice as a quick treat.

7. Condensation Prevention:

To prevent condensation from forming inside the plastic wrap, you can place toothpicks around the cake and then gently drape the plastic wrap over the toothpicks so it doesn’t touch the cake directly.

8. Serve Chilled: When serving leftover cake, allow it to come to a cool room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.

Remember that Bavarian cream contains dairy and eggs, which are perishable ingredients, so it’s essential to store the cake in the refrigerator and consume it within the recommended time frame to ensure food safety and quality.

FAQ’s about Chocolate Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling

Q1: Can I make the Bavarian cream filling in advance? A1: Yes, you can prepare the Bavarian cream filling in advance. Once it’s made, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the cake. Be sure to whisk or gently reheat it to a pourable consistency before layering it between the cake layers.

Q2: Can I freeze chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling? A2: Freezing the cake with Bavarian cream filling is possible, but it may affect the texture of the Bavarian cream. It’s generally best to freeze the cake layers without the filling and then assemble the cake with fresh Bavarian cream when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Why is my Bavarian cream lumpy or has a strange texture? A3: Lumps in the Bavarian cream can result from not dissolving the gelatin properly or overcooking the custard. To avoid this, ensure that the gelatin is fully dissolved in a small amount of liquid before adding it to the custard. Additionally, cook the custard over low to medium heat while constantly stirring, and don’t let it come to a boil.

Q4: How do I prevent my cake layers from sliding when using Bavarian cream as a filling? A4: To prevent cake layers from sliding, you can create a dam of frosting or ganache around the edge of each cake layer before adding the Bavarian cream. This acts as a barrier to keep the filling in place.

Q5: Can I flavor the Bavarian cream differently, like with fruit or coffee? A5: Yes, you can customize the flavor of the Bavarian cream to your liking. You can infuse the cream or milk with different flavorings like fruit puree, coffee, or extracts before adding it to the custard. Just make sure the added liquid doesn’t alter the texture of the Bavarian cream significantly.

Q6: What should I do if my Bavarian cream is too runny or doesn’t set properly? A6: If your Bavarian cream is too runny or doesn’t set properly, you can try the following:

Check that you’ve used the correct amount of gelatin according to the recipe.
Make sure the custard is properly cooled before adding whipped cream, as adding it to hot custard can cause it to break down.
Refrigerate the Bavarian cream for a longer period to allow it more time to set.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cake with Bavarian cream filling? A7: Absolutely! While chocolate cake is a classic choice, you can pair Bavarian cream with various cake flavors like vanilla, strawberry, or almond, depending on your preference and the occasion.

Q8: How do I store leftover cake with Bavarian cream filling? A8: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Be aware that the cake may become a bit softer as it absorbs moisture from the Bavarian cream. Enjoy it within a few days for the best quality.

Q9: Can I use store-bought Bavarian cream instead of making it from scratch? A9: Yes, you can use store-bought Bavarian cream if you prefer a convenient option. However, making it from scratch allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

Q10: How can I ensure clean cake slices when serving? A10: To achieve clean cake slices, use a sharp, clean knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This helps prevent the knife from sticking to the cake and results in neater slices.

These FAQs and troubleshooting tips should help you successfully prepare and enjoy chocolate cake with Bavarian cream filling, a delightful and luxurious dessert.

Happy baking!