Who does not like black forest cakes! It is one of the most sold cakes in India. I, however, always detested store bought black forest cakes when I was a child. To some extent, I still do! The reason is simple. I ate black forest cakes way before they became famous. In fact, this was the cake that Daddy made for my brother’s and my birthday every year! The store bought cakes did not match the hard work and love that he put into baking us a perfect, soft, delicious cake. When he visited us in the USA two years ago, I took it upon myself to learn to make this family favorite from him. The secret, he said, was a fatless sponge! Who knew! I have baked it many times since. All my friends have had nothing but good things to say about this cake! This is my humble attempt  to recreate my Daddy’s famous black forest cake.

What you will need:

How to make it:

• Make the fatless chocolate sponge by following the recipe link. Slice the sponge cake into two equal parts.
• Also, follow the recipe link to make whipped cream.
• Slice half the strawberries and cut the remaining half into small pieces.
• Grate the chocolate.
• In a bowl, add water, sugar, cloves and rum. Warm the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool. This is your syrup to soak the sponge cake.
• Keep the sponge cake, whipped cream, syrup, cut strawberries and chocolate shavings close by.
• In a trifle bowl, first place a layer of cake. Add half the syrup to evenly soak the cake.
• Next add a layer of whipped cream (use half the amount).
• Follow with a layer of strawberries. Use the slices strawberries to decorate the sides.
• Now, add a half of the chocolate shavings.
• Add the remaining half of the cake and soak it the syrup.
• Add strawberries followed by a layer of whipped cream.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings.
• I used chocolate covered strawberries on top. But you are free to get creative and use moulded chocolate, fresh strawberries or whipped cream to decorate the top of the trifle.
• Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.