Black Forest ‘strata’

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 3
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of Black Forest 'strata'
in Dessert

Prep

45 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

1 hr 35 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate , coarsely chopped
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 cup granulated sugar
12 tablespoons unsalted butter , at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
9 large egg yolks
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate , coarsely chopped
1 lb dried cherries
1 cup lindemans kriek Lambic
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate , coarsely chopped

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
674
Sugar
47g
Fat
43g
Black Forest 'strata' is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the tartness of cherries. Traditionally, the 'Black Forest' name comes from a region in southwest Germany where the famous Black Forest cake originates from, but the 'strata' version is a unique twist on the classic recipe. Layers of chocolate batter, dried cherries, and a creamy custard make this dessert a showstopper for any special occasion. The addition of lambic soaked cherries adds a unique touch to the dish, elevating it to the next level. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy this indulgent treat with friends and family!

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F.
2.Melt 6 ounces of bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Set aside.
3.In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso powder. Set aside.
4.In a large bowl, cream together sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in melted chocolate. Gradually stir in dry ingredients.
5.Pour 1/3 of the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread out evenly. Scatter half of the dried cherries on top. Repeat with another third of the batter and remaining dried cherries. Pour remaining batter on top.
6.In a saucepan, heat together heavy cream, granulated sugar, and egg yolks over low heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
7.Pour the egg mixture through a sieve over a bowl of the remaining 2 ounces of bittersweet chocolate. Let stand for a minute, then whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
8.Pour the chocolate mixture over the batter, using a knife to spread it evenly.
9.Combine dried cherries and lambic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until cherries are tender. Spoon cherry mixture on top of strata.
10.Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until strata is set in the center. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

This dish is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with the tartness of cherries.
Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a special occasion!
Can be made ahead of time and reheated for easy entertaining.

CONS

This dish is definitely not low in calories or sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The recipe requires multiple steps and some advanced prep work.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not the healthiest option, dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve brain function. Cherries are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against disease and inflammation.

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