Created by Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace, this decadent white chocolate gateau makes a beautiful addition to a tea party.
By Gregg Wallace
White Chocolate Gateau
Prep Time: 45 minutes + cooling
Serves: 12 People
Ingredients
For the gateau
butter, for greasing
4 eggs
125g (4oz) Fairtrade caster sugar
125g (4oz) plain flour
50g (2oz) Divine White Chocolate
To finish
3 tsp rosewater, or 2–3 drops rose essence
150ml (1⁄4 pint) crème fraîche
200g (7oz) Divine White Chocolate, broken into pieces
75g (3oz) unsalted butter
3 tbsp single cream, at room temperature
125g (4oz) icing sugar
Divine White Chocolate curls
sugared rose petals (optional)
sifted Fairtrade icing sugar, for dusting
Cook's tip
The sugared rose petals decorating this cake enhance the subtle rosewater flavouring. To make, lightly brush fresh rose petals with beaten egg white and dust them with caster sugar. Leave to dry on nonstick greaseproof paper for 1–2 hours before using.
Method
Step 1
Grease and line the bases of two 20cm (8 inch) round sandwich tins. Whisk the eggs and caster sugar together in a large bowl using a handheld electric whisk until thick enough to leave a trail when the whisk is lifted.
Step 2
Sift the flour into the bowl. Add the grated chocolate and fold in using a large metal spoon.
Step 3
Divide the mixture between the prepared tins and bake in a preheated oven, 180°C (350°F), Gas Mark 4, for 20–25 minutes until just firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Step 4
Stir the rosewater into the crème fraîche and use to sandwich the 2 cakes together on a serving plate.
Step 5
Put the white chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water so that the base of the bowl is not touching the water and leave until melted. Allow to cool, then stir in the cream and icing sugar and beat until smooth. Leave the mixture to cool further until it forms soft peaks, then spread over the top and side of the cake using a palette knife.
Step 6
Decorate the top of the cake with white chocolate curls, sugared rose petals, if you like, and a light dusting of icing sugar.
