BAKE THEM A showstopper

This secretly easy cake makes a crowd-pleasing change to the classic Christmas cake

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Snowy Black Forest gateau

Black Forest flavours are making a big comeback this Christmas. And once you've tasted this combination of rich chocolate, booze-soaked cherries and indulgent creamy icing, you'll see why.

Serves 12. Prep 40 mins

Cook 30 mins, plus cooling

For the chocolate sponge:

175g unsalted butter, softened

200g golden caster sugar

3 medium free-range eggs

1tsp vanilla paste

100g dark chocolate, melted

200g self-raising flour

2tbsp cocoa powder

1/2tsp bicarbonate of soda

150g soured cream

 370g jar cherries in kirsch, drained, Kirsch reserved (we used Opies)

For the mascarpone icing:

300g white chocolate

300g mascarpone