Sägespäne Kuchen (Sawdust Cake)

Discover the unique and delightful Sägespäne Kuchen, also known as Sawdust Cake, a German specialty that combines a rich chocolate cake base with a creamy, mascarpone-based topping, finished with a toasted coconut and nut mixture. This cake is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, offering a deliciously different dessert experience.

Why You’ll Love This: Sägespäne Kuchen stands out for its unique combination of a moist, cocoa-rich cake and a smooth, velvety cream topping. The toasted coconut and nut mixture sprinkled on top resembles sawdust, hence the name, adding a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess of the cake.

Perfect Occasion: This cake is a showstopper, ideal for special occasions or as a weekend baking project. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring international cuisines and are looking for a dessert that’s a little out of the ordinary.

For the Cake:

• 3 eggs
• 1 teacup sugar
• 125g butter (room temperature)
• 1.5 teacups milk
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract or 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 1 packet baking powder

For the Cream:

• 400g schmand or mascarpone
• 400 ml cream
• 1.5 packets Paradies cream (or similar)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract or 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 4 tbsp sugar

For the Topping:

• 100g butter
• 100g coconut flakes (about 1 cup)
• 100g sugar (less than 1 teacup)
• 2-3 tbsp hazelnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. For the cake, cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add milk. Sift in flour, cocoa, and baking powder, and beat briefly. Line a 26cm cake tin with parchment paper, grease the sides, and pour in the batter. Bake at 170°C (338°F) for 25-30 minutes. Do a toothpick test, then let cool.
2. For the cream, whip cream with Paradies cream, sugar, and vanilla. In another bowl, stir the schmand or mascarpone, then fold it into the whipped cream mixture.
3. For the topping, heat all ingredients in a pan until toasted, stirring constantly.
4. Place the cake tin around the cooled cake, spread the cream on top, then sprinkle with the toasted mixture. Chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
5. Remove from the tin and serve.

Enjoy this Sägespäne Kuchen, a delightful treat that combines a chocolatey base, creamy layer, and a unique coconut-nut topping, bringing a piece of German culinary tradition to your table!