Great British Bake Off 2015: How To Make Madeira Cake And Black Forest Gateau

GBBO: How To Bake Madeira Cake And Black Forest Gateau (That Doesn't Collapse)
Open Image Modal
Martha Stewart

It's official, the Great British Bake Off (series six) is back with a bang, and we didn't even have to wait for episode two for a freak-out about a baking disaster.

Last night saw 12 new contestants tasked with making a delicious madeira cake, followed by a showstopper creation - 70s classic, the black forest gateau. Unfortunately, 53-year-old contestant Dorret Conway proceeded to go into meltdown after her chocolate creation collapsed.

For those who want to release their inner Bake Off at home (where no one cares even if you do cry), we've found two great recipes for recreating the classic desserts.

Ready, steady, bake!

First task: Madeira cake

You will need:

175g unsalted butter, softened

175g soft light brown sugar or caster sugar

4 medium eggs

Zest of an orange or lemon

250g plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

Second task: Black Forest Gateau

You will need:

For the cake:

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for pans

2/3 cup sifted cake flour, plus more for pans

1/3 cup sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

4 large eggs, plus 3 large yolks, room temperature

2/3 cup granulated sugar

For the syrup:

1/3 cup creme de cassis

1/3 cup granulated sugar

For the glaze:

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon corn syrup

For the rest:

1/3 cup red or blackcurrant jelly, or blackberry jelly

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

4 cups fresh blackberries (16 ounces)

3/4 cup heavy cream

3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar