Donauwelle, different batters?

[Niko74]

Howdy, I'm trying to wow some German friends by making a Donauwelle, and I want to overcomplicate things for myself by using different batters as the two layers, (most recipes just use a splinter of the main batter with some cocoa), so I can get a varied mouth feel through the cake and so I can use Dutch process cocoa (which affects leavening) . Is hist even possible or a good idea, and if so what are some considerations I should take?

 

[Norcalbaker59]

Howdy, I'm trying to wow some German friends by making a Donauwelle, and I want to overcomplicate things for myself by using different batters as the two layers, (most recipes just use a splinter of the main batter with some cocoa), so I can get a varied mouth feel through the cake and so I can use Dutch process cocoa (which affects leavening) . Is hist even possible or a good idea, and if so what are some considerations I should take?

Cocoa powder is naturally acidic meaning it has a pH around 5 or 6. Water is neutral at pH 7 for reference. Anything below 7 is acidic, anything above 7 is an alkaline.

Dutch Process cocoa is simply cocoa powder that’s been washed with a potassium carbonate solution.

People talk about natural cocoa powder being sharp. But the flavor of the cocoa really depends on the brand. Dutch processing takes the sharp edge off of the natural cocoa powder.

Simply buying Dutch Process cocoa powder doesn’t guarantee quality. You need to know your brands. I prefer Callebaut. But read Stella Parks articles on cocoa powder recommendations

Dutch

We Tasted Dutch Cocoa Powder—Here Are Six of Our Favorites

Dutch cocoa powder is alkaline and dark, with a flavor that's earthy and deep. These six brands are guaranteed to please.

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Natural

Natural Cocoa Powder Puts the Generic Stuff to Shame

We love the richness that natural cocoa powder lends to our baked goods. Here are our tried-and-true favorites.

www.seriouseats.com