If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a cake that not only tastes heavenly but also looks like a masterpiece, then the Damero Cake recipe, also known as the Chess Cake or Checkerboard Cake, is your perfect challenge. This cake blends rich chocolate and light vanilla layers in a beautifully geometric pattern that surprises everyone at the first slice. Despite its intricate look, this elegant dessert is much easier to prepare than it seems — and the results are simply stunning.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a celebration, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake will turn your kitchen into a true pâtisserie. Let’s dive into how you can master this sweet illusion.
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🍰 What Is a damero cake (or Chess Cake)?
The Damero Cake, whose name comes from the Italian word damero meaning “checkerboard,” is a show-stopping dessert with alternating squares of chocolate and vanilla sponge. When you slice into it, you see a perfect pattern — just like a chessboard!
This cake first became popular in European pastry shops for its elegance, but it’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home. You don’t need any fancy equipment — just patience, precision, and a love for baking.
🕒 Preparation Details
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Preparation time: 2 hours
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Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
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Chilling time: 4 hours
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Serves: 8 generous slices
🧈 Ingredients for the Damero Cake Recipe
This cake uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, divided into two parts: vanilla sponge and chocolate sponge.
For the Vanilla Sponge:
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4 large eggs
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250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
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250 g (1 cup) sugar
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250 g (1 cup) butter, softened
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
For the Chocolate Sponge:
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6 large eggs
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300 g (1¼ cups) butter
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250 g (2 cups) sugar
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250 g (2 cups) flour
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60 g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
For the Filling & Assembly:
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200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate
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100 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream
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100 g (½ cup) milk chocolate, optional
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A few tablespoons of sugar syrup (for brushing layers)
🧁 Step-by-Step Preparation for damero cake recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Batter
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the eggs one by one, mixing continuously until smooth.
Next, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until the batter is thick, smooth, and chocolatey. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Batter
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Sift the flour with baking powder and baking soda, then fold it into the wet mixture until you have a smooth vanilla batter with a velvety texture.
Step 3: Divide and Bake
Grease three round cake pans of equal size. Pour the vanilla mixture into one, the chocolate mixture into another, and alternate colors in the third (half vanilla, half chocolate).
Bake each layer at 200°C (390°F) for about 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
🍫 Step 4: Create the Checkerboard Effect
Here’s where the magic of the damero cake recipe happens!
Once your cakes have cooled, use circular cutters or round molds of different sizes to cut concentric circles from each sponge.
Then, carefully reassemble the circles by alternating colors — chocolate, vanilla, chocolate — like a bullseye. Repeat the process for each layer to create a checkerboard effect when the cake is sliced.
If you don’t have circular cutters, you can use small bowls or plates of different diameters as guides.
🧩 Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Cream Filling
To make the filling, melt the chocolate with heavy cream over low heat (or in a microwave, 30 seconds at a time). Stir until smooth and glossy — this is your ganache.
Let it cool slightly, then use it as the glue to stick each layer together. Spread a thin, even coat between each checkerboard layer to add flavor and stability.
🏗️ Step 6: Assemble the damero cake recipe
Start by brushing each cake layer lightly with sugar syrup — this keeps it moist and delicious.
Stack the layers one on top of another, alternating the checkerboard patterns so the final design looks perfectly aligned once sliced.
Once all layers are stacked, spread a thin layer of ganache all around the cake, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to set completely.
🍮 Step 7: Decorate and Serve
Now comes the fun part — decoration!
You can cover the cake with whipped chocolate ganache, vanilla frosting, or even fondant for a professional finish.
Add chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for that irresistible final touch.
When you cut into the cake, your guests will be amazed by the striking chessboard pattern inside. It’s a dessert that’s not just delicious — it’s unforgettable.
💡 Pro Tips for a Perfect damero cake recipe
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Keep your batters thick: The thicker the batter, the better your layers will hold shape.
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Use chilled cakes: It’s easier to cut and assemble firm cakes without breaking them.
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Alternate colors accurately: Always start and end each layer with the opposite color for a perfect check pattern.
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Try different flavors: Swap vanilla for orange or lemon zest, or use dark and milk chocolate for contrast.
🧠 Why You’ll Love This Damero Cake Recipe
The beauty of this damero cake recipe lies in its simplicity and surprise factor. It’s a creative, playful dessert that makes everyone smile when they see the checkerboard inside.
Beyond looks, this cake is:
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Soft and moist, thanks to the buttery texture
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Visually stunning, ideal for birthdays and holidays
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Customizable, with endless flavor options
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Perfect for family baking, even with kids
🌍 External Link
Want to see more creative cake designs and inspiration? Check out Sally’s Baking Addiction – Checkerboard Cake Tutorial for another take on this classic pattern.