Black Forest gâteau or Black Forest cake is a chocolate sponge cake with a rich cherry filling based on the German dessert Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, literally "Black Forest Cherry-torte". Typically, Black Forest gateau consists of several layers of chocolate sponge cake sandwiched with whipped cream and cherries. It is decorated with additional whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings. In some European traditions, sour cherries are used both between the layers and for decorating the top.Traditionally, kirschwasser, a clear spirit made from sour cherries, is added to the cake. German law mandates that any dessert labeled Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte must have kirschwasser.
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte was first mentioned in writing in 1934. The dessert is not directly named after the Black Forest mountain range in southwestern Germany. According to one school of thought, the name is derived from the specialty liquor of that region, known as Schwarzwälder Kirsch (wasser), which is distilled from tart cherries. This is the ingredient that gives the dessert its distinctive cherry pit flavor and alcoholic content flavor. Cherries, cream, and Kirschwasser were first combined in the form of a dessert in which cooked cherries were served with cream and Kirschwasser, while a cake combining cherries, cookies / biscuits and cream (but without Kirschwasser) probably originated in Germany. Some sources claim that the name of the cake is inspired by the traditional costume of the women of the Black Forest region, with a characteristic hat with big, red pom-poms on top, called Bollenhut.
During your visit to this beautiful Germain region treat yourself with this delicious dessert.