Black Forest Cake
A classic German chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream, originating from the Black Forest region.
About Black Forest Cake
Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) is a renowned German dessert that originated in the Black Forest region of Baden-Württemberg. This sumptuous cake features layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, all infused with Kirsch, a cherry brandy. The cake is traditionally decorated with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries. The cake's appearance mimics the traditional costume of the Black Forest region, with the chocolate shavings representing the dark hat, the cream symbolizing the white blouse, and the cherries reflecting the red pom-poms. Despite popular belief, the cake is not named after the Black Forest itself, but rather after the cherry brandy (Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser) that gives it its distinct flavor. The first documented recipe for this cake appeared in the early 20th century, though similar cherry-based cakes had been part of the region's culinary tradition for much longer. Today, Black Forest cake is enjoyed worldwide and is considered an iconic symbol of German baking expertise, with strict guidelines in Germany as to what can officially be sold under this name.