Black Forest Cake

A dramatic and decadent German classic, Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) is a dessert that never fails to impress. It features layers of rich, moist chocolate sponge cake, soaked in Kirsch (a clear cherry brandy), and filled with sweet cherries and clouds of whipped cream. The entire cake is then enrobed in more whipped cream and decorated with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. It’s a beautiful study in contrasts: the dark chocolate, the white cream, and the red cherries. While it has several components, assembling the cake is a fun and rewarding process. It’s the perfect showstopper for a special celebration. The name comes from the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) region of Germany, which is famous for its cherry orchards and Kirsch, the specialty cherry liqueur that gives the cake its signature flavor. This recipe uses a simple chocolate cake as a base, but a traditional Black Forest cake often uses a lighter chocolate sponge. The key to success is to use a good quality cherry filling and to whip the cream to stiff peaks so that it holds its shape when you are assembling the cake. The chocolate shavings on the side are not just for decoration; they add a wonderful textural contrast to the soft cake and cream.