Black Forest gateau

The Black Forest gateau is a cake of German origin, the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, layered with cocoa sponge soaked in kirsch, whipped cream and cherries, decorated with dark chocolate shavings. Rooted in the Schwarzwald region of Baden-Württemberg, its precise origins are debated, with a 1927 recipe held in the archives of Radolfzell. Kirsch cherry brandy remains its defining aromatic signature throughout the layers.