Black Forest cake, a multi-layered chocolate sponge
cake with cherries and whipped cream, is always a hero in a short notice
celebration. The specialty is that the cake is covered with chocolate shavings
and frosted with whipped cream and cherries for decoration. In European
tradition, sour cherries are also used in between each layer.
An authentic black forest cake's bottom layer of
sponge cake is brushed with a clear spirit made of sour cherries known as
Kirschwasser (cherry water) to replenish moisture and to give an extra
zing. Rum is also used occasionally in
some Austrian recipes. But in India, a black forest cake is usually prepared
without any alcohol.
Now, let's see how the black forest cake got its
signature! There are several concepts on how the cake originally got its name.
According to historians, the cake got its title from a popular traditional
costume worn by the women in the Black Forest. The dress was the shade of
black, like the chocolate flakes, the blouse in white like the cream, and they
used a hat with red pom-poms that look like cherries.
The history starts here! Historians believe that
the black forest cake originated in the late 16th century in the Black Forest
Region (Der Schwarzwald in German) in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Many
assume that the Black Forest cake is not named after the Black Forest mountain
range. Instead, they are named after a special liquor, Schwarzwälder Kirsch
(colourless brandy), of that region.
Schwarzwald region is known for sour cherries and Kirschwasser,
a double distilled, clear cherry brandy made from the sour Morello cherry.
This is one of the most important ingredients for
the preparation of a Black Forest cake. It has a unique cherry pit zest and
some alcoholic content that gives a typical flavour.
Chocolate was first integrated into cakes and
cookies during this era. Combine cream with Morello cherries, you will have the
wonderful chocolate cake. It is believed that the cake is named after this
brandy.
Black Forest Cake is the most treasured all-time
delight. As it is recognized throughout the world, undoubtedly, everyone might
have presented it to someone on their special day in a lifetime.
