Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a word that is perhaps beyond the reach of most of us, a rich word with a rich history, but perhaps a bit too exotic to describe a treat we are all familiar with. And what a treat it is, rich layers of chocolate sponge cake mortared together with a flavorful whipped cream and assortment of cherries, and frosted and topped with more of the same. That’s right! It’s a Black Forest Cake, and Black Forest Cake Day celebrates this most amazing and exotic of treats.
History of Black Forest Cake Day
A true Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is made with the rich flavorful liquor that comes from the region for which it’s named Schwarzwälder Kirsch(wasser). In the region grows a variety of tart cherries that lend the spirit its unique flavor, and in turn provide a notable and local flavor to the Black Forest Cherry-Torte. This cake certainly has a long storied history, having first appeared in Schwarzwälder (The Black Forest) in 1915, or so that’s the tale that Josef Keller told until his death in 1981. Whether his tale is true or not, what is well known is it was indelibly tied to Berlin by 1931, and has spread throughout the world to become a famous and recognizable treat.
Interestingly, there is actually a Swedish variation of this dish, consisting merely of layers of rich flavorful chocolate and whipped cream. Once this is completed the Schwarzwaldtårta is decorated with rich slivers or plates of chocolate and dusted with cocoa powder for a distinctive and delicious appearance. In spite of the shared name, it has no other relation to the Cherry-Torte mentioned above. But that doesn’t stop us from enjoying it as well on Black Forest Cake Day!
How to celebrate Black Forest Cake Day
Why, you get to celebrate Black Forest Cake Day in the best way possible! You get to celebrate it by eating Black Forest Cake, in any of the dozens of varieties that this delicious chocolate treat can come in. While the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte has a very specific recipe, there is always room for variation when you’re eating a Black Forest Cake! Maraschino cherries are without question a popular selection for this, but you can also make it with Rainier Cherries for a sweeter flavor, or the dark red cherries that are traditional for a tarter, more striking taste. Black Forest Cake Day is your chance to indulge yourself in this German delicacy.
