Black Forest cake: a Schwarzwald legend, now with us
The Black Forest is a cake with a history. It comes from the Schwarzwald, the wooded region in western Germany where this pairing of dark chocolate, whipped cream and cherries first took shape. Now it has reached our display cases too.
A chocolate sponge, generous layers of whipped cream and a rich cherry filling with a gentle tartness. It is precisely this play between sweet and sour that keeps the cake from turning cloying, while its restrained, elegant look sets it at the centre of any festive table, with no need for extra decoration.
The name comes from the Schwarzwald - the Black Forest - that stretches across western Germany. Some tie the recipe to the local cherry schnapps (Kirschwasser), others to the dress of the women there: a dark skirt, a white blouse and red pompoms on the hat. Whichever story is true, the combination caught on around the world and became a classic you recognise at a glance.
The first written recipes appeared in the early twentieth century, and since then the Black Forest has become an emblem of German confectionery, recognised around the world.
We make it with respect for that tradition, without fashionable over-complication, with the same three voices: chocolate, cream, cherry.
The sponge is dark, airy and just moist enough: it holds its shape yet melts in the mouth. The layers are natural whipped cream, light, never too sweet. At the heart of the cake is the cherry, ripe, with that tartness that refreshes every bite.
Every layer works toward the overall taste. The chocolate gives depth and a light bitterness, the cream softens and binds, the cherry adds freshness and keeps the taste from tiring. With each bite you sense all three in turn, rather than one solid wave of sweetness.
The cake is good on its own, but it opens up more fully in company. The classic pairing is a cup of strong coffee or espresso: the light bitterness sets off the cream and brings out the cherry. Serve it chilled and cut it generously - thin slices do not suit this dessert.
Take the cake out of the fridge about fifteen minutes before serving: the sponge softens and the aroma of cocoa and cherry comes through in full.
It works with plain tea as well, and with a glass of sparkling wine on a special day. And if you like contrasts, try it with unsweetened black coffee - that is when the cherry comes through most clearly.
The Black Forest is usually associated with a celebration - a birthday, an anniversary, a family gathering. But that is the beauty of a classic: it does not require a special occasion. A slice with your evening coffee makes an ordinary day a little more festive, and a whole cake easily becomes the centre of the table when guests arrive.
It is a dessert that appeals to children and adults alike: chocolatey enough to please those with a sweet tooth, and fresh enough, thanks to the cherry, not to feel heavy.
The Black Forest cake is already available in Colibri partner stores. Weight - 500 grams. Ask your seller or look in the products section on the site - we update the range and the list of locations regularly.