Black Forest gâteau or Black Forest cake (American English) is a chocolate
sponge cake with a rich cherry filling based on the German dessert
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (pronounced [ˈʃvaʁt͡svɛldɐ ˈkɪʁʃˌtɔʁtə]),
literally "Black Forest Cherry-torte". Typically, Black Forest gateau
consists of several layers of chocolate sponge cake sandwiched with
whipped cream and cherries. It is decorated with additional whipped cream,
maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings. In some European traditions,
sour cherries are used both between the layers and for decorating the
top.[2] Traditionally, kirschwasser, a clear spirit made from sour
cherries, is added to the cake.[3] Other spirits are sometimes used, such
as rum, which is common in Austrian recipes. German law mandates that any
dessert labeled Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte must have kirschwasser.[4]