Black Forest Gateau

A favourite on British sweet trolleys of the 70s – and best served following a starter of grapefruit segments and a main of steak Diane – Black Forest gateau is Germany’s most famous dessert.

Consisting of layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream and cherries, Germans call it the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, meaning Black Forest cherry torte.

Some claim it is not named after the Black Forest mountains of south-west Germany, and it actually derives from the speciality liquor known as Schwarzwalder Kirschwasser, or cherry schnapps, the ingredient that gives it its alcoholic flavour.

Other sources say the cake is inspired by the traditional costume of the women of the Black Forest – a hat with big, red pom-poms on top called a bollenhut.

The Black Forest itself is actually more green than black, with wooded hills, high pastures and valleys. Scenic roads snake through the region, past farmhouses perched on hillsides and half-timbered towns. Nearly every cafe in the area serves kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) at

3pm sharp. germany.travel