The 28th of March is a special day on our calendars as it marks the annual celebration of National Black Forest Cake Day. This rich, delicious, and globally adored dessert takes center stage. The cake, which is a delightfully decadent concoction of chocolate and cherries, first came to us from Germany but has since wowed palettes across the globe.
The day provides a perfect opportunity for baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike to make, share, and savor this particularly tantalizing treat. The objective is pure indulgence in culinary goodness while acknowledging the history and taste of the grand Black Forest Cake.
History of National Black Forest Cake Day
The background of the Black Forest Cake is quite fascinating. The cake derives its name from Schwarzwalder Kirschwasser, a unique liquor originating from Germany’s Black Forest region. This liquor, distilled from tart cherries, lends the cake a unique cherry pit flavor and a hint of alcohol.
The composition of the cake is several layers of chocolate sponge cake interspersed with layers of whipped cream and cherries. The final embellishments include more whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and curls of chocolate.
Historians suggest that an early version of this cake was possibly baked in the late 16th century when chocolate was first introduced in baking. However, the contemporary version that incorporates cherries, cream, and Kirschwasser, came into being in the 1930s and soon gained popularity across Germany. By the late 1940s, this decadent dessert found its way to the United States, turning into a recurring feature of many celebrations.
National Black Forest Cake Day has become an anticipated event, especially for dessert lovers. Special offers at local bakeries, restaurants, and even home baking contests have become tradition in honoring this day. On social media platforms, it’s customary to see posts and hashtags associated with this celebration. This day commemorates not just the lasting popularity of the Black Forest Cake, but also its significant contribution to culinary arts.
National Black Forest Cake Day Timeline
Black Forest Cake Inception
Estimated time when Josef Keller, a German pastry chef, invented the modern Black Forest Cake.
First Mentioned in Writing
The Black Forest Cake, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in German, was first mentioned in writing in 1934.
Popularization Outside Germany
The cake became popular outside Germany after World War II and began to be served in various countries across the world.
Popular German cake
The cake became popular and it took 13th place in a list of best-known German cake.
Spread to America
Black Forest cake started to gain popularity in America, a trend that was first identified by The New York Times.
National Black Forest Cake Day
National Black Forest Cake Day is observed in the United States on 28th March, organized by cake lovers to celebrate this iconic dessert.
Ideas to Celebrate National Black Forest Cake Day
Create Your Own Black Forest Cake
Try your hand at baking and decorating your own Black Forest Cake. Look for a great recipe online, gather all the ingredients and get creative. It's an engaging activity which helps in enhancing your baking skills too!
Throw a Black Forest Cake Tasting Party
Invite friends and family over for a gathering where everyone gets to taste different versions of Black Forest Cakes. You can even have a little competition where the best cake wins a prize.
Explore Variants of Black Forest Cake
Make the day educational by exploring and trying different variants of the Black Forest Cake available around the world. You could prepare a few or order from different bakeries, experiencing the different cultural takes on this classic dessert.
Black Forest Cake Decoration Contest
Organize a Black Forest Cake decoration contest at work or with your friends online. Participants can use various toppings, style of icing, and decorations. You can even have participants vote for the most aesthetically pleasing cake.
Visit a Local Bakery
Visit your favorite local bakery and appreciate the professionals who make these cakes. Perhaps, you can talk with the baker about their process of making Black Forest Cake, and don’t forget to take one home!
7 Interesting Facts About Black Forest Cake
Originated from Germany
Despite its universal popularity, the Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte in German, originated in the Black Forest region of Germany.
Named after a Specialty Liquor
The cake gets its name from Schwarzwalder Kirschwasser, a specialty liquor from the Black Forest region in Germany that is distilled from tart cherries. This is the crucial ingredient that gives the cake its flavor.
Branded as a Festive Cake
Black Forest Cake was not commonly made at home because of its perceived complexity, rather it was often found at birthday parties or festive celebrations.
Not Particularly Ancient
The Black Forest Cake is relatively young amongst traditional cakes. Its first mention in writing was in 1934.
Legal Protection in Germany
In Germany, any pastry shop that wants to sell a Black Forest Cake must adhere to a defined set of ingredients and preparation methods.
World Record Holder
The world's largest Black Forest Cake was made in 2006 in Germany, weighed 3000 kilograms and required 700 liters of Kirsch.
Subject of Controversies
There have been disputes over the traditional method of making black forest cake, particularly about whether it should contain Kirsch or not. In many countries, the cake sold as 'Black Forest' doesn't contain any liquor.
National Black Forest Cake Day FAQs
Next National Black Forest Cake Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 28th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | March 28th | Thursday |
| 2025 | March 28th | Friday |
| 2026 | March 28th | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 28th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every March 28th | |
National Black Forest Cake Day Word Search
- Cake
- Chocolate
- Cherry
- Cream
- Bake
- Dessert