What is "black forest gateau"

n. (alternative spelling of Black Forest gâteau English)

n. A type of gâteau consisting of a rich chocolate sponge topped with cream and cherries.

Black Forest gâteau ( British English) and Black Forest cake ( American English) are the English names for the German dessert Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte , literally "Black Forest cherry- torte", where it originated.

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. Traditionally, kirschwasser, a clear spirit made from sour cherries, is added to the cake. Other spirits are sometimes used, such as rum, which is common in Austrian recipes. In India, Black Forest cake is generally prepared without alcohol. German law mandates that kirschwasser must be present in the cake for it to be labelled a Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. True Black Forest gâteaus are decorated with black cherries.