Black Forest Cake, or 'Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,' is one of Germany's most famous desserts. Despite its name, it isn't directly named after the Black Forest mountain range. Instead, it is named after the 'Kirschwasser' (cherry schnapps) that is a specialty of that region. By German law, a cake cannot be called a Black Forest Cake unless it contains Kirschwasser. The cake consists of several layers of chocolate sponge cake sandwiched with whipped cream and cherries. It is traditionally decorated with additional whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings. The combination of flavors—rich chocolate, tart cherries, and potent alcohol—has made it a global favorite since its popularization by pastry chef Josef Keller in 1915.