National Black Forest Cake Day is observed worldwide on March 28, celebrating the beloved German dessert known as Black Forest cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. This cake is traditionally made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, cream, and sour cherries, often flavored with kirschwasser, a cherry brandy from the Black Forest region of Germany. The cake's name is believed to be derived from either the region's cherry brandy or its resemblance to the traditional bollenhut headdress. The first recorded mention of Black Forest cake dates back to 1934, and it gained popularity across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland by the mid-20th century. To celebrate, people indulge in slices of this rich dessert, whether by baking it at home or purchasing it from local bakeries. For those unable to find the traditional cake, a simplified version can be made using chocolate pound cake or brownies topped with cherry pie filling and whipped cream.