Blackforest by DeSté

Blackforest by DeSté

Chocolate cream, cherries in brandy, flourless chocolate sponge and lots of chocolate ($9.40)

This cake is really dense, the overall impression that I got after taking my first bite was "Did I just ate liquor chocolate?" Those that love the chocolate liquor combination will love this. My only complaint is the blend cream used in this black forest.

DeSté chocolate boutique at Mandarin Gallery
#02-26 Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Tel : 6737 3247

Opening hours - 11am to 9.30pm daily
http://www.deste.com.sg/

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Blackforest @ The Deli

Blackforest @ The Deli

I liked this blackforest for 3 reasons. First - thin dark chocolate sheets. Second - Vanilla cream over the top. Third - solid Kirsch soaked cherries (trust me this one is so strong that you will feel the heat in your throat). However the down side is that the chocolate sponge cake has this powdery feeling.

Lastly, each slice of Blackforest costs $7.50+.

Note that there is a 50% discount for pastries and sliced cakes (except for durian goodies) from 8pm to 9pm daily.

Deli
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1786

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily
Website for Deli

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Fruit of the Forest

Fruit of the Forest

Described by Big "O" to be a Blackforest Cake done BigO Style and a cherry anyone would pick. This cake costs $5.95++ (per slice) / $57++ (whole).

Most blackforest stands out for its rich chocolate mousse or the Kirsch-soaked cherries but this one stands out because of its moist chocolate moist, thereby providing a very refreshing after-taste. By far, this one has the most generous amount of chocolate shavings and has a nostalgic old school taste.

BigO Cafe. Restaurant
Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road
#02-04/#02-05
Singapore 238880
Tel 6737 8472

Operating hours -
11:30am to 10:30pm (Sun to Thurs)
11:30am to 11pm (Fri, Sat and Eve of PH)

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BlackForest

BlackForest

A traditional favourite combining moist chocolate sponge with layers of chocolate cream and kirsch soaked cherries. Each slice costs $7.90++ and a whole cake will be $75++.


In a way, this version of Black Forest resembles closely to what Mezza9 offers. Apart from the chocolate sheet supporting at the back of the cake, the cream in both cakes are similarly bland. What makes this slightly better than Mezza9's is the less sour berries and the overall texture is not overwhelmed by Kirsch.

1 Caramel
The Luxe
6 Handy Road
#01-01A
Singapore 229234
Tel: 6338 3282

Operating hours -
11am to 11pm (Sun to Thurs)
11am to 1am (Fri and Sat)

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Black Forest

Black Forest

The Black Forest is one cake that has alot of variations; some consist of chocolate sponge and whipping cream while others are layered with chocolate mousse and whipping cream. This is something very different from what we have previously and has made it to our top of my favourites.

Unlike the sliced form, this is served in a cup consisting of 5 layers, creamy chocolate mousse, kirsh-soaked cherries, vanilla sponge, a thin layer of whipping cream, topped with chocolate flakes.

The winning factor of this cake is the extreme smoothness of the mousse and that the cherries are not overly soaked in liquor nor sour. Since the layer of whipping cream is extremely thin, this combination presents a very light taste and it is no surprise Yuan volunteered to finish the entire cup.

However, talking about chocolate flakes, Laurent's Black Forest certainly triumphs all.

Each cup of Black Forest is $8 nett and 1 kg of this cake is $55 nett. Highly recommended in our humble opinion.

SomethingToGo
The Regent Singapore - A Four Seasons Hotel
One Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249715
Tel: 6720 8000

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm (daily)
Website

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Foret Noire by Hilton

Foret Noire by Hilton

Foret Noire (Black Forest) - $6.50 nett;

Having ate so many Black Forests lately, we came to realize that this cake is German in origin since the late 16th century. Little did I know that Black Forest is a region in Germany. Also known as Black Forest Cherry Cake, this cake consists of sour cherries and kirsch (brandy distilled from fermented cherries), whipped cream and rich chocolate cake.

Surprisingly, apart from the famous Hilton's American Cheesecake, Hilton Hotel was also one of the first to introduce Black Forest to Singapore in the early 1970s. Alongside with Hyatt, which brought in Austrian-born pastry chef Gottfried Schuetzenberger, it is no surprise that Mezza9 is another popular name for Black Forest. Shortly after, local chefs who had worked in the hotels opened their own bakeries in the heartland thus this cake actually end up with many variations.


The main difference between Mezza9's Black Forest and Checkers Deli's Foret Noir lies in the use of dark chocolate mousse in the latter. This updated version of Black Forest cake has a generous layer of chocolate mousse, topped with chantilly cream and raspberry glace. Similar to Al Forno's chocolately Black Forest it is the presence of kirsch cherries that reminds us that it is a mousse-y, modern twist to the classic Black Forest.

This cake is also available as a whole @ $67.40 nett and UOB cardholders can enjoy a 15% off.

Checkers Deli
Hilton Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: 6730 3392

Operating hours - 11:00am - 9:00pm (daily)
Website

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Blackforest by Yamazaki

Blackforest by Yamazaki

A sister bakery to Sun Moulin @ Shaw Centre, Yamazaki Boulangerie Chaude has made its appearance in the East, at the new Tampines 1 mall. According to Tampines 1 website, Boulangerie Chaude means "hot bakery" in French and what is available in this bakery is pretty similar to Sun Moulin (e.g. Belgium waffles, Japanese snack cakes and English/French bread).


Since we are on the Blackforest spree, the entries for this bakery is predictable. Selling at $3.60 per slice. Yamazaki's version of Blackforest is pretty similar to most which consists of chocolate sponge with cherry filling and whipping cream. the end result is a combination of sweet and sour taste.

In our opinion, this Blackforest cake doesn't taste like the rest we have eaten. It is more like a chocolate chip cake whereby the kirsch-soaked cherries is pretty mild. What is more distinct is the chocolate shavings with whipping cream. Two sides of the coin, to compare with Laurent's and Mezza9, there is some lacking in this cake; to compare with old-school bakery, it definitely stands out from the majority.

Yamazaki Boulangerie Chaude
10 Tampines Central 1
#B1-14 Tampines 1
Singapore 529536
Operating hours - 10am to 10pm (daily)

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Blackforest @ Al Forno

Blackforest @ Al Forno

Do note that this cake is only available as a whole (10", >1.5kg @ $60++) but we were honoured to have it served per slice.Dribbled with raspberry sauce on the plate, the cake looks sinfully rich for its deep, dark and moist outlook.

Yuan claimed it is the best blackforest cake he had tasted so far for its rich chocolate sponge and mousse. Incorporating in each bite is the rum-soaked cherries to remind us that it is a Blackforest. Yes, the cake is that rich when it comes to chocolate.

What was also nice about this cake is the vanilla-flavoured whipped cream in which the cherry sits on. As for me, I thought this cake has to be shared by two or finished by a hard-core chocolate fan. Definitely a cake that will leave most satisfied and happy.

Al Forno Trattoria
203 Thomson Road
Goldhill Centre
Singapore 307638
Tel: 6256 2838
http://www.alfornotrattoria.com/

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Four Leaves' Blackforest

Four Leaves' Blackforest

I am sure at some point of time in a person’s childhood; one would have eaten the localized Blackforest from neighbourhood confectionaries which are in the form of whipping cream and chocolate sponges, topped with glazed cherries and chocolate flakes. So, in a way, the few Blackforests we have at sgdessert.com didn’t leave a deep impression.



This time round, we have chosen to have Four Leaves’ Blackforest cake back to back with Mezza9 and we felt that the choice is pretty clear. We definitely like Four Leaves’ Blackforest Classic. In our definition, we felt that this version of Blackforest is a bridge between the all-time childhood favourite to the more authentic ones.



Unlike the extreme sourness of the cherries, the ones in here are sweeter and do not have the bitterish after-taste of Kirsch. In addition, the fresh cream is very light with an acceptable level of sweetness. What makes it different is its chocolate whipping cream and its higher cake content, making the overall combination pretty light to be finished by one.

Saint Leaven by Four Leaves
B2 Takashimya
Tel: 6735 1235
http://www.fourleaves.com.sg/

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No.4 - Blackforest from Mezza9

No.4 - Blackforest from Mezza9

We first had this cake last year and the impression was poor. Having ate this the second time round, and using Laurent Bernard Chocolatier’s Blackforest as a benchmark, I reached my verdict that expensive blackforest are meant to be bitter-sourish due to the incorporation of Kirsch-soaked cherries.

Setting aside the bland or rather tasteless fresh cream, the rich dark chocolate mousse is commendable. In the case of Laurent’s version, the chocolate mousse is smoother and creamier.

The dark chocolate sponges were actually wet, which is most probably due to the excessive amount of kirsch used in the cake. For that, BakerZin’s Foret Noir and Laurent’s Blackforest are a better bet.

Mezza9
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: 6887 5492

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No. 16 Blackforest Cake from Laurent Bernard Chocolatier

No. 16 Blackforest Cake from Laurent Bernard Chocolatier

If anyone ask me which are my favourite patisserie or desserts hangout, one of them will definitely be Laurent Bernard Chocolatier. Every single visit to Laurent has been memorable and satisfying. Without doubt, this will be the first place that comes to my mind when I am craving for chocolates.


This is not the first time I have blogged about Laurent @ Wessex and the atmosphere this branch has is very different from Laurent @ the Pier. Unlike the use of white and green, this branch adopts a very cottage-like feel. The chocolates, paintings and plants provide a very homely and comfy feeling.

In fact, it was also through this phototaking session which we began to appreciate what Mr. Laurent is trying to portray with his decor, his passion and ideas.


The outdoor seating allows one to peep through the kitchen, his idea of a laboratory, truly indeed, a place where the chemistry of ingredients interwine to form beautiful creations.


I have never pay so much attention to the other part of the cafe until now and I realize the choice of the various shades of brown and white certainly brightens up this former colonial house.

Breakfast is now available at Laurent Bernard Chocolatier and this location which the cafe is situated allows breakfast diners to enjoy the morning sunshine but yet sufficiently sheltered to avoid the morning glare of the sun. Splendid.


Having given a tour of this place, let me introduce one of the cakes I have been dying to try, which is none other, Laurent's signature Blackforest (also featured in the Sunday Times, 50 yummiest cake).


As described in the article,
"One of the dreamiest cakes in Singapore, this magnificent creature is made with layers of dark chocolate sponge filled with dark chocolate mousse, kirsch-soaked cherries, whipped cream, and a heap of feather-light chocolate shavings."
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Fen's comments

Blackforest is something which most will have eaten when young and my perspection towards Blackforest changed after eating Mezza9's blackforest and BakerZin's Foret Noir. It seems that the more expensive Blackforest has a tendency of not being sweet to allow the sour kirsch-soaked cherries to be the most understanding in the entire bite. Thus, the overall taste is first a sharp alcoholic sourishness, followed by the smoothness of the mousse and whipped cream with a bitterish after-taste of dark chocolate.

When I first had it at the cafe, the cake has pretty much melted and thus didn't stand out when we have it together with the chocolate tart and flourless chocolate cake. However, it was completely different when I had it at home, chilled proper and each bite brings me to heaven. I'm serious, even my family members were surprised how Blackforest can be so different and memorable.
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Yuan's comments

Laurent's black forest was kind of different from the rest of the selection. I was expecting rich and thick chocolate mousse or sponge coup with cherries. However this was relatively light, smooth chocolate cream rather than mousse. The cherries were mildly sour but what stood out was the smooth chocolate cravings by the side which not many can achieve. Overall worth a try but I am not really a fan of black forest cakes.
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Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
Laurent's Cafe & Chocolate Bar
5B Portsdown Road
#01-02
Singapore 139 311
Tel: 6475 4182

http://thechocolatefactoryonline.com/

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Christmas Splendor from BakerZin

Christmas Splendor from BakerZin

Christmas has always been my favourite festival and since young I have always look forward to celebrating this occassion. Those who know me long enough will know why.



Anyway, when I dropped by BakerZin early on, I saw their Christmas series and just by looking at Christmas log cakes just make me smile. Although BakerZin's series does not look like the conventional log cakes but somehow or rather it reminds me that Christmas is coming closer. Wow, the year is coming to an end and time really flies, isn't it.

Yuan was looking for his Chocolate Amer but alas, it was sold out and Christmas Splendor caught his attention. This is basically a chocolate almond sponge cake soaked in kirsch, layered with chocolate mousse, chantilly cream, dark cherries and brandied cherries. On the contuary, Chocolat Grand caught my attention, maybe I will try it on my next visit.
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Fen's comments

This reminds me of the Forest Noir (aka Blackforest) of BakerZin. Though it is not chocolately enough to my liking, the overall combination is pretty tempting to finish. The chocolate mousse with brandied berries compliments well as the taste of the mild chocolate mousse interlocks with the alcoholic taste of the berries. The cake sponge is soft, thereby adding some txture to the mousse while the chantilly cream neutralizes the overall taste.
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Yuan's comments

This is one of the Xmas log cakes released by Bakerzin this year. I really liked the combination of the Christmas Splendor. A layer of chocolate, chantilly cream mixed with berries soaked in alcohol and finally chocolate mousse. Those who love the chocolate and alcohol combination will love this. Try it before the season is over.
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BakerZin, United Square
101 Thomson Road
#01-07/60 United Square
Singapore 307591
Tel: 6251 5550

Operating hours - 10:30 am - 10 pm (Sun to Thur)
10:30 am - 11 pm (Fri, Sat & Eve of Public Holiday)
http://www.bakerzin.com/

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Blackforest by Decadence Cakes

Blackforest by Decadence Cakes

As mentioned in my previous post, BlackForest, an alcoholic cake, was supposed to replace my choice for ChocoNanas. As described on her website, Blackforest is a white beauty and don't be fooled by the serenity of this cake, the fresh whipped cream masquerades a rush that comes from the "cake-full" of brandied cherries and kirsch soaked chocolate sponge. Feel the love!

Sold at $45 for a 8” cake and $55 for a 9” cake.
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Fen’s comments

I didn’t like this as much as Simply chocolate as I thought the amount of cream was just too much. However, when my family ate this at home, it was chilled and thus was not as marshy as what I had in the afternoon.

It seems like my family likes this more than Simply chocolate and for those who like cakes from Secret Recipe, this is recommended. Victoria is very generous with her cherries and the alcoholic taste was just right. I personally thought it would be better if the chocolate sponge is thicker; her chocolate chiffon is simply addictive.
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Yuan’s comments

I just loved the rum and chocolate combination. When I smell the liqueur smell, I knew I would love this cake. I guess the only flaw I found in this black forest was it has too much fresh cream in the middle. (Refer to photo above) However if you leave the cake in the fridge and eat it the next day, it somehow tasted like ice cream cake. In general this Blackforest is one of the best which I have eaten. Maybe its just me and rum. :)

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Decadence cakes by Victoria (Closed)
http://www.decadencecakes.sg/

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