Making black forest soap involves creating a soap that incorporates the scents and appearance of a Black Forest cake. Here's a basic recipe using the cold process method:
### Ingredients
- **Lye Solution:**
- 4.8 oz (136g) sodium hydroxide (lye)
- 11.2 oz (318g) distilled water
- **Base Oils:**
- 10 oz (283g) olive oil
- 8 oz (227g) coconut oil
- 6 oz (170g) palm oil
- 4 oz (113g) castor oil
- 4 oz (113g) cocoa butter
- **Additives:**
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for the dark color)
- 1 oz (28g) fragrance oil (cherry or chocolate)
- Red soap colorant (optional, for the cherry layer)
- White soap colorant or titanium dioxide (optional, for the cream layer)
### Equipment
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, long sleeves)
- Digital scale
- Heat-resistant containers
- Stainless steel or plastic spoons
- Stick blender
- Soap mold
- Thermometer
- Measuring cups and spoons
### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Lye Solution:**
- Put on your safety gear.
- Measure out the distilled water in a heat-resistant container.
- Slowly add the lye to the water (never the other way around) while stirring until fully dissolved.
- Set aside to cool to around 100-110°F (38-43°C).
2. **Prepare the Oils:**
- Measure and melt the base oils and cocoa butter in a large container.
- Allow the oils to cool to around 100-110°F (38-43°C).
3. **Combine Lye Solution and Oils:**
- When both the lye solution and oils are within the same temperature range, carefully pour the lye solution into the oils.
- Use a stick blender to mix until you reach a light trace (the mixture starts to thicken).
4. **Add Fragrance and Colors:**
- Divide the soap batter into three portions for the different layers.
- For the chocolate layer, add the cocoa powder and some of the fragrance oil.
- For the cherry layer, add red soap colorant and some of the fragrance oil.
- For the cream layer, add the white colorant (or titanium dioxide) and the remaining fragrance oil.
5. **Layering the Soap:**
- Pour the chocolate layer into the mold and smooth it out.
- Carefully pour the cherry layer on top of the chocolate layer.
- Finally, pour the cream layer on top of the cherry layer.
6. **Cure the Soap:**
- Allow the soap to harden in the mold for 24-48 hours.
- Once firm, remove from the mold and cut into bars.
- Cure the bars in a well-ventilated area for 4-6 weeks.
7. **Final Touches:**
- Optionally, you can add decorative elements like soap embeds or mica dusting to enhance the appearance.
### Safety Tips
- Always add lye to water, never water to lye.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear.
- Keep vinegar on hand to neutralize any lye spills.
Enjoy making your Black Forest soap!
