Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Black Forest Roll Cake is a refined twist on the classic Black Forest cake, transforming its iconic flavors into a light, elegant Swiss roll. It features a soft chocolate sponge rolled around fluffy whipped cream and juicy cherries, creating a dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy. I tested this recipe several times to achieve a sponge that rolls smoothly without cracking, and the result is beautifully tender and flexible. The balance of bittersweet cocoa, lightly sweetened cream, and bright cherry flavor makes every slice feel special. This roll cake is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or when you want an impressive dessert that slices cleanly and serves beautifully. It captures everything people love about Black Forest cake in a lighter, more modern presentation.
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Black Forest Roll Cake Recipe (Elegant, Chocolatey, and Light)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Black Forest Roll Cake is a light chocolate sponge cake rolled with whipped cream and cherries, inspired by the classic Black Forest cake flavors in an elegant rolled dessert.
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling or chopped cherries
- For Garnish (optional):
- Chocolate shavings
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for 5–7 minutes until thick and pale.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the egg mixture.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Remove parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up gently with the towel and let cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread whipped cream evenly, leaving a small border.
- Spoon cherries evenly over the cream.
- Carefully re-roll the cake, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
Notes
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.
- Drain cherries slightly to avoid excess moisture.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and lift to the sponge cake, creating a light and airy texture essential for rolling.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps stabilize the whipped eggs, contributing to a tender crumb.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour gives the sponge structure while remaining light enough to keep it flexible.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor without excess sweetness.
Baking Powder
Baking powder adds gentle lift, ensuring the sponge stays soft and pliable.
Salt
Salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth to both the cake and filling.
Heavy Whipping Cream
Heavy cream is whipped into a light, airy filling that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate sponge.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream smoothly without graininess.
Cherries
Cherries provide the signature Black Forest flavor. Use cherry pie filling, jarred cherries, or fresh cherries when in season.
Cherry Syrup or Juice
Cherry syrup adds moisture and enhances the fruit flavor in the filling.
Powdered Sugar for Dusting
Used to finish the cake with a classic, elegant look.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick, pale, and doubled in volume. This step is crucial for a light sponge.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, taking care not to deflate the batter. Stir in vanilla extract.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
Immediately turn the warm cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up with the towel from the short end. Allow it to cool completely.
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold in chopped cherries and a small amount of cherry syrup.
Unroll the cooled cake carefully and spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel.
Transfer to a serving plate, dust with powdered sugar, and chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results..
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 to 10 slices.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling and assembly time: 40 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the Black Forest roll cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This cake is served chilled and should not be reheated.
Variations and Customizations
For a more traditional flavor, brush the sponge lightly with cherry syrup mixed with a small amount of cherry juice before adding the filling. I tested this version and found it added moisture and depth without overpowering the cake.
You can add finely grated chocolate or chocolate shavings to the whipped cream filling for extra richness.
If you prefer a lighter dessert, reduce the amount of whipped cream slightly and increase the cherries for a brighter, fruit-forward roll.
For a decorative finish, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before dusting with powdered sugar.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Roll While Warm
Rolling the cake warm prevents cracking.
Do Not Overbake
Overbaking dries the sponge and makes rolling difficult.
Whip Cream Softly
Soft peaks spread more evenly and keep the roll light.
Chill Before Slicing
Chilling helps the roll hold its shape.
Use a Sharp Knife
Clean cuts ensure neat slices.
FAQs
Why did my roll cake crack?
It was likely overbaked or not rolled while warm.
Can I use fresh cherries?
Yes, pit and chop them finely, and drain excess juice.
Can this cake be made ahead?
Yes, it can be made up to one day in advance and refrigerated.
Is this the same as a Swiss roll?
Yes, it is a Swiss roll-style cake with Black Forest flavors.
Can I freeze this cake?
Freezing is not recommended due to the whipped cream filling.
What pairs well with this dessert?
Coffee or espresso pairs beautifully with this cake.
Conclusion
This Black Forest Roll Cake Recipe offers a light, elegant way to enjoy the classic flavors of chocolate and cherries. With its soft sponge, creamy filling, and beautiful presentation, it is an ideal dessert for special occasions or refined everyday indulgence. This recipe proves that timeless flavors can be reimagined into something both modern and memorable.
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