Introduction
Black Forest Cake Roll is a stunning twist on the classic Black Forest cake, combining rich chocolate sponge, fluffy cream filling, and sweet-tart cherries into a beautifully rolled dessert. It captures everything people love about the traditional German-inspired treat, but in a lighter, more refined presentation that feels perfect for special occasions. I first made this cake roll when I wanted something impressive without the heaviness of a layered cake, and it quickly became a favorite. The chocolate sponge is soft and flexible, the cream filling is light and airy, and the cherries add bursts of brightness that keep every bite balanced. What makes this dessert especially appealing is how elegant it looks once sliced, revealing delicate spirals of chocolate and cream. Whether served at holidays, celebrations, or dinner parties, this Black Forest Cake Roll feels festive, indulgent, and surprisingly approachable.
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Black Forest Cake Roll – A Chocolate Cherry Dessert with Elegant Flair
- Total Time: 32 mins + chilling
- Yield: 8–10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Black Forest Cake Roll is a decadent chocolate sponge cake filled with whipped cream and sweet cherries, then rolled into a festive, elegant dessert inspired by the classic Black Forest Cake.
Ingredients
-
- Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
-
- Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling or chopped cherries in syrup
- Topping (optional):
- Chocolate shavings
- Extra cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 3–4 minutes until pale and thick.
- Mix in oil, milk, and vanilla.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; gently fold until combined.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Immediately roll the warm cake (with parchment) into a log. Let cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread whipped cream evenly, and sprinkle with cherries.
- Roll the cake back up tightly without cracking.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Top with more whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or cherries if desired.
Notes
- Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking later.
- Use stabilized whipped cream if serving outdoors or keeping out longer.
- For a stronger Black Forest flavor, brush cake with 1–2 tbsp cherry syrup or juice before filling.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers classic Black Forest flavors in a lighter, more elegant format. It is visually impressive, not overly sweet, and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Eggs
Eggs create structure and give the sponge cake its light, airy texture.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake while helping achieve a soft sponge.
All-purpose flour
Flour provides structure without making the cake dense.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder gives the sponge its deep chocolate flavor.
Baking powder
Baking powder helps the cake rise evenly.
Salt
Salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the cake and filling.
Heavy whipping cream
Whipped cream forms the light, creamy filling of the roll.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
Cherry filling or cherry pie filling
Cherries provide the signature Black Forest flavor and gentle tartness.
Chocolate shavings
Chocolate shavings add texture and decorative finish.
Powdered sugar for dusting
Powdered sugar finishes the cake with a classic, elegant touch.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lining a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract. 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.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Immediately turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake up gently in the towel while still warm. Allow it to cool completely.
Once cooled, unroll the cake carefully. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread an even layer of whipped cream over the cake, followed by a thin layer of cherry filling. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel and transfer it to a serving platter. Chill before decorating with chocolate shavings and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
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 approximately 8 people. Preparation time is about 25 minutes, with a baking time of 12 to 15 minutes and a chilling time of at least 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake roll covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served chilled or slightly cool. Reheating is not recommended.
Variations and Customizations
This Black Forest Cake Roll can be adapted in several ways. Fresh cherries can replace cherry pie filling when in season. A chocolate whipped cream filling adds extra richness. For a more intense chocolate flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before garnishing. You can also add a thin layer of cherry jam beneath the whipped cream for deeper fruit flavor. For individual servings, slice the roll and serve with extra whipped cream and cherries on the side.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted using gluten-free flour blends, though texture may vary. Nutritional values depend on filling quantity and portion size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Roll While Warm
Rolling the cake warm prevents cracking later.
Gentle Folding
Fold batter carefully to maintain sponge texture.
Chill Before Slicing
Chilling ensures clean, neat slices.
FAQs
Why did my cake crack?
It may have cooled too much before rolling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for making a day in advance.
Can I use fresh whipped cream?
Yes, stabilized whipped cream works best.
What cherries work best?
Cherry pie filling or cooked fresh cherries both work well.
Can I freeze this cake?
Freezing is not recommended due to cream filling.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.
Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce powdered sugar in the cream.
Is this similar to traditional Black Forest cake?
Yes, but lighter and less heavy.
Can I add chocolate chips inside?
Yes, finely chopped chocolate works well.
Does it need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, due to the cream filling.
Conclusion
Black Forest Cake Roll is a beautiful, lighter take on a beloved classic, offering rich chocolate flavor, airy cream, and bright cherries in every slice. Elegant yet approachable, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to impress with a refined homemade treat.
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