Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake

The Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries. This beautiful cake is not only delicious but also impressive when served. It is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings, making it a showstopper at any celebration.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice if you want to impress your guests with a stunning dessert that tastes just as good as it looks. The combination of light chocolate sponge, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s fun to make and slice, revealing its beautiful layers.

How to Make Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake

Making the Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake is easier than it looks! Follow these simple steps to create this delightful dessert.

Ingredients

4 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cherry filling)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
Additional cherries, for decoration
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is thick and pale.
In another bowl, sift the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt together. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake is springy.
For the cherry filling, cook the cherries with sugar until bubbly, then thicken with a cornstarch slurry made from cornstarch and water. Allow to cool completely.
For the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until you achieve stiff peaks.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream on top, add the cherry filling, and carefully roll it up.
Refrigerate the roll cake for an hour before serving.
Garnish with additional cherries and chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Slice and serve!

How to Serve Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake

Serve the Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake chilled. It’s best enjoyed after being in the refrigerator for a while, as the flavors meld together beautifully. You can present slices on individual plates or on a large serving tray, garnished with extra cherries and chocolate shavings for a special touch.

How to Store Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake

To store any leftovers, wrap the roll cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the roll cake before adding the cream and cherry filling if you want to make it in advance. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before decorating.

Tips to Make Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help them whip better.
Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to keep the cake airy.
Allow the cake to cool before rolling to prevent it from cracking.
Use fresh cherries when in season for the best flavor.

Variation

You can experiment with different types of fruit fillings if you like. For example, using raspberries or strawberries instead of cherries can provide a lovely twist on the classic flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.

2. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

3. How can I make this cake in advance?
You can prepare the cake and freeze it without the filling. Add the cherry filling and whipped cream just before serving for the freshest taste.

This Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake is sure to become a family favorite. Make it for your next celebration and watch your guests enjoy every bite!