Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll

Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. This dessert looks impressive and tastes even better, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging on a weekend, this Swiss roll will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll is worth it for several reasons. It is not only delicious but also allows you to impress your friends and family with your baking skills. The combination of flavors—chocolate, cherries, and cream—creates a wonderful balance that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fun baking project where you get to roll up the cake and fill it with your favorite ingredients!

How to Make Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll

Ingredients:

4 large eggs
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp (30ml) milk
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (240g) fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Shaved chocolate (optional)
Additional cherries (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
Add melted butter and milk, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Invert the cake onto a kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar and roll it gently. Let it cool completely.
For the cherry filling, combine cherries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Optionally add lemon juice and let cool.
For the whipped cream filling, in a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
For the chocolate ganache, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a bowl and microwave until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Once the cake has cooled, unroll it and spread a layer of whipped cream over it, then add the cherry filling. Roll the cake back up seam-side down.
Drizzle chocolate ganache over the cake and garnish with shaved chocolate and cherries. Serve immediately or chill for an hour.

How to Serve Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll

Serve Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll chilled or at room temperature. You can cut it into slices and arrange them on a plate. For extra flair, garnish each slice with shaved chocolate and fresh cherries. This dessert pairs well with coffee or a glass of milk.

How to Store Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll

To store your Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you prefer to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Black Forest Chocolate Swiss Roll

Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better volume and fluffiness.
Be gentle when folding the dry ingredients into the egg mixture to keep the batter light and airy.
Allow the cake to cool completely before rolling to avoid tearing.
Use fresh cherries whenever possible for the best flavor, but jarred ones work too.

Variation

You can add a layer of nuts, such as chopped walnuts or almonds, for added texture. You can also use different fruits like raspberries or strawberries if you want to change up the flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate or even white chocolate for the ganache, depending on your preference.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Is it possible to make this in advance?
Yes! You can make the Swiss roll a day ahead. Just keep it wrapped in the refrigerator, and it will still taste great.

4. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.