Black Forest Roll Cake

The Black Forest Roll Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream. This beautiful cake not only looks impressive but also tastes incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Black Forest Roll Cake is a fun and rewarding experience. It brings together classic flavors that everyone loves. The chocolate cake is soft and tender, while the whipped cream and cherries add a refreshing twist. Plus, it’s an impressive dessert that will wow your friends and family. Serving this cake makes every moment special!

How to Make Black Forest Roll Cake

Ingredients:

3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream, chilled
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (200g) cherry pie filling or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (for ganache)
4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Fresh cherries (for garnish)
Chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until they are pale and fluffy. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, then add the milk. Pour this batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Once the cake is done, roll it up in a clean kitchen towel while it’s still warm and let it cool.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks. Fold in the cherry filling until well mixed.
Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the whipped cream mixture over the top, and then re-roll it tightly.
For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Pour this ganache over the rolled cake.
Finally, garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. Chill the cake for 1-2 hours before slicing.

How to Serve Black Forest Roll Cake

To serve the Black Forest Roll Cake, slice it into pieces and place them on dessert plates. You can add a dollop of extra whipped cream or a few fresh cherries on the side for decoration. This cake is perfect for any gathering or celebration!

How to Store Black Forest Roll Cake

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil; it can last in the freezer for up to a month.

Tips to Make Black Forest Roll Cake

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume in the batter.
Sifting the dry ingredients helps ensure a light and fluffy cake.
Don’t overbeat the whipped cream, or it may turn grainy.
Roll the cake while it’s warm, as it is more flexible and less prone to cracking.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, try adding a layer of chocolate mousse or swapping the cherry filling with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries. You can also use dark chocolate for the ganache for a richer flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Just add the topping before serving.

Q2: What can I use if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
You can use fresh cherries, pitted and chopped, or other fruit fillings such as strawberry or blueberry.

Q3: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it springs back when lightly pressed in the center. You can also check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.