Black Forest Roll Cake – A Chocolate & Cherry Delight

The Black Forest Roll Cake is a delicious dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries. With its soft, rolled sponge cake filled with creamy goodness and sweet cherries, this treat is sure to impress anyone. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or a simple gathering, this cake is perfect for celebrating special moments.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe for Black Forest Roll Cake is not only delightful but also fun to make. With its easy-to-follow steps, you’ll enjoy the process of creating a beautiful dessert. The cake is perfect for chocolate lovers and offers a burst of sweet cherry flavor that balances the richness. Plus, it’s visually appealing, making it a great centerpiece for any occasion!

How to Make Black Forest Roll Cake

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 jar (about 12 oz/340g) pitted cherries in syrup, drained
2 tbsp cherry liqueur or cherry juice (optional)
Whipped cream (for topping)
Chocolate shavings or curls
Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture until smooth.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two batches.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. While the cake is still warm, turn it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up with the towel. Let the cake cool completely in this rolled shape.
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Once the cake has cooled, unroll it carefully and brush it with a bit of the reserved cherry syrup or cherry liqueur for added moisture and flavor.
Spread an even layer of whipped cream over the inside of the cake.
Arrange the drained cherries evenly over the whipped cream.
Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel. Place the rolled cake on a serving platter, seam-side down.
Frost the top of the roll cake with a thin layer of whipped cream.
Decorate with chocolate shavings or curls, fresh cherries, and additional whipped cream.
Garnish with a few whole maraschino cherries or fresh cherries for a festive touch.
Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Slice and serve the Black Forest Roll Cake chilled for a delightful chocolate and cherry experience.

How to Serve Black Forest Roll Cake

Serve the Black Forest Roll Cake chilled on a platter. It can be sliced into individual portions and topped with extra whipped cream and cherries for a beautiful presentation. This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or a glass of milk.

How to Store Black Forest Roll Cake

You can store the Black Forest Roll Cake in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days.

Tips to Make Black Forest Roll Cake

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume when beating.
When folding in the egg whites, be gentle to keep the batter light and fluffy.
Use chilled equipment for whipping cream, as it helps achieve better peaks.
Experiment with different toppings, like nuts or other fruits, for a twist on the classic recipe.

Variation

If you’re looking for a twist, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache inside the roll for extra richness. You can also use other fruits, like raspberries or strawberries, in place of cherries for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and assemble it when you’re ready to serve. Just keep it chilled.
What if I don’t have cherry liqueur?
You can simply skip it or use cherry juice instead for added cherry flavor without the alcohol.
Can I freeze the Black Forest Roll Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw and fill it when you’re ready to enjoy!

Enjoy making and indulging in this delightful Black Forest Roll Cake, a true treat for chocoholics and cherry lovers alike!