Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

The Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate with the sweetness of cherries. This cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. Its layers of fluffy chocolate cake, luscious whipped cream, and tangy cherries create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a show-stopping dessert with ease. The Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake is simple to make and uses readily available ingredients. It’s a wonderful way to showcase seasonal cherries, and it’s light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal. Plus, it’s a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration. The combination of chocolate and cherries is classic and loved by many, making it a crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Ingredients

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

Directions

Prepare the Chocolate Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. In another bowl, sift the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. 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.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, mix the pitted cherries and the granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries soften and release their juices. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this into the cherry mixture and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Make the Whipped Cream Filling: In a large bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake: Once the chocolate cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream over the surface. Spoon the cooled cherry filling over the whipped cream. Starting from one short end, carefully roll the cake using the parchment paper to help. Transfer the roll cake to a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the roll cake with additional cherries and chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder. Slice and serve for an elegant and indulgent dessert.

How to Serve Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Serve slices of the cake on dessert plates. It looks beautiful garnished with fresh cherries and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. You can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.

How to Store Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices, wrapped well, for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume when whisking.
Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients so you don’t deflate the batter.
Let the cherry filling cool completely to prevent it from melting the whipped cream.

Variation

You can swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or strawberries if you prefer a change. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the cake for an extra chocolatey experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, but all-purpose flour works just fine.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake and fillings a day in advance and assemble it the night before your event for the best flavor.

Can I substitute whipped cream with something else?

If you prefer, you can use store-bought whipped topping or a non-dairy alternative for the filling. However, fresh whipped cream offers the best taste and texture.