Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll: A Cozy Delight for Any Occasion
There’s something incredibly comforting about a cozy afternoon spent in the kitchen, the warm scents of cocoa and vanilla swirling in the air. This Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll brings those very feelings to life—a joyful indulgence that evokes memories of warm family gatherings and sweet celebrations. With its tender chocolate sponge, luscious cream filling, and juicy cherries, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it be a festive gathering or a cozy weekend treat. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A delightful twist on a classic dessert; who doesn’t love a chocolate roll cake?
- Perfect for sharing at family gatherings, parties, or Friday night treats.
- Simple to make, with easily sourced ingredients and straightforward steps.
- A beautiful centerpiece that’s sure to impress guests and loved ones alike.
- Packed with rich flavors—chocolate, cherries, and cream come together in perfect harmony.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting towel)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned or fresh pitted cherries
- 2 tablespoons cherry syrup (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings
- Additional whipped cream for decorating
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
- Mint leaves (optional)
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with greased parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs on high for 5 minutes until thick and pale, then gradually add sugar and vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; gently fold this dry mix into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly and tapping to remove any bubbles.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cake springs back when gently touched.
- While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on your countertop and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
- As soon as the cake is out of the oven, invert it onto the sugar-dusted towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up in the towel while it is still warm. Allow it to cool in this rolled position.
- While the cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form; chill it until ready to use.
- Once the cake has fully cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the whipped cream over the surface, scatter the cherries, and drizzle with the cherry syrup if you’re using it.
- Roll the cake back up without the towel, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least 1 hour to set.
- Before serving, decorate with extra whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings, fresh cherries, and mint leaves if desired.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake into neat spirals just before serving.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Pineapple Twist: Swap out cherries for crushed pineapple for a tropical flair that’s both zesty and refreshing.
- Nutty Addition: Add some finely chopped nuts—like almonds or hazelnuts—either into the filling or as a topping for delightful crunch.
- Citrus Zing: For a bright contrast, include a sprinkle of orange zest in the whipped cream for a burst of freshness.
- Vegan Version: Swap eggs with a flaxseed mixture and whipped coconut cream for a plant-based adaptation that still satisfies.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead magic: This cake roll can be made a day in advance; just store it in the fridge to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Ingredient swaps: Feel free to use any pitted fruit in place of cherries—berries or sliced strawberries work wonderfully too.
- Slicing tips: Always use a serrated knife for clean slices; pressing down too hard with a regular knife can squish the delicate cake.
- Storage suggestions: Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly in the fridge; it stays delicious for about 3 days.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! It can be made a day in advance and chilled.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits or flavors in the filling.
- How do I store leftovers? Wrap any uneaten cake roll tightly and store in the fridge. It’s great for about 3 days!
- How long does it last? Typically, it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days for optimal flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll is a whimsical dessert that wraps comfort and joy into every luscious bite. Perfect for any occasion, its rich flavors and stunning presentation make it one of my favorites to share with friends and family. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your cozy desserts board so it’s ready when you crave something sweet!
Happy baking, my dear friends!
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Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on a classic dessert, this beautiful Black Forest Cake Roll features tender chocolate sponge, luscious cream filling, and juicy cherries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting towel)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned or fresh pitted cherries
- 2 tablespoons cherry syrup (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings
- Additional whipped cream for decorating
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with greased parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs on high for 5 minutes until thick and pale, then gradually add sugar and vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; gently fold this dry mix into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly and tapping to remove any bubbles.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cake springs back when gently touched.
- While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on your countertop and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
- As soon as the cake is out of the oven, invert it onto the sugar-dusted towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up in the towel while it is still warm. Allow it to cool in this rolled position.
- While the cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form; chill it until ready to use.
- Once the cake has fully cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the whipped cream over the surface, scatter the cherries, and drizzle with the cherry syrup if using.
- Roll the cake back up without the towel, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least 1 hour to set.
- Before serving, decorate with extra whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings, fresh cherries, and mint leaves if desired.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake into neat spirals just before serving.
Notes
This cake roll can be made a day in advance. Store in the fridge for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Black Forest Cake, Cake Roll, Chocolate Dessert, Family Gatherings, Elegant Dessert