The Dreamy Black Forest Roll Cake Recipe That Steals Hearts

Baking a delightful black forest roll cake brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet chocolate sponge meets luscious cherry filling in this classic German treat.

Layers of rich, velvety goodness promise a delectable experience for everyone at the table.

Soft, airy cake rolls perfectly complement the vibrant cherry compote nestled within its folds.

Whipped cream adds a dreamy touch that makes this dessert irresistibly smooth and decadent.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will find this recipe both approachable and impressive.

You’ll fall in love with every single slice of this heavenly confection.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure culinary bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Black Forest Roll Cake

• Craft Quick Dessert: Master this Black Forest Roll Cake with minimal baking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to impress friends and family.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples like eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, creating a delightful treat without complicated shopping trips.
• Festive Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers restaurant-quality presentation with its elegant rolled design, making it ideal for special gatherings, birthdays, or holiday celebrations.
• Simple Sensory Experience: Combines rich chocolate sponge, creamy whipped filling, and sweet cherries for a decadent dessert that tantalizes multiple taste sensations.

Ingredients For Black Forest Roll Cake

• Eggs: Key to creating a light and fluffy cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives rich chocolate flavor to the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become soft.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cake.

• Whipped Cream: Adds a creamy and smooth layer inside the cake roll.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Brings a sweet and tangy fruit element to the dessert.

• Powdered Sugar, Parchment Paper, Kitchen Towel: Essential for cake preparation, rolling, and presentation.

How To Make Black Forest Roll Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F and grab a jelly roll pan. Line it completely with parchment paper, making sure every corner is covered.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab your mixer and beat eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy and turns a light, creamy color. You want it to look like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Create the Cake Batter

• Cocoa powder
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Fold everything gently until the batter looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Base

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring a smooth surface. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until it’s perfectly set.

Step 5: Prepare the Cooling Surface

Sprinkle a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking when you roll it.

Step 6: Initial Cake Roll

Immediately after baking, flip the cake onto the sugared towel. Carefully roll the cake with the towel inside, creating a gentle spiral. Let it cool completely in this rolled position.

Step 7: Add Delicious Filling

Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream across the surface. Add cherry pie filling, distributing it evenly.

Step 8: Final Roll and Serve

Roll the cake again, this time without the towel. Create a beautiful spiral with the cream and cherries inside. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a gorgeous finish.

Helpful Tips For Black Forest Roll Cake

• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better volume and smoother batter texture.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich, deep chocolate flavor in the cake roll.
• Gently fold dry ingredients to maintain airiness and prevent deflating the whipped eggs.
• Cool the cake completely before adding cream to prevent melting and maintain structure.
• For a lighter version, substitute whipped cream with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese.

Fun Flavors For Black Forest Roll Cake

• Cherry Chocolate Swirl: Enhance the cake with extra chocolate chips mixed into the cherry filling for a richer flavor profile.
• Kirsch-Infused Classic: Sprinkle kirsch liqueur over the cake layers to add authentic German Black Forest cake complexity.
• Nutty Forest Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts between cream and cherry layers for a delightful crunch.
• Dark Chocolate Decadence: Replace standard cocoa powder with high-quality dark cocoa and add dark chocolate shavings on top for an intense chocolate experience.

Pairing Tips For Black Forest Roll Cake

• Elevate Black Forest Roll Cake Pairings
• Perfectly Match Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold German Pinot Noir or Spätburgunder that complements the cake's rich chocolate and cherry flavors, cutting through the sweetness with its tannic structure.
• Create Cherry Liqueur Magic: Serve a small shot of kirsch (cherry brandy) alongside the cake, enhancing the dessert's traditional Black Forest profile and providing a warming alcohol kick.
• Craft Creamy Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth espresso or cappuccino to balance the cake's sweetness, with the coffee's bitter notes creating a delightful contrast against the chocolate and cherry elements.

How To Store Black Forest Roll Cake

• Store the Black Forest Roll Cake in an airtight container, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep it flat to prevent cream from squishing out.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to prevent cream from overheating. Let sit for a minute before enjoying.
• Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream and enhance flavors.

Black Forest Roll Cake FAQs

• What type of cherries work best for this Black Forest Roll Cake?

Fresh or canned dark cherries like Morello or maraschino cherries from Germany are ideal. Cherry pie filling is a convenient alternative that provides the classic Black Forest flavor.

• Why do I need to roll the cake with a towel while it's still warm?

Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking and helps the cake maintain a flexible shape. The powdered sugar on the towel prevents sticking and creates a smooth surface for filling later.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake roll a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. The cake actually tastes better after the flavors have melded together overnight.

Black Forest Roll Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent Black Forest Roll Cake weaves German chocolate charm with luscious cherry layers, creating a mesmerizing dessert experience. Rich cocoa sponge and whipped cream embrace tart cherries, inviting you to savor each delectable slice of pure culinary artistry.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) sugar
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whipped cream
• 1 can cherry pie filling

Finishing Ingredient:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a Swiss roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Whip eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes voluminous, pale, and forms thick ribbons when the whisk is lifted.
3. Gently sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt directly over the egg mixture, folding carefully to maintain the airy texture without deflating the batter.
4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using an offset spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched and edges slightly pull away from the pan.
6. Immediately after removing from the oven, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
7. Carefully invert the hot cake onto the sugared towel, gently peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake with the towel inside, starting from the short end.
8. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps maintain its shape and prevents cracking.
9. Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake and spread a generous layer of whipped cream evenly across the surface.
10. Distribute cherry pie filling over the whipped cream, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
11. Gently roll the cake again, this time without the towel, seam-side down to seal the filling.
12. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set, then dust with additional powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Swap out traditional sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index option that maintains the cake’s delightful sweetness.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to transform this classic dessert into a celiac-friendly treat without compromising texture or taste.
• Enhance moisture by brushing the cake with kirsch or cherry liqueur before adding whipped cream for an authentic Black Forest flavor boost.
• Create a lighter version by substituting whipped cream with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream for reduced calories and added protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg