Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

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If you love desserts that combine deep, dark chocolate with bright, tart cherries and airy whipped cream, this Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll is your dream come true. This showstopper dessert transforms the classic Black Forest cake into a rolled beauty with silky cream spiraled inside rich chocolate sponge, finished with dark chocolate shavings and fresh cherries on top.

Perfect for special gatherings or when you want to treat yourself to something visually stunning and delicious, this cake roll is lighter than the traditional layered version, but with all the signature flavor. The contrast of textures — fluffy cake, soft cream, juicy cherries — makes every slice a decadent experience.

What Kind of Chocolate Sponge Should I Use?

For this Black Forest Cake Roll, you’ll want a light, flexible sponge cake that can be rolled without cracking. A classic chiffon or genoise-style chocolate sponge works best. It should be thin but strong enough to hold the filling and roll smoothly. Avoid dense cake batters that may tear.

Ingredients for the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

• Eggs – They give the sponge its structure and airy lift.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake while also helping stabilize the whipped eggs.
• All-purpose Flour – Provides just enough structure without weighing it down.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds that deep chocolate flavor we crave in a Black Forest.
• Baking Powder – Aids in rising and keeps the sponge light.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and complexity.
• Heavy Cream – Whipped into a fluffy, rich filling.
• Powdered Sugar – Lightly sweetens the whipped cream.
• Fresh Cherries – Juicy pops of tartness inside and on top.
• Dark Chocolate Shavings – The classic garnish for a Black Forest treat.
• Cherry Liqueur (optional) – Adds depth and a grown-up twist.

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How To Make the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Batter

Preheat your oven and line a jelly roll pan with parchment. Beat eggs and sugar until tripled in volume and pale. Sift in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold together. Add vanilla.

Step 2: Bake and Roll the Cake

Spread batter into the prepared pan and bake until springy. While warm, roll the cake in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Let it cool in the rolled shape to prevent cracking later.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Filling

Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Roll

Unroll the cooled cake gently. Spread whipped cream over the surface, dot with pitted fresh cherries. Carefully roll it back up. If using, brush with cherry liqueur before adding filling.

Step 5: Decorate

Cover with a layer of whipped cream or chocolate ganache. Top with chocolate shavings, piped cream, and cherries. A sprig of mint adds elegance.

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How to Serve and Store Your Cake Roll

Serve this cake slightly chilled, allowing the cream to hold its shape. Use a sharp serrated knife for clean slices. For storing, cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If using fresh cherries on top, add them just before serving to keep them looking vibrant.

What to Serve With Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll?

Espresso or Coffee

The bitter richness of espresso contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake.

Kirsch or Cherry Brandy

To echo the cherry notes and enhance the flavor experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For extra creaminess and a classic pairing with chocolate.

Almond Biscotti

Offers a crunchy contrast in texture and subtle nutty notes.

Sparkling Wine

A light, bubbly wine lifts the decadence and makes it celebration-worthy.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

For even more indulgence, and they look beautiful beside the roll.

Roasted Hazelnuts

A nutty crunch that pairs surprisingly well with cherries and chocolate.

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Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re enchanted by this Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll, you might want to try these stunning sweet creations too:

• Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake with an elegant finish and fruity punch.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for another rich cherry-chocolate combo.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with warm spice and creamy swirls.
• Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars for a bright, tangy option that’s incredibly easy.
• Tasty Pineapple Juice Cake to explore tropical sweetness in cake form.

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Let me know how yours turned out! Did you add the cherry liqueur or skip it? Maybe you switched whipped cream for mascarpone? I’m always curious to hear your spins on these classics.

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