Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe

I’ve got a treat for you—this Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s the perfect combination of light chocolate sponge, luscious whipped cream with cherries, and a shiny chocolate ganache that just won’t quit. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how elegant yet approachable it felt. Stick with me, and you’ll soon be rolling out a cake that your family and friends will rave about!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create the iconic Black Forest taste—light chocolate sponge with rich cream and sweet cherries. You’ll want to use fresh or good-quality jarred cherries to get that authentic flavor.

• Eggs: Fresh large eggs give structure and richness to the sponge.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both cake and filling.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the cake, sifted for lightness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep chocolate flavor without any bitterness.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough without weighing it down.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Powdered sugar: Used for dusting the towel to make rolling easier.
• Heavy whipping cream: For the luscious filling and silky ganache.
• Chopped cherries: Fresh or jarred cherries bring that signature fruity burst.
• Kirsch or cherry juice: Optional, but gives that classic Black Forest kick.
• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate: Quality chocolate makes all the difference in the ganache.
• Butter: Adds silkiness to the ganache.
• Whipped cream, whole cherries, chocolate curls: For beautiful garnishing to impress your guests.

Variations

I love tweaking this Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe now and then, depending on the season or who I’m serving it to. Feel free to make it your own!

• Alcohol-free: Swap kirsch for cherry juice or even a splash of vanilla extract to keep it kid-friendly without losing flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Try aquafaba in place of eggs and coconut cream for the whipped filling if you want a vegan version.
• Add Nuts: My family goes crazy when I sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the filling for a little crunch.
• Fruit Twist: Substitute cherries with raspberries or mixed berries for a fresh variation.

How to Make Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Perfect Chocolate Sponge

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a jelly roll pan with parchment paper—lightly grease it so nothing sticks. Beat the eggs and sugar together until they’re light, fluffy, and creamy in color; this is key to getting that airy texture that makes the cake so light. Then, gently fold in the sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt mixture, being careful not to overmix—you want to keep those air bubbles intact!

Step 2: Bake and Carefully Roll While Warm

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 10-12 minutes. When you tap the center, it should spring back—meaning it’s perfectly cooked. Here’s the trick I learned: Immediately after removing it from the oven, flip the cake onto a kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake *with* the towel inside. This prevents cracks and helps the cake hold its beautiful roll shape when cooled.

Step 3: Make that Dreamy Cherry Cream Filling

While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks—this means your cream will hold its shape and not run when you spread it. Fold in chopped cherries and, if you like, a splash of kirsch or cherry juice to keep the flavors authentic. This filling is what takes the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe to the next level of yum.

Step 4: Assemble and Glaze Your Cake Roll

Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cherry cream filling evenly over the surface—but don’t overload, or it’ll spill out when you roll it back up. Re-roll the cake carefully without the towel this time, placing it seam-side down on your serving platter. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate and butter. Stir until silky smooth and let it cool slightly before drizzling over your cake. This glossy finish makes it look like you picked it up from a fancy patisserie.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Add a few dollops of whipped cream, whole cherries, and some chocolate curls or shavings on top. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so flavors meld and the ganache sets perfectly. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

How to Serve Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe

Garnishes

I always go classic here—piped whipped cream along the edges, leftover whole cherries from the filling, and plenty of chocolate curls or shavings for a pretty finish. It not only looks stunning but also amplifies every bite’s texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake roll pairs wonderfully with a fresh berry salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a grown-up touch, a glass of cherry liqueur or a cup of rich espresso makes a perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special celebrations, I’ve laid the roll on a cake board and surrounded it with edible gold leaf flakes and fresh sprigs of mint. Serving slices on delicate dessert plates with a drizzle of cherry sauce really wows the crowd. You can even turn slices into mini trifles layered in glasses with extra whipped cream and cherries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once sliced, store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3-4 days without drying out. I’ve also found that letting it rest a bit at room temperature before serving softens the cream and brings out all the flavors.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, slice the roll first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Because this is a delicate cream cake, I don’t recommend reheating it. If you want it less chilled, just let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes instead—it feels just as luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want to impress without fuss. It feels special, but the process is straightforward once you get the hang of rolling and filling. I love that it combines rich chocolate, fresh cherries, and fluffy cream in a way that’s both nostalgic and elegant. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

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