Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

Name: Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved; 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, for ganache; 1/2 cup heavy cream, for ganache; Chocolate curls and additional cherries for garnish

December 22, 2025 by Sophia Green

Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll with chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream

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Indulge in the Elegance of an Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

Imagine a cozy afternoon filled with laughter and the sweet sounds of friends gathering in your kitchen. The air is fragrant with the warm, chocolatey aroma of a freshly baked cake, wrapping you in a comforting embrace. The Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll is not just a dessert; it’s an experience, a slice of happiness that brightens even the dullest of days. This delightful treat is perfect for birthday celebrations, holiday feasts, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

When you serve this enchanting cake roll, you’ll witness the gleam of joy in the eyes of your loved ones as they take their first bite. The harmonious blend of velvety chocolate cake, creamy whipped filling, and luscious cherries creates a medley of flavors and textures that dances on the palate. This stunning dessert, with its striking appearance and rich taste, is a true showstopper that will leave a lasting impression on everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need

Creating your own Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll at home is easier than you might think. With a handful of simple ingredients and a few trusty kitchen tools, you’ll be well on your way to baking bliss. Let’s gather what you need for this delightful project!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, for ganache
1/2 cup heavy cream, for ganache
Chocolate curls and additional cherries for garnish

Tools

To craft your cake roll, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable:

Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
15×10-inch jelly roll pan
Parchment paper
Clean kitchen towel
Sifter (optional but recommended)
Rubber spatula
Small saucepan (for the ganache)
Serving platter

How to Make It

The journey of creating an Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll begins with the tantalizing smells wafting through your kitchen as you bake. Following these steps will help you create a masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Prep the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven warms, prepare your jelly roll pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper. This is a crucial step that ensures your cake rolls out with ease. The anticipation builds as you sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a bowl, watching the vibrant cocoa powder intermingle with the flour, creating a tantalizing earthy aroma.

Build the Flavor

In a separate bowl, the magic begins. Beat the eggs with the granulated sugar until they become light and fluffy, a process that takes only a few moments but feels like stirring up sunshine in your kitchen. Incorporate the vanilla extract and milk, and watch as the mixture transforms into a creamy, dreamy blend. Gradually, fold in the dry ingredients you previously sifted, taking care to keep the mixture airy and light. The batter should be rich and smooth, with the deep, dark color of fine chocolate promising decadence.

Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. You can hardly wait to share this with your friends; the smell of chocolate is intoxicating. Carefully slide the pan into the oven and let it bake for about 12-15 minutes. While it’s baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This will play a vital role in shaping your cake for the roll.

Once the timer goes off, the cake should spring back when gently pressed. Immediately invert it onto the prepared towel, peeling away the parchment paper. With gentle hands, roll the cake up from the short side, cradling it in the towel. Let it cool completely, while the sweet anticipation of tasting this delightful confection fills the air.

Finish & Serve

While the cake cools, it’s time to whip up the luscious filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. The cloud-like texture of the whipped cream is a heavenly contrast to the dense chocolate cake. Unroll the chilled cake with care and generously spread the sweet whipped cream over the surface. The cream is not only an accompaniment but an integral part of this Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll, adding a lightness that balances the richness of the chocolate.

Sprinkle the halved cherries over the whipped cream, creating a vibrant contrast of red against the white. Gently roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, and refrigerate it for at least an hour to set.

For the pièce de résistance, prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream until it’s just about to simmer. Pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl, stirring until smooth and glossy—just like the enchanting cake roll you’ve created. Once your cake has chilled, drizzle the velvety ganache over the top, letting it cascade down the sides like a waterfall of chocolate. Garnish with chocolate curls and extra cherries, giving your Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll the final touch it deserves.

Creative Twists

While the classic version is simply divine, here are a few exciting twists you can try to elevate this cake roll:

Seasonal Fruits: Swap the cherries with seasonal fruits like fresh strawberries in spring or spiced caramel apples in autumn for a fun twist that adds freshness.
Spiced Chocolate: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a touch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of espresso powder to the batter for a warm, aromatic surprise.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds in the filling for an added crunch that beautifully complements the softness of the cake.
Mint Chocolate Variation: Add peppermint extract to the ganache for a refreshing take that adds an exciting dimension to every bite.

Final Inspiration

As you prepare to share this delightful Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll, remember that cooking is about connection and joy. The act of making something beautiful with your own hands is a gift, not only to yourself but to those you hold dear.

So gather your friends, serve a slice of this heavenly roll, and bask in the warmth of their smiles. With each bite, let the rich flavors and creamy layers transport you to a world of comfort and celebration. May this dessert inspire you to embrace the sweet moments in life, sharing them with love and laughter in your home. Enjoy every delicious slice, and don’t forget to make this charming cake roll a regular feature at your table!

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