Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake

The Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake is a refined dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream. A soft chocolate cake is rolled with a luscious whipped cream and cherry filling, then topped with grated dark chocolate and fresh cherries. This dessert offers a beautiful presentation and delightful flavor, making it perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling and garnish:

• 1 can (14 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate, grated (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Add cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
5. While the cake is baking, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
6. Once the cake is done, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully remove the parchment paper. Roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely.
7. After the cake has cooled, gently unroll it and spread the cherry pie filling and whipped cream evenly over the surface.
8. Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, and dust with powdered sugar and grated chocolate.
9. Garnish with fresh cherries, if desired.
10. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to set.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Fresh Cherries: If you prefer fresh fruit, use fresh pitted cherries instead of the canned cherry pie filling. You can also make a homemade cherry compote.
• Alcohol-infused: Add a tablespoon of Kirsch (cherry liqueur) or another preferred liqueur to the whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
• Different Filling: Experiment with different fillings like a raspberry compote, strawberry preserves, or a mixture of whipped cream and mascarpone.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Black Forest Roll Cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out.
• Reheating: This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply allow it to come to room temperature before serving if you store it in the fridge.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fruit filling? Yes, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as raspberry, blueberry, or even peach for a different flavor.
2. Can I make the cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed after chilling for at least an hour.
3. Can I use a store-bought chocolate cake instead of making my own? While a store-bought chocolate cake can work in a pinch, the homemade cake adds a fresh, light texture and flavor that’s hard to replicate with a store-bought version.
4. How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling it? Make sure to roll the cake immediately after baking while it is still warm. Using a towel with powdered sugar helps prevent sticking and cracking.
5. Can I freeze the Black Forest Roll Cake? Yes, you can freeze the unfilled rolled cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before filling and serving.
6. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use whipped topping or a non-dairy whipped cream alternative if heavy cream is unavailable.
7. Can I make this cake without eggs? Yes, you can make an eggless version using egg replacers or flaxseed eggs. However, the texture might slightly change.
8. How can I make this cake more chocolatey? You can add extra cocoa powder to the batter or drizzle chocolate ganache on top before serving for added richness.
9. How can I make the cake spongier? To make the cake lighter and spongier, ensure you beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale. This helps incorporate air into the batter.
10. Can I use whipped cream from a can for the filling? While it’s possible to use canned whipped cream, homemade whipped cream will give a richer texture and flavor to the roll cake.

Conclusion

The Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake is a stunning dessert that pairs the richness of chocolate with the tartness of cherries and the creaminess of whipped cream. It’s a beautiful and delicious treat for any celebration or gathering, sure to impress your guests with its elegance and flavor. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a special birthday dessert, this cake will definitely be the star of the table.

Print