Name: Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting the towel); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped cherries (fresh or jarred); 2 tablespoons kirsch or cherry juice (optional); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 1 tablespoon butter; Whipped cream (optional, for piping); Whole cherries; Chocolate curls or shavings

Ingredients

4 large eggs

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting the towel)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped cherries (fresh or jarred)

2 tablespoons kirsch or cherry juice (optional)

1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)

4 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon butter

Whipped cream (optional, for piping)

Whole cherries (for garnish)

Chocolate curls or shavings (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until fully combined. Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 5: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 6: While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: To make the filling, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold in the chopped cherries and kirsch or cherry juice if using.

Step 8: Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream and cherry filling evenly over the surface. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.

Step 9: Prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Step 10: Drizzle the ganache over the cake roll. Decorate with piped whipped cream, whole cherries, and chocolate curls. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the kirsch with cherry juice or omit it entirely.

Use fresh cherries in season for the best flavor, or well-drained jarred cherries if fresh aren’t available.

Dust the rolled cake with cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a richer look.

To add extra texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts like toasted almonds or hazelnuts inside the filling.

Storage

Store the Black Forest Cake Roll covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes for a softer texture. Avoid freezing as it may affect the cream filling consistency.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cake roll in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the cake roll a few hours ahead or even the night before. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

What can I use instead of kirsch?

If you prefer not to use kirsch, cherry juice or any cherry-flavored syrup works well as a substitute. You can also omit it completely if desired; the cherries will still bring plenty of flavor.