Go Back

Black Forest Cream Roll Cake

A captivating Black Forest Cream Roll Cake featuring soft chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and juicy cherries—a perfect dessert for celebrations or cozy afternoons.
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine European, German
Keyword Black Forest Cake, Cherry Dessert, Chocolate Cake, Cream Roll Cake, Swiss Roll
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 400kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 4 large eggs (room temperature) Room temp eggs whip up fluffier.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar This sweetens the sponge.
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Just enough for a tender, light crumb.
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Use a rich Dutch-process cocoa.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder For a gentle lift.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
  • powdered sugar for dusting and rolling Helps prevent sticking.

For the Filling

  • 1 1/4 cups cold heavy whipping cream Keep it cold for perfect whipped cream.
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar For sweetening the whipped cream.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
  • 1 cup pitted cherries Fresh or canned, drained well.
  • 3 tablespoons cherry preserves or jam For spreading cherry flavor.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Kirsch (optional) Adds authentic flavor.

For Garnish

  • shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls For topping.
  • extra whipped cream & cherries For decoration.
  • cocoa or powdered sugar (optional) For dusting.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment and lightly grease it.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar for 5-7 minutes until thick and quadrupled in volume.
  • Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt over the egg mixture. Gently fold together and stir in the vanilla extract.

Baking

  • Pour batter into your pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cake springs back when pressed.
  • Immediately turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Roll up the cake (short side in), towel and all.

Cooling and Filling

  • Let the roll cool completely.
  • Chop the cherries and warm the preserves. Mix together and add the Kirsch if desired.
  • Whip the heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assembly

  • Unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cherry mixture followed by whipped cream. Re-roll tightly.
  • Cover and chill your Black Forest Cream Roll Cake for at least 1 hour.

Decorating

  • Slice off the ends for a tidy look. Top with whipped cream, cherries, chocolate shavings, and a dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar.

Notes

Baking is about fun, so don't stress if it's not perfect! Tips include beating eggs until fluffy, using a warm knife for clean slices, and wrapping leftovers tightly for storage.
QR Code linking back to recipe