Introduction
Black Forest cake roll is a beautiful reinvention of the traditional Black Forest cake, combining all its beloved flavors in an elegant rolled form. It delivers rich chocolate cake, luscious whipped cream, and sweet-tart cherries in every slice, but with a lighter, more refined presentation. I love making this dessert when I want something visually impressive without the heaviness of a layered cake. The rolled sponge feels delicate, yet it holds generous layers of filling that make each bite deeply satisfying.
What makes this cake roll especially appealing is its balance. The chocolate sponge is soft and flexible, not dry, while the whipped cream filling is light and airy rather than overly sweet. The cherries add brightness and contrast, cutting through the richness beautifully. This dessert feels festive enough for celebrations but approachable enough for home baking. Whether served at a holiday table or as a special weekend treat, Black Forest cake roll is a show-stopping dessert that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers all the classic Black Forest flavors in a lighter, more elegant form. It slices beautifully, looks impressive, and delivers a perfect balance of chocolate, cream, and cherries without feeling too heavy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and help create a light, airy sponge that rolls easily without cracking.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps achieve a soft, tender crumb.
All-purpose flour
Flour gives the sponge structure while keeping it flexible enough to roll.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder delivers rich chocolate flavor without making the cake heavy.
Baking powder
Baking powder helps the sponge rise evenly and stay light.
Salt
Salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth to both the cake and filling.
Heavy whipping cream
Heavy cream is whipped into a light, fluffy filling that balances the chocolate sponge.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream while keeping it smooth.
Cherry filling
Cherry filling provides the signature Black Forest flavor with sweetness and gentle tartness.
Chocolate shavings
Chocolate shavings add texture and enhance the classic chocolate profile.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light sponge.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, followed by vanilla extract, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Immediately turn the warm cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel away the parchment paper and roll the cake up gently with the towel inside. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled shape.
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread an even layer of whipped cream over the surface, then spoon the cherry filling evenly across the cream. Roll the cake back up tightly without the towel.
Chill the cake roll briefly to set, then decorate with additional whipped cream and chocolate shavings before slicing.
Equipment Needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves eight to ten people. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, baking time is approximately 12 minutes, and chilling time is around 1 hour. Total time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Storage and Reheating
Store the Black Forest cake roll covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
This cake roll can be adapted in several ways. Fresh cherries can replace cherry filling when in season. A small amount of cherry syrup or juice can be brushed onto the cake for added moisture. For a richer version, a thin layer of chocolate ganache can be spread beneath the whipped cream. You can also add a hint of espresso powder to the cocoa for deeper chocolate flavor. These variations allow you to personalize the dessert while keeping its classic character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert provides carbohydrates from the sponge, fats from the cream, and natural sugars from the cherries. It is vegetarian-friendly and best enjoyed in moderation as a special-occasion treat.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Roll while warm
Rolling the cake warm prevents cracking later.
Do not overbake
Overbaking dries out the sponge and makes rolling difficult.
Chill before slicing
Chilling helps the roll hold its shape and ensures clean slices.
FAQs
Why did my cake crack?
Cracking usually happens if the cake is overbaked or not rolled while warm.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of stabilized?
Yes, but keep the cake refrigerated to maintain structure.
Do I need cherry liqueur?
No, this recipe achieves flavor without alcohol.
Can I freeze a cake roll?
Yes, freeze well-wrapped for up to one month.
What cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance.
How do I get neat slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Can I use whipped topping?
Yes, though fresh cream provides better flavor.
Is this cake very sweet?
It is balanced with chocolate and cherry contrast.
What garnish works best?
Chocolate shavings and whipped cream are classic.
Conclusion
Black Forest cake roll is a refined yet approachable dessert that captures everything people love about the classic cake in a lighter, more elegant form. With its soft chocolate sponge, airy whipped cream, and vibrant cherry filling, it delivers both visual appeal and indulgent flavor. Perfect for celebrations or special occasions, this recipe is a beautiful addition to any dessert table and one you will be proud to serve.
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