Black Forest Swiss Roll 🍒🍫🍰
Light, elegant, and irresistibly decadent, this Black Forest Swiss Roll captures all the magic of the classic German dessert — rich chocolate sponge cake rolled with fluffy whipped cream, luscious cherry filling, and a dusting of cocoa. It’s a stunning showpiece that tastes as heavenly as it looks — the perfect treat for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for something truly special.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cherry pie filling or morello cherries
For Garnish:
- Grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder
- Extra whipped cream and cherries (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together for 3–4 minutes until pale and thick. Mix in vanilla and milk. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. While it’s still warm, loosen the edges with a knife. Place a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar on top of the cake, then carefully invert it. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake (with the towel) from the short end. Let it cool completely.
Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread whipped cream evenly, and spoon the cherry filling over it. Carefully roll it back up, this time without the towel.
Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Dust with cocoa powder or top with grated chocolate before serving. Add extra whipped cream and cherries for a stunning finish.
Tips for Success
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.
- For extra indulgence, brush the cake with a splash of cherry syrup or kirsch before adding the filling.
- Use chilled heavy cream for the best whip and stability.
Serving Ideas
Serve chilled, sliced into neat rounds to show off the gorgeous swirl. Pair with espresso or dessert wine for an elegant finish to any meal.
Nutritional Information (per slice)
Calories: ~310 kcal | Protein: 6g | Carbs: 35g | Fat: 16g
Conclusion
The Black Forest Swiss Roll is a masterpiece of balance — light sponge, airy cream, and juicy cherries all wrapped into one bite of bliss. It’s simple to make yet impressive enough for any celebration, delivering that perfect mix of chocolatey richness and fruity freshness that defines true dessert elegance.