Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe
Introduction
This Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll combines rich chocolate sponge with fluffy whipped cream and sweet cherries for a classic dessert with a twist. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress with a homemade treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
- Fresh cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Step 2: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and water.
- Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Step 6: While the cake is baking, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Immediately invert the baked cake onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Step 7: Starting from one end, roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely.
- Step 8: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Step 9: Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the whipped cream.
- Step 10: Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel and place seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Step 11: Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh cherries in season for a natural burst of flavor instead of cherry pie filling.
- Make sure to beat the eggs well to achieve a light, airy cake texture.
- Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking while rolling the cake.
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of kirsch or cherry liqueur to the whipped cream filling.
Storage
Store the cake roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor. If desired, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the cake roll ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and roll the cake a day in advance and refrigerate it tightly wrapped. Prepare the filling and assemble the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet of similar size will work, just be sure to monitor cake thickness and adjust baking time if necessary to avoid overbaking.
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Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll combines a light, cocoa-flavored sponge cake rolled with luscious whipped cream and cherry filling, elegantly garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a festive, visually impressive treat that is both rich and creamy with a delightful cherry twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)
For Garnish
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
- Fresh cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution. In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and water gently. Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet egg mixture, taking care not to deflate the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly to the touch, indicating it is cooked through.
- Roll the Cake: While the cake bakes, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Once baked, immediately invert the cake onto the towel, carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Leave it rolled until completely cooled, allowing it to set and maintain shape.
- Make the Filling: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a mixer until stiff peaks form, creating a smooth, firm whipped cream.
- Assemble the Cake Roll: Gently unroll the cooled cake, taking care to avoid cracks. Spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Spoon the cherry pie filling or fresh cherries evenly over the whipped cream layer. Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel and position seam-side down on a serving platter to maintain its shape.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust the top of the cake roll lightly with powdered sugar. Optionally, decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries to enhance its elegance. Slice into portions and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is rolled while still warm to prevent cracking.
- Chill the whipped cream bowl and beaters before whipping for better volume.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh, pitted cherries for a more natural flavor.
- For a richer cake, you may add a tablespoon of melted butter to the batter.
- Serve chilled to maintain firmness of the whipped cream and overall dessert structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: Black Forest cake roll, chocolate cake roll, whipped cream cake, cherry cake roll, dessert roll, elegant cake dessert
