Name: Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup cherry pie filling or Morello cherries; ½ cup fresh cherries (for garnish, optional); ¼ cup dark chocolate shavings or curls; Extra powdered sugar (for dusting towel)

A showstopper dessert that delivers both visual drama and indulgent flavor, the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll is a refined take on the classic German treat. This roulade features a deeply moist chocolate sponge, rolled around layers of whipped cream and cherries, then crowned with silky ganache, fresh cream swirls, and glistening whole cherries. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of rich cocoa, airy cream, and the tart-sweet burst of cherries.

This dessert isn’t just a feast for the tastebuds but also a joy to craft. It offers the satisfaction of creating a bakery-level dessert at home, with each swirl telling a story of decadent elegance. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a weekend baking session, this Black Forest Cake Roll is sure to impress.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll a smooth experience from start to finish, you’ll need a few key tools:

Jelly Roll Pan (10×15 inches): This is essential for getting the thin, even sponge needed to create the perfect roll.
Electric Mixer (Stand or Hand): Whipping the eggs and sugar into a light, airy batter is the backbone of the sponge.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps you lift the cake easily out of the pan.

Kitchen Towel & Powdered Sugar: The trick to rolling the cake without cracks lies in rolling it warm in a towel dusted with sugar.
Offset Spatula: Makes it easy to spread cream evenly without tearing the delicate cake.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing separate elements like whipped cream and cherry filling.

Fine Mesh Sifter: Helpful for evenly dusting powdered sugar for the roll and garnish.

Having the right tools streamlines your baking flow and gives the final roll a professional finish.

Ingredients for the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in achieving the delicate structure and layered flavor that make this dessert unforgettable:

Large Eggs: Provide structure and help achieve the light sponge texture through aeration.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the sponge while also stabilizing the whipped eggs.
All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient for the sponge, giving it body.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers that rich chocolate flavor essential to the Black Forest experience.
Baking Powder: Adds lift to the sponge, ensuring it doesn’t turn out flat.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Used for the filling and topping, bringing creamy richness.

Powdered Sugar: Lightly sweetens the whipped cream and is also used for rolling.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the cream with warmth and aroma.
Cherry Pie Filling or Morello Cherries: Adds that iconic sweet-tart cherry layer.

Fresh Cherries: Optional, but make a beautiful topping.
Dark Chocolate or Chocolate Shavings: Adds elegance and a slight bitterness to contrast the sweet cream.

How To Make the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease the paper.

Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until thick and pale. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture just until combined.

Step 3: Bake the Sponge

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar. Once baked, immediately turn the cake out onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper, then gently roll the cake up in the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely.

Step 5: Whip the Cream Filling

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Step 6: Fill and Re-Roll

Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread an even layer of whipped cream across the surface, then spoon cherry pie filling over the cream. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter. Frost the top with remaining whipped cream, sprinkle chocolate shavings, and add fresh cherries. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

How to Serve and Store the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

When serving this cake, slice using a serrated knife to maintain the spiral integrity. It’s best served slightly chilled, allowing the whipped cream to hold its shape and the chocolate sponge to remain moist. Garnish each slice with a dollop of cream, cherry, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for that patisserie-level presentation.

To store, cover the roll loosely with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best texture, avoid freezing as whipped cream tends to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Roll it while it’s still warm using a towel dusted with powdered sugar. This trains the sponge to hold the shape without breaking.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, but cook them briefly with sugar and a little cornstarch to mimic the consistency and sweetness of the pie filling.

What’s the best cocoa powder to use?

Use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor—Dutch-processed works beautifully.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the rolled and filled cake the night before and decorate it the day you plan to serve.

My sponge deflated! What went wrong?

This often happens if the eggs weren’t beaten long enough or if the batter was overmixed after adding dry ingredients. Gentle folding and proper whipping are key.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend designed for baking. Ensure it includes xanthan gum or add some separately for structure.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If the Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll left you inspired, here are some other delightful cakes you’ll want to add to your baking list:

Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake — for a tropical, creamy experience.

Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake — when you’re craving nostalgic crunch and berry sweetness.
Carrot Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze — perfect for those who love spiced classics with a twist.
Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting — a simpler way to enjoy the richness of carrot cake.

Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe — for a handheld dessert with a creamy coffee kick.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a cherry liqueur or keep it non-alcoholic? Maybe swapped the cream for mascarpone?

I love hearing how you personalize these treats. Got questions? Drop them below—we’re baking together!

Looking for more daily inspiration? Check out my Pinterest boards at Life With Olivia on Pinterest for even more delicious dessert ideas.

Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

An Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll that combines a light chocolate sponge, velvety whipped cream, and rich cherry filling—finished with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. A sophisticated dessert perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you want to wow your guests.

Instructions

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

2. In a large bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer for 5 minutes until thick and pale. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until fully incorporated.

3. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Gently fold until just combined.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the top springs back when touched.

5. While baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a surface and dust it with powdered sugar.

6. Once baked, immediately turn the cake onto the towel, peel off parchment, and gently roll the cake (short side) with the towel. Let cool completely.

7. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

8. Unroll the cooled cake, spread whipped cream evenly, and spoon cherry filling over it. Re-roll the cake without the towel.

9. Place on a platter seam-side down. Top with remaining cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries.

10. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.