Elegant Black Forest Swiss Roll

Elegant Black Forest Swiss Roll – A Light & Luxurious Dessert

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Elegant Black Forest Swiss Roll – A Light & Luxurious Dessert

The Elegant Black Forest Swiss Roll is a refined twist on the classic German Black Forest cake. Instead of a heavy layer cake, this version transforms the famous chocolate-cherry combination into a light, airy roll filled with whipped cream and juicy cherries. It’s visually stunning, surprisingly simple to prepare, and perfect for celebrations, holidays, or any occasion that calls for an elegant dessert.

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Elegant Black Forest Swiss Roll

Elegant Black Forest Swiss Roll

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Elegant Black Forest Swiss Roll

Ingredients

Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cherry pie filling
For Decoration:
Fresh cherries
Shaved chocolate

Instructions

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes, until thick and pale. Add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up in the towel from the short side and let it cool completely.
For the filling, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Once the cake is cool, unroll it and spread a layer of whipped cream, followed by the cherry pie filling. Roll the cake back up without the towel.
Decorate with additional whipped cream, fresh cherries, and shaved chocolate.

Notes

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices

  • Author: laura

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Why You’ll Love This Elegant Swiss Roll

  • Light and fluffy cocoa sponge

  • Creamy whipped filling that’s not too sweet

  • Burst of cherries in every bite

  • Beautiful spiral look perfect for pictures

  • Easier than a traditional Black Forest cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake

  • 4 large eggs

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

the Cream Filling

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Layer

  • 1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh cherries

  • 2 tbsp cherry syrup or juice

For Decoration

  • Powdered sugar

  • Chocolate shavings

  • Fresh cherries (optional)

How to Make the Elegant Black Forest Swiss Roll

1. Prepare the Sponge

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

  2. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

  3. Beat eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and tripled in volume.

  4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

  5. Fold gently to keep the batter airy.

  6. Spread evenly in the tray and bake for 10–12 minutes.

2. Roll the Cake

  1. Lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

  2. Flip the warm cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment.

  3. Roll the cake with the towel inside and let it cool completely.
    This prevents cracking.

3. Make the Cream

Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

4. Assemble the Swiss Roll

  1. Unroll the cooled cake gently.

  2. Spread a thin layer of cherry filling.

  3. Add whipped cream on top.

  4. Roll the cake back up tightly but gently.

  5. Trim the edges and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.

5. Decorate

Dust with powdered sugar, add chocolate shavings, and garnish with cherries.

Elegant Black Forest Swiss RollServing Suggestions

  • Serve chilled for the perfect texture.

  • Add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an extra decadent touch.

  • Pair with coffee or a light vanilla latte.

Storage

  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

  • Freeze (without decorations) for up to 1 month.

  • Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh cherries bring a bright flavor, especially in summer. Just pit and lightly cook them with sugar until soft.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking?

Roll it while still warm in a towel — this technique trains the sponge to keep its shape.

Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but real whipped cream gives a richer, more authentic flavor.

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