Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe

Introduction

If you love the rich flavor of traditional Black Forest cake but want a dessert that’s a little more elegant and sliceable, this Black Forest Cake Roll is the perfect choice. This beautiful chocolate sponge cake is rolled around a fluffy whipped cream filling and sweet cherries, then finished with delicate chocolate shavings for a classic presentation.

Inspired by the famous German Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, this dessert captures the signature combination of chocolate, cream, and cherries in a lighter, airy cake roll. The sponge cake is soft and flexible, making it perfect for rolling without cracking.

Despite its impressive appearance, this cake roll is surprisingly approachable for home bakers. With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-worthy dessert that’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want something special.

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Why I Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this Black Forest Cake Roll is a favorite.

First, the texture is incredibly light and airy thanks to the whipped egg whites that give the sponge cake its soft structure.

Second, the combination of chocolate, whipped cream, and cherries is timeless. The slightly tart cherries balance the sweetness of the cream and cocoa perfectly.

Another reason I love this dessert is its beautiful presentation. When sliced, the swirl of cream and cherries inside the chocolate cake looks stunning on any dessert table.

And while it feels like a fancy dessert, it pairs beautifully with simple treats like Moist 1-Bowl Banana Bread – The Easy Recipe That Never Fails for a cozy dessert spread.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this chocolate cherry cake roll.

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake

• 4 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur or cherry juice (optional)

For Garnish

• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

These simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

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Ingredient Swaps and Notes

This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to your taste.

Cherry options:
Fresh cherries, frozen cherries, or drained canned cherries all work well.

Alcohol-free version:
Skip the cherry liqueur and use cherry juice instead.

Chocolate variations:
Dark chocolate shavings add richness, but milk chocolate also works beautifully.

Extra flavor boost:
A small splash of almond extract in the whipped cream enhances the cherry flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

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2. Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with ½ cup of the sugar until stiff peaks form.

This step helps create the light texture of the sponge cake.

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3. Beat the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining ¼ cup sugar until thick, pale, and fluffy.

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4. Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together:

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture.

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5. Fold in Egg Whites

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in batches. Work slowly to keep the mixture airy.

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6. Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.

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7. Roll the Cake

Turn the warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder.

Carefully remove the parchment paper.

Starting from the short end, roll the cake up with the towel and allow it to cool completely.

This step helps the cake hold its rolled shape later.

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8. Make the Whipped Cream

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

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9. Fill the Cake

Gently unroll the cooled cake.

Spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface.

Scatter the cherries over the cream and drizzle with cherry liqueur or juice if using.

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10. Roll and Chill

Carefully roll the cake back up (without the towel).

Wrap loosely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the filling can set.

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11. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Slice and enjoy the beautiful swirl of chocolate cake, cream, and cherries.

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Tips for Success

Roll the cake while warm.
This prevents cracks and helps the cake hold its shape.

Use a clean towel dusted with cocoa powder.
This prevents sticking when rolling.

Chill before slicing.
Refrigeration allows the filling to set for neat slices.

Use a serrated knife.
This helps cut clean slices without squashing the cake.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cake roll makes a wonderful centerpiece dessert and pairs nicely with a variety of sweet or brunch-style dishes.

Serve it alongside breakfast favorites like Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack for a decadent brunch.

If you’re preparing meals ahead for the week, easy options like The Ultimate Overnight Oats Guide – 1 Base Recipe, 6 Easy Flavors or Protein-Packed Egg Muffins for Easy Meal Prep add variety to your menu.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Protein: 6 g

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Refrigerator:
Store the cake roll covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Slices can be frozen for up to 1 month if tightly wrapped.

Serving tip:
Let chilled slices sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy comforting homemade treats, you may also love:

• Moist 1-Bowl Banana Bread – The Easy Recipe That Never Fails
• Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack
• Protein-Packed Egg Muffins for Easy Meal Prep

They’re perfect additions to your homemade recipe collection.

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Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Cake Roll delivers everything people love about the classic dessert—rich chocolate flavor, fluffy whipped cream, and sweet cherries—in a stunning rolled cake presentation.

It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for home bakers to master. Once you slice into that beautiful swirl, it’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

If you try this recipe, share your results and feedback. Follow along for more delicious recipes from Jason Griffith at ChefManiac.