Black Forest Swiss Roll Recipe

If you love classic European bakery treats with a dazzling swirl of rich flavors, the Black Forest Swiss Roll is going to steal the show—and your tastebuds! This crowd-pleasing dessert features a feather-light chocolate sponge layered with cool vanilla whipped cream and juicy cherries, all rolled into a gorgeous spiral and finished with a flurry of dark chocolate shavings. Whether you serve it at a festive dinner or just want to feel a bit fancy on a weeknight, this Black Forest Swiss Roll brings together a perfect trio: decadence, delight, and a little bit of drama.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate how straightforward these ingredients are—they’re all you need for a show-stopping dessert that looks (and tastes) like it came straight from a pastry case. Each component adds its own magic, from the plush chocolate cake to that melt-in-your-mouth whipped cream!

• Eggs (3 large, separated): The backbone for the cake’s airy texture—make sure they’re at room temperature for easier whipping and folding.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, divided): Adds just enough sweetness to both the sponge and to help stabilize those gorgeous egg whites.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Bring on the deep, rich chocolate flavor, which pairs so well with cherries.
• All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): The support act, providing structure without weighing the cake down.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Ensures you get that lovely, delicate lift in your sponge.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Makes the cake batter extra moist—don’t skip it!
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp for cake, 1/2 tsp for cream): Adds cozy, fragrant notes that make the dessert irresistible.
• Heavy whipping cream (3/4 cup): For that cloud-like vanilla filling, don’t settle for anything less than heavy cream.
• Powdered sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the cream while keeping it ultra smooth and light.
• Cherry pie filling or sweetened dark cherries (1/2 cup): This is the fruity heart of the dessert, so go with plump, flavorful cherries if you can find them.
• Dark chocolate shavings (1/4 cup): The classic finishing touch—use a bar of good chocolate and a veggie peeler for perfect curls.

How to Make Black Forest Swiss Roll

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This step ensures your chocolate sponge will come out perfect and won’t stick later, making the rolling process much easier and less stressful.

Step 2: Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only blends everything evenly but also prevents lumps—and trust me, nobody wants a lumpy sponge cake.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

In a separate, very clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Start adding half the sugar gradually while continuing to whip until your egg whites are glossy. This step is where the Black Forest Swiss Roll gets its magical lightness and lift, so take your time.

Step 4: Beat Egg Yolks with Sugar, Milk, and Vanilla

In another bowl, combine the egg yolks and remaining sugar. Beat until the mixture is thick, pale, and ribbony. Add in the milk and vanilla extract, whisking until well blended—this gives your cake that signature tender crumb and delightful flavor.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Now gently fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture, making sure not to deflate all that precious air. Next, carefully fold in the whipped egg whites just until everything is incorporated. The key is a gentle hand for an airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 6: Bake the Chocolate Sponge

Pour the batter into your prepared jelly roll pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Overbaking dries the cake, so keep an eye on it, and enjoy the chocolaty aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 7: Roll the Sponge While Warm

While the cake is still warm, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Starting at a short end, roll it up with the towel inside. This step trains your sponge for its final swirl and keeps it from cracking later—plus, it looks pretty impressive!

Step 8: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This fluffy cream is the cloud-like layer that makes the Black Forest Swiss Roll dreamy and indulgent.

Step 9: Assemble and Fill

Once the cake is cooled, carefully unroll it and remove the towel. Spread your whipped vanilla cream evenly over the surface, then spoon the cherry filling or sweetened dark cherries in a line across the cream. Gently re-roll the cake, keeping it tight but without squishing out all the luscious fillings.

Step 10: Chill and Top

Place your rolled cake seam-side down on a platter and chill it for at least one hour. Right before serving, shower the top with plenty of dark chocolate shavings. Slice into thick, beautiful spirals and get ready for the applause!

How to Serve Black Forest Swiss Roll

Garnishes

For a classic, swoon-worthy finish, top each slice with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream, a drizzle of cherry syrup, and a few extra chocolate curls or shavings. A fresh cherry perched on top takes it over the edge!

Side Dishes

Black Forest Swiss Roll is divine all by itself, but a side of vanilla ice cream or a small dish of fresh black cherries makes it even more special. Make it a dessert board with chocolate-dipped cherries and tiny shortbread cookies—guests will remember it forever.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve the Black Forest Swiss Roll as mini spiraled “shots” in cocktail glasses with a spoonful of extra cream and a cherry on top? For holidays, sprinkle with edible gold dust or add a dusting of powdered sugar snow. You can even slice at a dramatic angle for a stunning display on a cake stand.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Black Forest Swiss Roll loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sponge and filling hold up beautifully, and some even say the flavor deepens as it rests overnight. Just make sure it’s covered to prevent the cake from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, tightly wrap the roll (before topping with chocolate shavings) in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then finish with chocolate shavings and garnishes for a just-made look and taste.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply slice and let it sit out a few minutes for the cream to soften before serving—perfection in every bite!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh, pitted black cherries (especially when in season) taste wonderful in a Black Forest Swiss Roll. Just toss them in a little sugar and let them macerate until juicy before using as a filling.

What if my cake cracks while rolling?

Don’t worry—small cracks are easy to disguise with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top. Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and moist helps prevent cracking, so don’t skip that step with the towel!

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (look for one that substitutes 1:1) and double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free. You’ll still get a light, delicious sponge.

How far in advance can I make the Swiss roll?

The Black Forest Swiss Roll can be prepared a day in advance and kept chilled—just wait until serving to add chocolate shavings for the freshest look. Leftovers (if you have any!) get even better after a day in the fridge.

Do I have to use a jelly roll pan?

A jelly roll pan gives you the perfect thin sheet cake for rolling, but you can use a rimmed baking sheet of similar dimensions. Just watch the baking time—it may vary by a minute or two depending on your pan.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a show-stopper of a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you have to try this Black Forest Swiss Roll. With its tender chocolate cake, pillowy cream, and bursts of cherry, every bite is pure joy. Go ahead and treat yourself—and those you love—to a little swirl of happiness!

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