If you’re looking for a dessert that combines creamy, chocolatey, and fruity goodness, then look no further than the Black Forest Cream Roll Cake! This stunning dessert not only looks fabulous but also tastes heavenly. With its light and airy sponge cake rolled up with luscious whipped cream and cherries, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a sweet indulgence any day of the week. Funny story: I once brought this delightful cake to a family reunion, and it disappeared faster than my aunt’s famous chocolate chip cookies! This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any home baker. If you’ve tried other popular desserts like my Easy Chocolate Cake, you’re in for a treat with this one too! Dive right in, and let’s create this chocolate-cherry masterpiece together.
What is Black Forest Cream Roll Cake?
Now, you might be scratching your head, wondering why this cake is called the “Black Forest.” The classic saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this cake will win anyone’s heart with just one bite! It’s named after the Black Forest region in Germany, which is famous for its rich chocolate and delectable cherries. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to indulge in a roll cake that combines these delicious elements? So, why not give it a try and see if it rolls your heart away?
Why You’ll Love This:
There are so many reasons to fall in love with the Black Forest Cream Roll Cake! Firstly, the highlight of this dish is its delightful combination of flavors—the rich chocolate sponge, the sweet-tart cherries, and the luxurious whipped cream join forces to create a dessert that feels fancy yet homey. Secondly, making this cake at home is a cost-saving move compared to purchasing expensive pastries from bakeries, and you get the satisfaction of saying you made it yourself! Lastly, let’s talk about those toppings. The chocolate shavings and fresh cherries not only add visual appeal but also a burst of flavor—each bite is a joyful experience! If you enjoy this cake, don’t forget to check out my Classic Swiss Roll for more deliciousness!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
The Black Forest Cream Roll Cake is not just easy to make, it’s also incredibly satisfying on the taste buds. You’ll love its richness and fluffy texture, making it perfect for dessert lovers of all ages. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes and a baking time of 15 minutes, you’ll have this showstopper ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
Step-by-Step:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect sponge texture.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help the cake come out easily after baking.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gently fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture, taking care not to deflate the batter.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Roll: Allow the cake to cool slightly. Then turn it onto a clean kitchen towel, carefully rolling it up with the towel while it’s still warm. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled position.
- Make the Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the cherry pie filling or fresh cherries.
- Unroll and Fill: Once the cake has cooled completely, unroll it gently. Spread the cream filling evenly over the surface and then carefully roll the cake back up (sans towel!).
- Decorate: Place the rolled cake on a serving plate and top it with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries for garnish.
What to Serve Black Forest Cream Roll Cake With:
Pair this delightful cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat! It also goes beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk—perfect for complementing those rich flavors. For a light meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh berry salad.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Roll While Warm: Always roll the sponge cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracks. It helps retain its shape!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the cherry pie filling for fresh strawberries or raspberries if you prefer.
- Avoid Overmixing: When folding dry ingredients into the egg mixture, be gentle to keep that airy texture intact.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain freshness, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the uncut roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy cold or at room temperature!
FAQs:
- Can I use different fruits? Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
- Is this cake suitable for special occasions? Absolutely! This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for the Black Forest Cream Roll Cake, it’s time to bring a little sweetness into your kitchen! This delicious dessert is sure to impress friends and family alike. With its creamy, chocolatey goodness, it’s not just a treat but a memory waiting to happen. So roll up your sleeves and get baking! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gently fold into the egg mixture.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly, then turn it onto a clean towel and roll it up while warm. Let it cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold in the cherry pie filling.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream filling evenly. Roll it back up without the towel.
- Place the roll cake on a serving plate, topping with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries.
Notes
Roll the sponge cake while warm to prevent cracking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months when wrapped tightly.