What makes a black forest roll cake truly unforgettable? For me, it’s the combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries, made easy with a simple homemade recipe and quick baking method, featuring layers of moist cake and cherry filling. Save this idea for a show-stopping dessert to impress your family and friends. Pin for later!

two different types of black forest roll cake with cherries on the top and bottom

Introduction

Indulge in the rich flavors of Black Forest roll cake, elevated by the sweetness of cherries on both the top and bottom. This dessert combines the ease of using everyday ingredients with the creativity of presenting a unique and impressive treat. The blend of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream creates a flavor balance that is both decadent and accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to guide you through the process with clarity and simplicity, ensuring that you achieve professional-looking results with minimal effort.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of dark chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream provides a deep, fruity, and creamy taste experience that is hard to resist. All the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe highly approachable.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, the Black Forest roll cake is surprisingly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and with some basic kitchen equipment, you can achieve a beautifully rolled cake with cherries on the top and bottom.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation of this dessert, with its rolled design and cherries adorning both the top and bottom, makes it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties. The fact that it requires minimal effort compared to its visual impact makes it an ideal choice for those looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include dark chocolate for the cake and the glaze, cherries for the filling and decoration, whipped cream for added sweetness and texture, and basic baking ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. For the cake, using high-quality dark chocolate will enhance the flavor, while fresh or maraschino cherries will provide the best taste and texture for the filling and topping. Whipped cream can be substituted with a non-dairy alternative for those with dietary restrictions, and the type of flour can be adjusted to accommodate gluten-free needs.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare two 10×15-inch jelly roll pans by lining them with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs until they become thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Gradually add the flour mixture to the eggs, beating until just combined. Melt the dark chocolate and let it cool slightly, then fold it into the egg mixture until well combined.
Step 2: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: To assemble, place one of the cooled cakes on a large piece of parchment paper or a clean tea towel. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Arrange cherries over the whipped cream. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the cake tightly but gently. Repeat the process with the second cake.
Step 4: For the final touches, place the rolled cakes on a serving plate or cake stand. Melt additional dark chocolate for glazing and pour it over the top of each cake. Immediately place cherries on top of the glaze before it sets. You can also drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or chocolate shavings for extra decoration.

Handy Tips

To ensure the cake rolls evenly and doesn’t crack, it’s crucial to not overbake it. The cake should spring back when touched and still be slightly tender.
For an intense chocolate flavor, use a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids.
Cherries can be substituted with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries, but keep in mind this will change the flavor profile significantly.

Heat Control

When baking the cake, maintaining the right oven temperature is key. Ensure your oven is at 375°F (190°C) for even baking. The cakes are done when they are lightly golden and springy to the touch. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cake dry and prone to cracking when rolled.

Crunch Factor

The texture of the Black Forest roll cake should be moist and soft, with a slight crunch from the cherries and any additional toppings like nuts. To achieve this, don’t overmix the batter, and ensure the cake is not overbaked. The whipped cream adds a creamy texture, while the chocolate glaze provides a smooth, velvety finish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To prevent the cake from sticking to the parchment paper, lightly dust the paper with powdered sugar before spreading the batter.
For a professional finish, chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before glazing. This will help the chocolate set faster and more evenly.
Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and a lighter cake texture.

Storage Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing is not recommended for the assembled cake due to the whipped cream and cherry filling. However, you can freeze the baked cake layers for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
When reheating, avoid using the microwave as it can make the cake dry. Instead, let it thaw at room temperature or refrigerate it overnight.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Black Forest roll cake makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift, especially for chocolate lovers. Consider packaging it in a decorative cake box or wrapping it in cellophane and tying it with a ribbon. Adding a few extra cherries or chocolate shavings on top can make it look even more appealing. For a more rustic look, wrap the cake in parchment paper and tie with twine, finishing it off with a handwritten note or card.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Introduce a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange zest to the cake batter for a unique twist.
Creative toppings: Experiment with different types of nuts, shaved chocolate, or even caramel sauce to add texture and flavor.
Ingredient swaps: Replace traditional whipped cream with a dairy-free alternative or use different types of chocolate for the cake and glaze.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the cake is too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. If it’s too dry, it could be overbaked.
Ingredient replacements: Always consider the flavor and texture implications when substituting ingredients. For example, using milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate will result in a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. It should be lightly golden and spring back when touched. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this can cause the cake to sink.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? While it’s possible to freeze the cake layers, it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled cake due to the whipped cream and cherry filling.
Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe includes wheat flour, making it not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary needs.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cakes. Just ensure you have enough pans and space in your oven for the increased number of cakes.

Conclusion

Creating two different types of Black Forest roll cake with cherries on the top and bottom is a fun and rewarding baking project. With its combination of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and creamy whipped cream, this dessert is sure to impress both in terms of taste and presentation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a weekday treat, this Black Forest roll cake is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth and share joy with others.

Black Forest Cherry Roll Cake