Black Forest Cake Roll

This Black Forest Cake Roll is a stunning twist on the classic German dessert, transforming the beloved flavors of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream into a light, elegant cake roll.

This show-stopping dessert begins with a soft, airy chocolate sponge cake that’s gently rolled to create a beautiful spiral. Inside, it’s layered with fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream filling and a rich cherry filling made from sweet-tart cherries simmered into a thick sauce. Each slice reveals the iconic contrast of deep cocoa, bright ruby fruit, and cloud-like cream.

The roll is topped with extra whipped cream and whole sour cherries, adding a classic finishing touch that suits any occasion. Unlike the traditional multi-layered Black Forest cake, the cake roll is lighter, quicker to prepare, and easier to slice and serve, perfect for special occasions or holiday tables.

While the original Black Forest cake often contains kirsch (cherry liqueur), this roll can be made with or without it, depending on your preference. The result is a decadent yet balanced dessert that delivers all the nostalgic flavors of the classic in a more modern, elegant form. 

How to make Black Forest Cake Roll

Begin with preparing the chocolate sponge cake. Next, prepare the sour cherry sauce. Continue with cream cheese filling and then assemble the cake roll.

How to prepare the chocolate sponge cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 12×16 inch (30×40 cm) baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy release. In a medium bowl, sift and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale, foamy, and lemon-colored. Add the oil and mix until fully combined. Gradually fold in the flour mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle it with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel, remove the parchment paper, and roll the cake up with the towel inside to help it keep its shape. Let the cake cool completely in this rolled-up form to avoid cracking.

How to prepare the sour cherry sauce

Combine the sour cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. For a deeper flavor, you can stir in 1–2 tablespoons of kirsch once the sauce has cooled slightly.

How to make the cream cheese filling

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour in the whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form, resulting in a light and creamy filling.

How to assemble the cake roll

Carefully unroll the cooled sponge cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, leaving a ½-inch (1 cm) border. Spoon the cherry sauce over the cream layer, spreading it gently.

Roll the cake back up tightly, this time without the towel, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Finally, decorate before serving. Top the chilled roll with whipped cream, sour cherries, and mini chocolate flakes for an elegant finish. Slice and serve cold. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to share the photos with me on Instagram, if you try it out as I love seeing how this turns out for you.

Other desserts you may like to try

This Black Forest Mousse Cake is a light twist on the classic—layers of chocolate sponge, cherry compote, and airy chocolate mousse. Elegant, rich, and irresistibly smooth.

This Classic Black Forest Cake is a timeless favorite with chocolate layers, whipped cream, and cherries. Moist, rich, and beautifully nostalgic.

Try this Stovetop Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake for the moments when you don’t want to turn on the oven. This moist chocolate cake is topped with caramelized cherries and made entirely on the stovetop. Easy and decadent.

If you like cake roll recipes check our collection of 15 Cake Rolls perfect for various occasions.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll
Passion Fruit Cake Roll
Tiramisu Cake Roll
Chocolate Almond Battenberg Cake
Carrot Cake Roll
Cherry Puff Pastry Cake with Caramelized White Chocolate Frosting
Berry Meringue Roll
Cherry and Cream Cheese Crepes
Eggless Fruit Cake
Chocolate Mocha Hurricane Swiss Roll
Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll
Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
Chocolate Swiss Roll
Strawberry Swiss Roll
Pumpkin Roll