If you’re a fan of both classic European desserts and elegant cake presentations, the Black Forest Swiss Roll Cake is a dreamy fusion you won’t want to miss. This delightful treat brings together the light texture of a chocolate sponge roll cake with the rich, fruity flavor profile of the iconic Black Forest gâteau. The result? A swirl of whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Unlike traditional layered cakes, this version simplifies the assembly process while still delivering bold Black Forest flavor. In fact, Swiss roll cakes are often praised for their impressive look and ease of slicing, making them an ideal centerpiece for gatherings or festive occasions. With its rolled format and elegant cherry-chocolate pairing, this dessert also offers a modern take on the classic Black Forest cake origin.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just craving something indulgent, this dessert stands out with its:
- Light, airy chocolate sponge cake
- Velvety whipped cream filling
- Juicy cherry layer infused with syrup or Kirsch (if desired)
- Decorative toppings like chocolate curls and whole cherries
Beyond being a treat for the tastebuds, this cake is also an opportunity to explore international baking traditions like the history of Swiss roll, which originated in Central Europe and spread worldwide due to its simplicity and versatility.
From Pinterest-worthy cake roll decoration ideas (see example) to its nostalgic flavors, this dessert checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this ultimate cake roll at home with ease and style.
🎂 What is a Swiss Roll Cake?
A Swiss roll cake, also known as a jelly roll or roulade, is a classic dessert made from a thin, flexible sponge cake rolled around a sweet filling like jam, whipped cream, or frosting. The concept dates back centuries and is believed to have originated in Central Europe. Unlike multi-tiered cakes, this elegant dessert emphasizes simplicity and visual appeal, with its distinctive spiral shape that reveals layers in every slice.
The base of the Swiss roll is typically a sponge cake, prized for its airy structure and minimal fat content. The sponge is baked in a shallow rectangular pan (often a jelly roll pan) and then rolled—while warm—into a spiral using a towel to prevent cracking. Once cooled, it’s unrolled, filled, and re-rolled for the final presentation.
One of the great strengths of the Swiss roll format is its adaptability. You can fill it with fruit compotes, mousse, ganache, or even incorporate Black Forest-inspired ingredients, like cherries and chocolate whipped cream. It’s no wonder that modern bakers have reimagined this dessert to include global flavor trends, as seen in Pinterest dessert inspiration boards.
Its minimalist structure and versatility have made it a favorite for both home bakers and professional pastry chefs. It’s a cake that feels fancy, yet is surprisingly easy to make, especially with practice.
🍫 What Makes It “Black Forest” Flavored?
The Black Forest flavor originates from the famous German dessert Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte—a rich chocolate cake layered with whipped cream, cherries, and traditionally infused with Kirsch, a cherry brandy. This Swiss roll version captures the essence of the original cake while transforming it into a more approachable and modern format.
At its core, the Black Forest cake roll blends:
- Moist chocolate sponge cake – the light yet rich foundation
- Fluffy whipped cream – a refreshing contrast to the chocolate
- Cherry filling – tart, sweet, and juicy for balanced flavor
- Optional Kirsch or cherry juice – adds depth and aroma
While traditional Black Forest gâteau features multiple cake layers, the roll format streamlines it by spiraling the flavor layers into every slice. This gives you that same balance of creamy, fruity, and chocolatey goodness—without the need for advanced baking skills.
You can elevate the flavor by using real cherry compote, or keep it simple with canned cherries or pie filling. In fact, a homemade compote using cherry varieties like Morello or Bing can enhance the overall profile with natural tartness and color.
For a decorative finish, chocolate curls, cherry toppings, and a touch of whipped cream can transform the roll into a showstopper.
🧂 Ingredients Overview
The ingredients are divided into three key groups to help you prepare and assemble the cake easily:
1. For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
This creates a light and pliable sponge cake ideal for rolling. Use high-quality cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor (learn more about cocoa powder).
2. For the Whipped Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chill your tools before whipping to achieve stable, fluffy peaks. Here’s a refresher on whipped cream basics.
3. For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling or canned cherries, chopped
- 1 tbsp cherry juice (optional)
You can also make your own compote if you prefer a less processed option.
4. For the Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Extra cherries for decoration
Get creative with toppings using ideas from Pinterest cake roll decoration boards.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions with Expert Tips
1. Preparing the Sponge Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar on high for 5–6 minutes until thick and pale.
- Fold in the vanilla extract gently.
- In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Carefully fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture, avoiding overmixing.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes or until it springs back when touched.
While baking, prepare a towel dusted with powdered sugar. When done, immediately invert the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and roll it gently from the short side with the towel inside.
Let the cake cool completely in this shape to prevent cracks—a classic baking tip for sponge cakes.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions with Expert Tips
2. Making the Whipped Cream
- Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
3. Assembling the Cake
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly, leaving a small border.
- Distribute chopped cherries evenly and optionally drizzle with cherry juice or Kirsch.
4. Re-Rolling and Finishing
- Gently re-roll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving plate.
- Chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries before serving.
Pro tip: Use a serrated knife for clean slices. For inspiration, check out holiday-ready presentation ideas from Pinterest dessert boards.
✅ Pro Tips for a Perfect Cake Roll
- Use room temperature eggs to get maximum volume in the sponge.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added—keep the sponge light and airy.
- Roll the cake while warm with a towel to avoid cracks.
- Allow the filled roll to chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Avoid overfilling—this can cause the roll to burst open.
For more tips, explore our internal article on how to fix cracked cake rolls or cake roll baking fails and solutions.
🍒 Black Forest Cake Roll Variations
Want to put your own spin on it? Here are some delicious ways to customize:
- Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Swap canned cherries for a homemade cherry compote.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache over the roll for an extra indulgent finish.
- Skip the Kirsch for a kid-friendly, alcohol-free version.
- Try a mocha whipped cream filling for a hint of coffee flavor.
Need decorating inspiration? Browse chocolate dessert inspiration on Pinterest.
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the sponge and prep the filling a day in advance. Assemble just before serving for best texture.
Check our freezing cake rolls guide for more pro freezing tips.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Presentation Ideas
Serve this cake with:
- A drizzle of cherry syrup on the plate
- A dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side
- Whipped cream rosettes topped with whole cherries
Want a show-stopping finish? Browse Pinterest boards for Swiss roll plating ideas.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the sponge will lead to cracking—watch the time closely.
- Skipping the towel roll step will cause the cake to crack when assembling.
- Warm cake + whipped cream = melted mess. Always cool before filling.
- Overfilling can cause the cake to split—less is more.
- Cutting too soon after rolling can ruin the presentation—let it chill!
❓ FAQs – People Also Ask
Can I make a Black Forest roll cake without alcohol?
Yes! Simply replace Kirsch with cherry juice or syrup for a non-alcoholic version that still packs great flavor.
Why did my Swiss roll crack?
This usually happens if the sponge is overbaked or not rolled while still warm. Use the towel-rolling method for best results.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Definitely. Just make sure to pit, chop, and optionally cook them down into a compote to prevent excess moisture.
What pan do I need for a Swiss roll cake?
Use a standard 10×15-inch jelly roll pan for the right sponge thickness.
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Yes, and it actually tastes better the next day after chilling—the flavors meld beautifully.
PrintHow to Make a Swiss Roll Cake with Black Forest Flavor
A rich, decadent twist on the traditional Swiss roll, this Black Forest Cake Roll blends a light chocolate sponge cake with layers of whipped cream and juicy cherries. Rolled to perfection and topped with chocolate curls and fresh fruit, this dessert is as stunning as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
For the chocolate sponge cake:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the whipped cream filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cherry filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling or canned cherries, chopped
- 1 tbsp cherry juice (optional)
For the topping:
- ½ cup whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Extra cherries for decoration
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for about 5-6 minutes until thick and pale.
3️⃣ Add vanilla extract and gently fold it in.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
6️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
7️⃣ While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel flat and dust it lightly with powdered sugar.
8️⃣ When the cake is done, immediately turn it out onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
9️⃣ Starting from the short end, roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely in the rolled shape.
🔟 While the cake cools, make the whipped cream filling: beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
1️⃣1️⃣ Unroll the cooled cake and spread a layer of whipped cream over it, leaving a small border.
1️⃣2️⃣ Spread chopped cherries evenly over the whipped cream, and if desired, drizzle a bit of cherry juice.
1️⃣3️⃣ Carefully re-roll the cake (without the towel) and place seam-side down on a serving plate.
1️⃣4️⃣ Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
1️⃣5️⃣ Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Be sure to roll the cake while still warm using a towel to avoid cracks.
- Let the rolled cake cool completely before filling to prevent melting the cream.
- Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream if using sweetened cherry pie filling.
- Want a deeper cherry flavor? Add a splash of Kirsch or maraschino cherry juice.
- For best presentation, chill for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
