Chocolate Black Forest Swiss Roll

Rich chocolate sponge cake rolled around a luscious filling of fluffy whipped cream and juicy cherries, then coated with silky chocolate ganache—this Chocolate Black Forest Swiss Roll is an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Inspired by the classic Black Forest Cake, this rolled version is light, decadent, and perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake

• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Cherry Filling

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp lemon juice

(Or use 1½ cups quality cherry pie filling.)

Whipped Cream Filling

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter

Garnish

• Fresh cherries
• Chocolate curls or shaved chocolate
• Cocoa powder for dusting
• Powdered sugar (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1 – Bake the Chocolate Sponge

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
3. Beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 5–7 minutes until thick and pale.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
7. Fold in the melted butter.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 2 – Roll the Cake

1. Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with cocoa powder.
2. Immediately invert the warm cake onto the towel.
3. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
4. Roll the cake up tightly with the towel inside.
5. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 3 – Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring until thickened.
3. Cool completely before using.

Step 4 – Make the Whipped Cream

1. Beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
2. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble.

Step 5 – Prepare the Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour it over the chopped chocolate.
3. Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
4. Mix in the butter and allow the ganache to cool until slightly thickened.

Step 6 – Assemble the Swiss Roll

1. Carefully unroll the cooled sponge cake.
2. Spread an even layer of whipped cream over the surface.
3. Spoon the cooled cherry filling evenly over the cream.
4. Gently roll the cake back up, using the towel as a guide.
5. Transfer to a serving platter with the seam side down.

Step 7 – Decorate

• Pour the cooled chocolate ganache over the Swiss roll.
• Dust lightly with cocoa powder.
• Top with fresh cherries and chocolate curls.
• Chill for 1 hour before slicing.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Fresh whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Espresso
• Cappuccino
• Hot chocolate
• Fresh berries

💡 Tips for Success

• Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
• Let the cherry filling cool completely before spreading.
• Chill the Swiss roll before slicing for clean, neat pieces.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the richest flavor.
• Don’t overbake the sponge cake—it should remain soft and flexible.

❄️ Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze (without fresh cherry garnish) for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

🍒 Delicious Variations

• Add a splash of kirsch to the cherry filling for a classic Black Forest flavor.
• Substitute raspberries or strawberries for the cherries.
• Mix mini chocolate chips into the whipped cream.
• Top with white chocolate curls for an elegant finish.
• Add a layer of chocolate mousse beneath the whipped cream for extra decadence.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Black Forest Swiss Roll combines everything people love about the classic dessert in a beautiful rolled cake:

• 🍫 Soft, rich chocolate sponge
• 🍒 Sweet and juicy cherry filling
• 🤍 Light, fluffy whipped cream
• ✨ Glossy chocolate ganache
• 🎂 Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations

Every slice delivers the perfect balance of chocolate, cherries, and cream, making this elegant dessert as impressive as it is delicious.