Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe (Easy & Beautiful)
If you’re searching for an elegant dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery, this Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll is exactly what you need. With a soft chocolate sponge, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy cherries rolled into every slice, this dessert delivers classic Black Forest flavors in a lighter, more refined way. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, dinner parties, or anytime you want an impressive yet approachable dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Cake Roll
- Beautiful presentation without complicated decorating
- Light and airy texture thanks to the whipped egg sponge
- Classic chocolate and cherry flavor combo everyone loves
- Make-ahead friendly, perfect for entertaining
- Family-safe recipe with cherry syrup instead of liqueur
This cake roll feels fancy, but the steps are simple and forgiving—even if you’ve never made a rolled cake before.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling & Topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cherries (fresh or canned, pitted)
- 2 tablespoons cherry syrup or cherry juice
- ½ cup dark chocolate shavings
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cherries
- Mint leaves
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Black Forest Cake Roll (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy. This step is key for a light cake. Gently mix in vanilla extract. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, then carefully fold into the egg mixture until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
Step 4: Roll and Cool
While the cake is warm, carefully roll it (with the parchment paper) from the short end. Let it cool completely rolled—this prevents cracking later.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft, fluffy peaks form. Chop or halve the cherries if needed and set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake Roll
Gently unroll the cooled cake. Brush lightly with cherry syrup for moisture and flavor. Spread an even layer of whipped cream, then sprinkle cherries over the top. Roll the cake back up tightly.
Step 7: Chill and Decorate
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and finish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Tips & Variations
- Lighter option: Use light whipped topping instead of heavy cream
- Extra chocolate flavor: Add mini chocolate chips inside the filling
- No fresh cherries? Frozen cherries work well—just thaw and drain
- Clean slices: Chill well and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts

Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this Black Forest Cake Roll chilled for the cleanest slices and best texture. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage:
- Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
- Not freezer-friendly due to whipped cream texture
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 110mg |
Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll Recipe (Easy & Beautiful)
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll is a light chocolate sponge wrapped around fluffy vanilla whipped cream and juicy cherries, then finished with dark chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. A bakery-worthy dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want a show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
Chocolate Sponge Cake:
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
Whipped Cream Filling:
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Cherries & Finish:
• 1 cup cherries (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen), pitted and well-drained
• 2 tbsp cherry syrup or cherry juice (family-safe)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings/curls
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Garnish (optional):
• Fresh cherries
• Mint leaves
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly-roll pan with parchment and lightly grease.
2. Beat eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). Mix in vanilla.
3. Sift cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined.
4. Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
5. While warm, lift the cake with parchment and roll it up from the short end (with parchment inside). Cool completely rolled.
6. Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar (and vanilla if using) until soft peaks form.
7. Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Brush lightly with cherry syrup/juice.
8. Spread whipped cream evenly, leaving a small border at the edges. Scatter cherries over the cream.
9. Re-roll the cake tightly. Wrap and chill at least 30 minutes for clean slices.
10. Finish with powdered sugar (optional), dark chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Drain cherries very well to avoid a soggy filling.
Rolling the cake while warm helps prevent cracking later.
Chill before slicing for the cleanest spiral.
Optional lighter swap: use light whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
If using frozen cherries, thaw completely and pat dry before adding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Final Thoughts
This Elegant Black Forest Cake Roll proves that stunning desserts don’t have to be complicated. With its rich chocolate sponge, creamy filling, and bursts of cherry flavor, it’s a dessert that feels special for any occasion—yet easy enough to make anytime a craving hits.