Indulge in the Best Black Forest Swiss Roll Recipe

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Black Forest Swiss Roll is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the famous Black Forest cake in a roll form. This delicious dessert features a light chocolate sponge cake filled with a luscious cherry-cream filling and drizzled with rich chocolate ganache. Topped with fresh cherries, this treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Swiss Roll

This Black Forest Swiss Roll is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Here are some reasons why you’ll want to make it:

It combines the classic flavors of chocolate and cherries that everyone loves.
The light and airy sponge cake makes it a delightful treat.
It can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for parties.
This recipe offers the ease of a Chocolate Swiss Roll with a twist.
Great for impressing guests with a homemade dessert.
Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays.

With its German roots, this dessert is a traditional favorite, making it a go-to in Black Forest dessert recipes.

Ingredients for Black Forest Swiss Roll

Gather these items:

4 large eggs (room temp)
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp melted butter (optional for extra softness)
1 ½ cups heavy cream (chilled)
4 oz (115g) cream cheese (softened — optional but helps stability)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 heaping cup cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned) → pitted and halved
3 tbsp cherry pie filling or Kirsch (optional for authentic flavor)
½ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup warm heavy cream
Whipped cream pipes
Fresh cherries
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

How to Make Black Forest Swiss Roll Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment.
Step 2: Beat the eggs and sugar on high for 5–6 minutes until pale and thick. Add vanilla.
Step 3: Sift in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined. Add milk and melted butter, folding gently again.
Step 4: Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until it springs back when touched.
Step 5: While the cake is hot, place a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar. Flip the cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment. Roll the cake with the towel inside starting from the short end and let it cool completely rolled.
Step 6: Beat heavy cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add cream cheese (if using) and beat to stiff peaks. Fold in halved cherries.
Step 7: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cherry cream evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll it back up tightly without the towel and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 8: Mix hot cream with chocolate chips to create a smooth ganache and drizzle over the cold cake.
Step 9: Decorate with piped whipped cream, whole cherries with stems, chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Indulge in the Best Black Forest Swiss Roll Recipe - Black Forest Swiss Roll - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Black Forest Swiss Roll

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume.
Don’t skip the cooling process; it helps maintain the roll’s shape.
Using Kirsch in the filling adds authentic flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Black Forest Swiss Roll

This dessert is best served chilled. Here are a few ideas:

Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
Serve with a drizzle of extra chocolate ganache.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

How to Store and Reheat Black Forest Swiss Roll

To store, wrap the Swiss roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It can last up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it before adding the ganache and decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Forest Swiss Roll

What’s the secret to perfect Black Forest Swiss Roll?

The secret lies in the egg-sugar mixture; it should be whipped until pale and fluffy to create a light sponge. This ensures a soft and moist roll. Additionally, using fresh or high-quality cherries elevates the flavor profile.

Can I make Black Forest Swiss Roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the roll a day in advance. Just follow the instructions, wrap it in plastic wrap after cooling, and store it in the refrigerator. Add the ganache and decorations right before serving for the best presentation.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Black Forest Swiss Roll?

To avoid cracks, ensure you roll the cake while it’s warm in a towel. Also, don’t overbake; the cake should be springy to the touch. Follow the cooling instructions to maintain its shape and texture.

Variations of Black Forest Swiss Roll You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:

Gluten-free Black Forest Swiss Roll: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Cherry chocolate Swiss roll: Add more chocolate chips in the filling for a richer taste.
Black Forest roll cake with ganache: Use a thicker ganache for a more decadent finish.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Cranberry Custard Pie. If you’re looking for a savory option, try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake.

Additionally, for tips on using cherries in desserts, you can refer to this cherry recipe guide.