Description
Decadent Black Forest Swiss Roll with moist chocolate sponge, sweet cherry filling, and light whipped cream. Decorated with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) hot water
- 2 cups (500g) pitted fresh or frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60ml) cherry liqueur (Kirsch), optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur (Kirsch), optional
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Grease the parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup (100g) of the granulated sugar until pale and thick (3-5 minutes).
- Add the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg yolk mixture and beat until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cocoa powder in the hot water. Add this mixture to the batter and mix until just combined.
- In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate batter to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Immediately invert the sponge onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Roll the sponge up tightly in the towel and let it cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, cherry liqueur (if using), and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens (5-7 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure the cornstarch is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let the cherry filling cool completely before using.
- Make sure your heavy cream, bowl, and beaters are all well-chilled.
- In the chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract (and cherry liqueur, if using) and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully unroll the cooled chocolate sponge from the towel.
- Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over the sponge, leaving a 1-inch border along one of the long edges.
- Spread a generous layer of whipped cream frosting over the cherry filling. Again, leave a small border along the same edge as before.
- Starting from the edge opposite the border, carefully roll the sponge up tightly. Use the towel to help you guide the roll.
- Wrap the Swiss roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Before serving, trim the ends of the Swiss roll to create a clean, even look.
- Spread the remaining whipped cream frosting over the top and sides of the Swiss roll. Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
- Slice the Black Forest Swiss roll into 1-inch thick slices and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to use a clean, grease-free bowl when whipping the egg whites and heavy cream.
- Don’t overmix the batter for the chocolate sponge, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Rolling the sponge in a towel while it cools prevents cracking.
- Chilling the Swiss roll allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
- Kirsch (cherry liqueur) is optional but adds a delicious flavor to both the filling and frosting.
- If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes