Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Introduction

The Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake is a delightful chocolate roll filled with cherry goodness and topped with creamy whipped cream. It’s a dessert that will impress your family and friends!

Why Make This Recipe

This cake is perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat at home. You can enjoy it on weekends or serve it at family gatherings. The combination of chocolate and cherries makes it a real crowd-pleaser!

How to Make Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Ingredients:

4 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the cherry filling)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the whipped cream)
Additional cherries, for decoration
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for dusting

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
For the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, combine the pitted cherries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and soften.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cherry mixture and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
For the Whipped Cream Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Once the chocolate cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface.
Spoon the cooled cherry filling over the whipped cream layer.
Starting from one short end, carefully roll up the cake, using the parchment paper to help lift and roll.
Transfer the roll cake to a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Before serving, garnish the roll cake with additional cherries and chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder.
Slice and serve this elegant Black Forest Roll Cake for a decadent dessert experience.

How to Serve Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Serve this cake chilled after slicing. This dessert pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee. It’s perfect for any festive occasion!

How to Store Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Store any leftovers in the fridge. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. Ideally, enjoy it within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.

Tips to Make Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the chilling time; it helps the flavors meld together.
Use fresh cherries when you can, but frozen work just as well!

Variation

Try using different fruits like strawberries or raspberries for the filling. You can also add nuts for an extra crunch!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the cake a day before and assemble it when you are ready to serve.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: The cake should spring back when gently touched and be slightly golden.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze it without the whipped cream. Wrap it well and enjoy it within a month.

Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake