Short description

A light and airy chocolate sponge cake rolled around a fluffy whipped cream filling studded with cherries and finished with elegant chocolate shavings, inspired by classic Black Forest flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant yet approachable: A refined dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
Light and refreshing: The fluffy whipped cream and juicy cherries balance the rich cocoa sponge.
Versatile and customizable: Use fresh cherries or pie filling, add cherry liqueur or skip, and decorate to suit any occasion.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

4 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

1½ cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling & Decoration:

1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh pitted cherries
2 tbsp cherry liqueur (optional)
½ cup chocolate shavings or curls
Fresh cherries, for decoration

directions

Prepare the sponge cake: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line a 10 × 15 in. jelly-roll pan with parchment paper.
Beat eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and ribbon-forming—about 5 minutes on high speed.
Fold in vanilla and cocoa powder gently to preserve volume; spread evenly in the pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Roll while warm: Immediately turn the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar, remove parchment, and roll it up in the towel. Let it cool completely in this shape.
Make whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Assemble: Unroll the cooled cake and spread whipped cream over it, leaving a ½‑inch border. Sprinkle cherries or pie filling on top and drizzle with liqueur if using. Reroll the cake, seam-side down.
Decorate: Spread any remaining whipped cream on the outside, then add chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: approximately 10–12 slices
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Chill time: At least 1 hour
Total time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

storage/reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, slice just before serving. Bring to room temperature (15–20 minutes) to restore creamy texture—reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes—thaw and drain well. Pat dry to avoid extra moisture.

2. What if my cake cracks when rolling?

Small cracks are fine—aesthetically this roll embraces a rustic charm. Spread whipped cream or cherry filling to conceal them.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble and chill up to 1 day in advance. Refrigerate well covered and decorate just before serving to maintain freshness.

4. Is cherry liqueur necessary?

No. It enhances flavor but can easily be omitted or replaced with cherry syrup or juice.

5. Can I use a flavored whipped cream (like almond extract)?

Yes—just substitute an equal amount of almond or other extract for the vanilla.

6. How do I get clean, even slices?

Use a sharp serrated or Zahn cake knife. Wipe between cuts with a damp cloth.

7. Can I freeze leftover slices?

Yes—wrap individually in parchment and foil; freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

8. My whipped cream is too soft—what do I do?

Ensure tools and cream are chilled. If soft, whisk a bit more until firm peaks emerge, being careful not to overbeat.

9. Can I add a fruit jam swirl instead of cherries?

Certainly—spread a thin layer of cherry or raspberry jam under the whipped cream for extra flavor.

10. Is this cake gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free flour blend in place of wheat flour and ensure other ingredients are GF-compliant.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Cherry Swiss Roll brings together a tender cocoa sponge, cloud-like whipped cream, and tangy-sweet cherries in a show-stopping yet accessible dessert. Perfect for festive dinners, afternoon tea, or special celebrations—this roll is sure to impress with its balance of flavor, texture, and elegant presentation.