- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Beat the eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed for about 5-6 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy and has doubled in volume. This step is crucial for creating the light texture of the Swiss roll.
- Add wet ingredients: Once the egg mixture is fluffy, gently fold in the vanilla extract, melted butter, and milkusing a spatula.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually sift the dry ingredients over the egg mixture in small batches. Fold them in carefully using a spatula until the batter is just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Spread the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be springy to the touch.
- Cool the cake: While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter. When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert it onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper, then gently roll the cake up with the towel inside it (starting from one short end). Let it cool completely in this rolled position—this helps the cake hold its shape when filled.
Step 3: Prepare the Black Forest Filling
- Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will turn into butter.
- Soak the cherries: In a small bowl, combine the drained sour cherries with Kirsch (if using) or just a bit of the cherry juice. Let them soak for a few minutes. This adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the filling.
- Prepare the chocolate: Shave or chop the chocolate into small curls or chunks to use for garnish.
Step 4: Assemble the Swiss Roll Meets Black Forest Charm
- Unroll the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it from the towel. You should now have a soft, pliable cake that is ready to be filled.
- Spread the whipped cream: Evenly spread a layer of whipped cream over the surface of the cake, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add the cherries: Distribute the soaked cherries evenly over the whipped cream layer. You can also reserve a few cherries for garnish later.
- Roll the cake: Starting from one short end, carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Be gentle to avoid cracking, and make sure the cake stays tight as you roll.
- Chill the cake: Once rolled, place the cake seam-side down on a serving platter. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together and to firm up the cake.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Final touches: After the cake has chilled, use the remaining whipped cream to pipe decorative swirls on top. You can also sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top and garnish with fresh cherries for a truly stunning presentation.
- Slice and serve: Slice the cake into individual servings, making sure each slice reveals the beautiful spiral of cream, cherries, and cake. This is the perfect dessert to impress your guests!
Tips for Success:
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to ensure they mix evenly into the batter.
- Don’t overbake the cake: Keep an eye on the cake while it bakes—overbaking will make it dry and more likely to crack when rolled.
- Soak the cherries: Don’t skip soaking the cherries in juice or Kirsch, as it enhances the flavor and helps keep the filling moist.
- Chill before slicing: Allow the rolled cake to chill in the fridge before slicing to make it easier to cut and to set the filling.
Conclusion:
The Swiss Roll Meets Black Forest Charm is a dessert that effortlessly combines the best of two beloved classics into one stunning treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a decadent dessert, this cake will not disappoint. With its fluffy cake, rich whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate, it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Serve it chilled, and watch your guests fall in love with every bite. Enjoy the process, and relish the moments that follow with this delightful creation!