Swiss Roll with Black Forest Charm – Easy, Elegant, and Delicious

When a soft, chocolatey Swiss roll collides with the elegance of Black Forest cake, magic happens—especially in this lightened-up version. Imagine tender chocolate sponge wrapped around a creamy cherry-kissed filling, then topped with just the right touch of cocoa richness. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make—with ingredients that keep it balanced and guilt-free. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just when you want to impress (yourself included).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Showstopper Look, Simple Process – Elegant spiral, minimal effort.
Lighter Ingredients, Same Decadence – All the flavor without going overboard.
Black Forest Meets Swiss Roll – Chocolate, cream, and cherries in perfect harmony.
Portion-Friendly – Just one slice satisfies your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Chocolate Sponge:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Filling:

• 1/2 cup light whipped topping (such as non-dairy or reduced-fat)
• 1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup no-sugar-added cherry preserves or finely chopped fresh cherries

Topping (Optional):

• 2 tbsp light whipped topping or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder
• A few fresh cherries or cherry halves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with non-stick spray.

2. Make the Sponge
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together using a mixer for 5–6 minutes, until thick and pale. Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

3. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.

4. Roll While Warm
Immediately invert the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. Peel off the parchment and gently roll the cake up with the towel (short end to short end). Let cool completely.

5. Make the Filling
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and cherry preserves until light and fluffy.

6. Fill & Roll Again
Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread the cherry-cream mixture evenly over the surface, then re-roll tightly (without the towel).

7. Chill & Serve
Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. When ready to serve, top with a dollop of whipped topping, grated chocolate, and a cherry if desired. Slice into 8 pieces.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

Calories: 150
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Whip Those Eggs Well: Proper volume makes the sponge light and rollable.
• Don’t Overbake: Just until springy to keep it flexible and moist.
• Cool in the Roll: Rolling while warm prevents cracking and helps shape memory.
• Customize the Filling: Try raspberry preserves or a touch of almond extract for a twist.

Why This Recipe Works

This dessert combines the rich tradition of Black Forest flavors with the elegance of a Swiss roll—layered with love, not extra calories. By using lighter cream, modest sugar, and mindful technique, it becomes a celebration-worthy treat that doesn’t weigh you down.

Swiss Roll Meets Black Forest Charm is more than just a dessert—it’s a showpiece that feels indulgent but fits beautifully into a balanced lifestyle. With its cloud-like chocolate sponge, creamy cherry filling, and decadent looks, it’s the kind of dessert that reminds you eating well doesn’t mean giving up the joy of baking (or eating cake).