Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

For the Chocolate Cake:

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

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

Additional cherries, for decoration

Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for dusting

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pale, about 5 minutes.

Combine Dry Ingredients: 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.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

Cook Cherries: In a saucepan, combine the pitted cherries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and soften.

Thicken Filling: 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.

3. Make the Whipped Cream Filling:

Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Spread Filling: Once the chocolate cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface.

Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cooled cherry filling over the whipped cream layer.

Roll Cake: Starting from one short end, carefully roll up the cake, using the parchment paper to help lift and roll.

Chill: Transfer the roll cake to a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Decorate: Before serving, garnish the roll cake with additional cherries and chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder.

Serve: Slice and serve for an elegant and indulgent dessert.

Enjoy this exquisite chocolate forest roll cake, perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat!