Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Sponge 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

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Make the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

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.

Prepare 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.

Make the Whipped Cream Filling:

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

Assemble the Roll Cake:

Once the chocolate sponge 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 se