Black Forest Dessert Recipe
This Black Forest Dessert recipe is a delightful, no-bake treat that exudes elegance and indulgence. Originating from a South African magazine, it boasts layers of creamy goodness, rich chocolate, and juicy cherries, all beautifully displayed in a clear glass bowl. While the addition of cherry liqueur elevates its flavor, the dessert remains just as divine without it. Whether you’re serving it at a large gathering or a small family dinner, this dessert is sure to impress. 🍒🍫
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
1 hour | 5 minutes | 1 hour 5 minutes |
Description
This recipe is VERY tasty and elegant and takes no baking (unless you have to bake the Swiss Roll yourself). It looks divine in a clear glass bowl where one can see the layers. If you don’t like the liqueur in the recipe, you can make it without it—it still tastes divine. Of course, it is better with the liqueur!

Recipe Category
Dessert
Keywords
Cherries, Cheese, Fruit, European, Spring, Summer, Mixer, For Large Groups, Oven, Refrigerator, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice
- 375 grams chocolate, grated (for flakes)
- 1 Swiss Roll (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons cherry liqueur
- 1 can black cherries, drained
- 200 grams almonds, toasted and chopped
- 350 grams caster sugar
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 125 grams cake flour
- 125 grams cocoa powder
- 5 grams baking powder
- 60 grams chocolate icing (for Swiss Roll filling)
- Whipped fresh cream (for decoration)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 803
- Fat Content: 52.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 32.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 189mg
- Sodium Content: 342.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 74.9g
- Fiber Content: 3.5g
- Sugar Content: 63.2g
- Protein Content: 16.3g
Yield
Servings: 25
Yield: 1 Large deep dish
Instructions
-
Mix the Base Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed milk, cream cheese, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Swiss Roll:
- Slice the Swiss Roll into thin rounds and arrange a layer of slices at the bottom of a clear glass serving dish.
-
Add the Liqueur:
- Lightly sprinkle the Swiss Roll slices with cherry liqueur. Be careful not to soak the slices—just a light sprinkle to infuse flavor.
-
Layer the Cherries:
- Scatter some black cherries over the liqueur-soaked Swiss Roll slices. A few cherries will suffice to add bursts of flavor.
-
Add the Almonds:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of toasted and chopped almonds over the cherries.
-
Add the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Spoon a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the almonds, spreading it evenly.
-
Sprinkle Chocolate Flakes:
- Sprinkle some grated chocolate flakes over the cream cheese mixture.
-
Repeat the Layers:
- Repeat the layering process (Swiss Roll slices, liqueur, cherries, almonds, cream cheese mixture, and chocolate flakes) until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a final layer of the cream cheese mixture.
-
Decorate:
- Decorate the top layer with whipped fresh cream, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated chocolate flakes.
-
Chill:
- Place the dessert in the refrigerator to cool for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set beautifully.
Instructions for Baking Swiss Roll
If you choose to make the Swiss Roll from scratch, follow these steps:
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and caster sugar together until the mixture is pale and thick.
-
Add the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whisked egg whites into the egg yolk mixture.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture until well combined.
-
Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into a flat Swiss roll pan lined with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when lightly touched.
-
Cool and Fill:
- Allow the Swiss Roll to cool slightly, then spread a thin layer of previously prepared chocolate icing or filling over the surface. Roll the cake up carefully, using the parchment paper to help guide it.
-
Let Cool:
- Leave the rolled Swiss Roll to cool completely before slicing and using in the dessert.
Tips for the Perfect Black Forest Dessert
- Chilling Time: Ensure that the dessert chills for the full recommended time. This helps the layers set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Swiss Roll Slices: For an even layer, try to slice the Swiss Roll as uniformly as possible.
- Liqueur: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the cherry liqueur with cherry syrup or juice.
- Serving: Serve this dessert in a clear glass bowl to showcase its beautiful layers and garnish it with some fresh cherries and additional chocolate flakes for an extra touch of elegance.
Enjoy this luscious Black Forest Dessert with its delightful layers of creaminess, rich chocolate, and fruity goodness. It’s a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Happy cooking! 🍒🍫❤️