Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe

Looking for a dessert that combines the elegance of a Swiss roll with the indulgent flavors of cherry cheesecake? This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is your answer! This stunning dessert features a light, fluffy sponge cake wrapped around a rich cream cheese filling and bursting with sweet cherry goodness.

Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests, this cake roll delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet cherries, and tender cake creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.

What is a “Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll”?

A Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a delightful twist on the classic jelly roll dessert. Instead of jam or jelly, this version features a luscious cream cheese filling studded with cherries, all wrapped in a tender sponge cake. The result is a beautiful spiral of flavors that looks as impressive as it tastes.

This dessert combines the best elements of cheesecake and cake in a convenient, sliceable format. The rolling technique creates stunning visual appeal when sliced, revealing beautiful swirls of cherry-dotted cream cheese filling nestled within layers of golden cake.

Ingredients List for Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

For the Sponge Cake:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting

For the Cherry Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cherries)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh cherries with stems
Mint leaves (optional)

How to Make Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this beautiful dessert requires careful attention to detail, but the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your cake roll turns out perfectly:

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

In a small saucepan, combine chopped cherries with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add to the cherries.
Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and let cool completely while you prepare the cake.

2. Make the Sponge Cake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for 5 minutes until thick and pale.
Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
In a small bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Fold the milk mixture into the batter until smooth.

3. Bake the Cake:

Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to the corners.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
While the cake bakes, lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust generously with powdered sugar.

4. Roll the Cake:

Immediately after removing from the oven, turn the cake onto the prepared towel.
Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
Starting from the short end, roll the cake up in the towel while still warm.
Let cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.

5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla and almond extracts until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Fold in the cooled cherry mixture, being careful not to overmix.

6. Assemble the Cake Roll:

Carefully unroll the cooled cake from the towel.
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cake, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
Gently re-roll the cake without the towel, starting from the same short end.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

7. Serve:

Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cherries and mint if desired.
Use a sharp serrated knife to slice, wiping clean between cuts for neat slices.

Substitutions and Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to customize your cake roll:

Cherries: Substitute with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for different flavor profiles.
Cream Cheese: Use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version, or mascarpone for extra richness.
Heavy Cream: Replace with whipped topping for a more budget-friendly option, though the texture will be slightly different.
Extracts: Try lemon extract instead of almond for a citrusy twist, or add a tablespoon of cherry juice for enhanced cherry flavor.
Cake Flavor: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate version.
Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar substitute equivalents in both the cake and filling for a lower-sugar version.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

From my experience making cake rolls, here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Overbaking the Cake: A dry cake will crack when rolled. Check for doneness early and remove as soon as it springs back to touch.
Not Rolling While Warm: The cake must be rolled while still warm to prevent cracking. The towel method helps create the proper shape.
Overmixing the Batter: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the cake’s light, airy texture.
Filling Too Warm: Make sure both the cake and cherry mixture are completely cool before assembling to prevent melting.
Uneven Spreading: Take time to spread the filling evenly for consistent slices and proper rolling.
Skipping the Chill Time: The cake roll needs adequate refrigeration time to set properly and slice cleanly.

How to Serve Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

This elegant dessert is perfect for various serving occasions. I recommend serving it as the finale to a dinner party, accompanied by a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. The cake roll pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For special occasions, consider drizzling individual slices with cherry sauce or chocolate ganache. The cake roll also makes an impressive centerpiece when whole, garnished with fresh cherries and dusted with powdered sugar.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

To make your cake roll look as heavenly as it tastes, try these presentation ideas:

Elegant Plating: Serve slices on white plates with a drizzle of cherry coulis and a few fresh berries arranged artfully around the plate.
Rustic Charm: Present the whole cake roll on a wooden cutting board with fresh cherries and mint sprigs scattered around.
Fine Dining Style: Dust the plate with powdered sugar using a stencil, place the slice in the center, and add a quenelle of whipped cream.
Holiday Theme: For special occasions, add edible flowers or gold leaf for an extra touch of elegance.

Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe Tips

Here are my tried-and-true tips for cake roll success:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture and easier mixing.
Gentle Handling: Always fold ingredients rather than stirring vigorously to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.
Proper Pan Preparation: Use parchment paper and ensure it’s well-fitted to prevent sticking.
Test for Doneness: The cake should spring back when lightly touched and just start to pull away from the pan edges.
Sharp Knife: Use a long, sharp serrated knife for clean slices, and wipe it clean between cuts.
Make Ahead: This dessert actually improves after sitting overnight, as the flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Store Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Proper storage is key to maintaining the cake roll’s quality and freshness. Wrap the assembled cake roll tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and absorbing refrigerator odors. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped cake roll for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Individual slices can also be frozen and thawed as needed, making this a convenient make-ahead dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the cake roll ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least 4 hours ahead or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing much easier.

Q: What if my cake cracks when I roll it?
A: Small cracks are normal and will be hidden by the filling. If there are large cracks, you can patch them with a bit of extra filling or cover with powdered sugar when serving.

Q: Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use well-drained canned cherries, but reduce the added sugar since canned cherries are often already sweetened. Fresh or frozen cherries will give the best flavor.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: The cake should spring back when lightly touched in the center and just begin to pull away from the pan edges. It typically takes 12-15 minutes.

Q: Can I make this without the cherry filling?
A: Certainly! You can make a plain cheesecake filling or substitute with other fruits like strawberries or peaches.

Q: Why do I need to roll the cake in a towel?
A: Rolling while warm with a towel prevents the cake from cracking and helps it maintain its shape. The cake “remembers” this shape, making it easier to roll with the filling later.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll truly lives up to its name, combining the best of both cheesecake and cake in one spectacular dessert. The process might seem intimidating at first, but with patience and attention to detail, you’ll create a dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

The beautiful spiral of cherry-studded cream cheese filling wrapped in tender sponge cake makes for not only a delicious treat but also a stunning visual centerpiece. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary, this recipe delivers on both flavor and presentation.

Remember, practice makes perfect with cake rolls, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t picture-perfect. The taste will still be absolutely divine! I encourage you to experiment with different fruit combinations and make this recipe your own. Happy baking, and enjoy every heavenly bite of your homemade cherry cheesecake cake roll!