There’s something magical about desserts that bring back memories, isn’t there? The Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is one of those delightful treats that can transport you back to simpler times. Picture a warm summer day, the sun shining, and laughter filling the air as you share a slice with friends. This recipe is perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply treating yourself after a long day. It’s quick to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Trust me, once you try this cake roll, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
This Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a game-changer for dessert lovers. It’s not just about the taste—though the sweet, creamy filling and tart cherries are a match made in heaven. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it’s a showstopper! Your friends and family will be impressed, and you’ll feel like a culinary rock star without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll. Here’s what you’ll need:
Large eggs: These are the backbone of your cake, providing structure and moisture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it rise, giving it that delightful texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: This is your base, giving the cake its body and stability.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cherries.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Cream cheese: The star of the filling, providing that creamy, tangy goodness we all love.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and gives it a smooth texture.
Cherry pie filling: This adds a burst of fruity flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection, it lightens the cream cheese mixture.
Additional powdered sugar: Used for whipping the cream, ensuring it holds its shape.
For those looking to switch things up, consider using fresh cherries instead of pie filling for a fresher taste. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
Creating your Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a delightful journey. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a dessert that will wow everyone!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grab a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. Line it with parchment paper and give it a light greasing. This will ensure your cake rolls out smoothly later on.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar. You want to beat them until the mixture is thick and pale, which should take about 5 minutes. This step is crucial; it helps create a light and airy cake.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture. Be gentle here; you want to keep that airiness intact. Just blend until you see no more flour streaks.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake springs back lightly when touched. Keep an eye on it; overbaking can lead to a dry cake!
Step 5: Roll the Cake
Once baked, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Quickly invert the cake onto the towel, removing the parchment paper. Roll the cake up in the towel from one of the shorter sides. This helps it maintain its shape while cooling. Let it cool completely in this rolled-up form.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with a tablespoon of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This creates a light, fluffy filling.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake Roll
Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, adding that burst of fruity flavor.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Now, roll the cake back up without the towel, ensuring it’s tight. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the cake hold its shape when you slice it. When ready to serve, slice into pieces and enjoy chilled!
Tips for Success
Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Make sure your cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.
Chill the cake roll for at least 2 hours to ensure clean slices.
Use a serrated knife for slicing to avoid squishing the cake.
Experiment with different fruit fillings for a unique twist!
Equipment Needed
15×10-inch jelly roll pan: A standard size for this recipe; a baking sheet with sides can work too.
Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
Mixing bowls: Use any size; just ensure they’re large enough for whisking.
Whisk: A hand whisk is great; an electric mixer speeds things up.
Kitchen towel: A clean dish towel works perfectly for rolling the cake.
Variations
Fresh Cherry Delight: Swap out the cherry pie filling for fresh cherries. This adds a vibrant, natural flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for an extra chocolatey twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a plant-based treat.
Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness of the cake roll beautifully.
Garnish with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of indulgence.
Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprig of mint not only looks great but adds a refreshing contrast.
Serve with Ice Cream: Vanilla or cherry ice cream makes for a delightful pairing.
Presentation: Slice the cake roll into neat pieces and arrange them on a colorful platter for a stunning display.
FAQs about Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
Can I make this Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake roll can be made a day in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.
What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
If you’re looking for alternatives, fresh cherries, raspberry jam, or even a mix of berries can work beautifully. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the cake roll.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I freeze the Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.
What’s the best way to slice the cake roll?
Use a serrated knife for the cleanest cuts. This helps prevent squishing the cake and keeps those beautiful layers intact. Enjoy your delicious slices!
Final Thoughts
Creating a Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is more than just baking; it’s about crafting memories. Each slice reveals a swirl of flavors that dance on your palate, bringing joy to every gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging after a long day, this dessert is sure to impress. The combination of creamy cheesecake and tart cherries wrapped in a soft cake is a delightful experience. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let this recipe bring a little sweetness into your life. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
A delicious Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll that combines the flavors of cherry and cheesecake in a delightful cake roll.
Ingredients
Scale
2 large eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cherry pie filling
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for whipping cream)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper and greasing it lightly.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture until just blended.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake bounces back when touched lightly.
Prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it with powdered sugar. Once the cake is finished, quickly invert it onto the towel, remove the parchment paper, and roll the cake up in the towel from one of the shorter sides. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled shape.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the tablespoon of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, ensuring it’s tight. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
When ready to serve, slice the cake roll into pieces and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Make sure to dust the towel with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Chilling the cake roll helps it maintain its shape when slicing.
Feel free to use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling for a fresher taste.
