Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

A Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is the perfect combination of light, fluffy cake and creamy cheesecake filling, all wrapped up with a sweet, tangy cherry topping. This dessert looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to make, making it a fantastic choice for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a decadent treat. The process of rolling the cake may sound intimidating, but once you try it, you’ll realize it’s simple and rewarding. This cake roll provides a delightful contrast of textures, with the airy sponge cake and creamy filling, topped off by the burst of tart sweetness from the cherry pie filling.

The beauty of the cherry cheesecake cake roll lies in its versatility and presentation. It can be made ahead of time, ensuring that when your guests arrive, all you need to do is slice and serve this showstopper. Not only is it visually stunning, but the balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and creamy—makes it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or simply as a delicious treat to share with friends and family, this dessert is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cherry cheesecake cake roll is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of cheesecake and fruit. The light, fluffy sponge cake pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. The addition of cherry pie filling provides a burst of sweetness and color, making this cake not only delicious but visually striking.

What makes this recipe particularly great is its ability to be made ahead of time, giving you more flexibility for your event or gathering. It’s also quite easy to customize—feel free to switch up the fruit topping or adjust the level of sweetness according to your taste. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the world of cake rolls, this recipe offers an approachable way to create an impressive dessert.

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Powdered sugar
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar (for cream cheese filling)
• Vanilla extract (for filling)
• Cherry pie filling

Variations

While this cherry cheesecake cake roll is delicious as is, here are a few variations to try:

• Different Fruit Filling: Instead of cherry pie filling, use blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry pie filling for a different fruity twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the rolled cake for a chocolatey addition that complements the cream cheese filling.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Whipped Cream: For a lighter filling, you can swap the cream cheese mixture with whipped cream, or use a combination of both.
• Nuts: Add finely chopped walnuts or almonds to the cream cheese filling for a crunchy texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Beat the Eggs

In a large bowl, beat the eggs on high speed for 5 minutes until they are light and fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until combined. Stir in the water and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture, making sure to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Keep an eye on the cake to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Step 5: Cool the Cake

Turn the cake onto a kitchen towel that’s been dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Roll up the cake in the towel, starting with a short side. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Unroll the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Then, spread the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.

Step 8: Roll the Cake

Carefully roll the cake back up, starting from one short side. Trim the ends if necessary. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cooling the Cake: It’s important to let the cake cool completely before spreading the cream cheese filling. If the cake is still warm, it may tear when you try to roll it.
• Rolling the Cake: When rolling the cake, make sure to roll it tightly but not too tight to avoid cracking. The towel method helps prevent the cake from sticking to itself.
• Storage: If you plan to make the cake ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. It will stay fresh and delicious.
• Smooth Filling: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before using it to prevent lumps in the filling.
• Decorate: For a festive touch, garnish the cake roll with extra powdered sugar or fresh cherries before serving.

How to Serve

Cherry cheesecake cake roll is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together. Slice it into generous pieces and serve it as a dessert at your next dinner party, family gathering, or holiday meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light beverage such as iced tea or sparkling water. For an extra indulgent treat, top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cherry cheesecake cake roll in the refrigerator. Cover the roll tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It will last up to 2 days in the fridge.

Freezing

While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since this cake is served chilled, there’s no need to reheat it. Just slice and serve directly from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, strawberry, or peach.

2. How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling it?

Make sure to cool the cake completely before unrolling it and rolling it back up. Using a towel dusted with powdered sugar helps too.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake up to 2 days ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days.

5. Can I make the cake without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese filling with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for a lighter filling.

6. Can I freeze this cake roll?

Yes, you can freeze the cake roll for up to 1 month. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

7. Can I make this cake with a gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.

8. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the parchment paper?

Make sure to use parchment paper and dust the towel with powdered sugar to help with the removal of the cake without sticking.

9. Can I add whipped cream to the filling?

Yes, you can fold whipped cream into the cream cheese filling for a lighter, fluffier texture.

10. How do I serve this cake?

Serve the cake chilled, sliced into pieces, and garnished with extra powdered sugar or fresh cherries.

Conclusion

The cherry cheesecake cake roll is a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Combining the fluffy texture of a sponge cake with a creamy cheesecake filling and a sweet cherry topping, it’s a treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with family, this cake roll is sure to become a favorite. Easy to make ahead and perfect for serving, it’s the ideal dessert for any gathering.

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