If you're a dessert lover and you're searching for something that's both visually stunning and absolutely delicious, this Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe is exactly what you need. It's a wonderful combination of light, fluffy cake rolled around a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, with the perfect touch of sweet cherry flavor. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in something extraordinary. Stick around as we guide you through every step of making this show-stopping dessert, from ingredients to presentation, and you'll be sure to impress your family and friends!
What is a Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?
A Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that marries the best of two worlds: the soft, spongey texture of a traditional cake roll and the rich, velvety flavor of a cheesecake. The cake is typically a vanilla or sponge cake that's baked in a flat sheet and then rolled up with a creamy cheesecake filling. In this version, we add sweet-tart cherry filling for an extra layer of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any dessert table.
Ingredients List for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
For the Cake Roll:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz) or homemade cherry compote
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries for topping
- Whipped cream (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some possible substitutions and variations to customize it to your liking:
- Cake Base Variations: While we use a classic vanilla cake base in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for chocolate or lemon sponge for a different flavor profile.
- Cheesecake Filling Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts to the cheesecake filling. Almond extract or even a bit of lemon zest can provide a more complex flavor.
- Fruit Fillings: If cherries aren't your favorite, you can substitute the cherry filling with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry compote. Any fruit that pairs well with cheesecake can be used!
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.
- Sugar-Free: For a lighter version, consider using sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for the cheesecake filling and the cake batter. Also, choose a low-sugar or sugar-free cherry filling.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Roll
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to grease the parchment paper lightly.
- Beat the Egg Yolks: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and ½ cup of sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale in color. Add the vanilla extract and milk, then mix until combined.
- Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
2. Roll the Cake
- Prepare a Towel: While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
- Roll the Cake: Once the cake is baked, immediately turn it out onto the prepared towel and peel off the parchment paper. Carefully roll the cake, starting from the short end, using the towel to guide you. Let it cool completely in this rolled position.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cake Roll
- Unroll the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, unroll it gently.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cheesecake filling over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry filling over the cheesecake layer. Be careful not to overfill, as too much filling will make the cake difficult to roll back up.
- Roll It Up: Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, making sure the seam is on the bottom. If the filling squishes out a little, don’t worry—that’s part of the charm!
How to Cook Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preparation: Always prepare your ingredients and tools before starting. This recipe requires precise timing, especially for rolling the cake while it's still warm.
- Cake Batter: Pay attention to the folding process. It's important not to over-mix the batter, as this will deflate the egg whites and make your cake denser.
- Rolling the Cake: Rolling the cake while it’s warm is crucial, as this prevents it from cracking later on. The powdered sugar-dusted towel helps ensure the cake doesn't stick as you roll it.
- Filling and Rolling: Be generous with the filling, but not too much to the point where it spills out completely. If you want a thicker cheesecake layer, you can double the filling recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the Cake: The cake will become too dry and difficult to roll if you bake it for too long. Keep a close eye on it!
- Filling the Cake Too Early: Always allow the cake to cool before adding the cheesecake filling, or you’ll end up with a melted mess.
- Skipping the Powdered Sugar: Dusting the towel with powdered sugar prevents the cake from sticking and tearing when you roll it.
- Not Whipping Cream Properly: Make sure your cream cheese and whipped cream are well-beaten to avoid lumps in your filling.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
- Slice the cake roll into even slices about 1-inch thick. Use a serrated knife to ensure clean cuts.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. You can also pair the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top for an extra touch of elegance.
Presentation Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Add a chocolate drizzle over the top of the cake roll for an extra indulgent touch.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the cake roll with powdered sugar for a classic, elegant look.
- Fresh Fruit Garnish: Place fresh cherries or berries along the sides of the cake roll to complement the flavors inside.
Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe Tips
- Refrigerate Before Serving: For best results, refrigerate the cake roll for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
- Freezing: If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can freeze the cake roll (without garnishes) for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry filling?
Yes, you can make a fresh cherry compote using fresh or frozen cherries. Just cook them down with a little sugar and lemon juice until thickened. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version of this cake roll. - How long does the cake roll last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the cake roll can last up to 3-4 days. - Why did my cake crack when I rolled it?
The cake may have cracked because it wasn’t rolled immediately after baking. Rolling it while it’s still warm helps prevent cracks.
Conclusion
This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a decadent dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. With its layers of soft, spongy cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping, it's sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new, this recipe is easy to follow and offers a lot of room for creativity. Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to roll up your sleeves (and your cake!) and enjoy this irresistible
dessert.
PrintHeavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe
This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll recipe is a perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake, tangy cherry filling, and fluffy cake. It's an ideal dessert for special occasions or a sweet treat for family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 Servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cake batter (flour, sugar, eggs, etc.)
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake layer.
- Make the cheesecake filling by mixing cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
- Spread the filling on the cooled cake, followed by the cherry filling.
- Roll the cake gently and chill before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Chill the cake roll thoroughly for easier slicing.
- Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
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