If you're looking for a dessert that combines the best of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries, all rolled up in a light and airy cake, you've come to the right place! This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll recipe is the perfect indulgence for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also looks stunning on the plate, making it a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress.

Curious to learn how to create this show-stopping dessert? Keep reading for an easy-to-follow guide on how to make this cherry cheesecake cake roll from scratch. Your sweet tooth will thank you!

What is a Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?

A cherry cheesecake cake roll combines the rich, creamy flavors of a traditional cheesecake with the light texture of a sponge cake. Instead of the usual round cheesecake, this dessert is rolled into a beautiful swirl that showcases the layers of vanilla sponge cake, a tangy cream cheese filling, and sweet cherry compote. It’s a dessert that not only tastes heavenly but also makes a visually stunning presentation.

Now that we’ve whet your appetite, let’s jump into the ingredient lists and how to put this incredible dessert together!

Ingredients List for the Sponge Cake

Here’s what you’ll need for the soft, pillowy sponge cake that will serve as the base for your cake roll:

4 large eggs (room temperature)
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting the towel when rolling)

The sponge cake is the heart of this recipe, providing the structure and soft texture that complements the creamy filling and cherries.

Ingredients List for the Cheesecake Filling

Next up is the luscious cream cheese filling that gives this cake its rich, cheesecake flavor:

8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream (chilled)

This mixture is whipped to a smooth and creamy consistency and becomes the irresistible center of the roll.

Ingredients List for the Cherry Filling

For the cherry filling, you can choose between homemade cherry compote or store-bought cherry pie filling, depending on your time constraints. Here’s what you need to make the homemade version:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

If you're using a pre-made filling, feel free to skip this section. However, making your own cherry filling offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor!

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of a cake roll is its flexibility. Here are some substitution and variation ideas in case you want to experiment:

Fruit Options: Instead of cherries, you can use strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a different fruit flavor. Any berry compote would work well with the cheesecake filling.
Flavored Cream Cheese: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a flavored extract like almond or lemon to the cheesecake filling. A little zest can also brighten the overall taste.
Chocolate Lovers: For a more decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cake roll or even add a layer of chocolate ganache inside the roll before adding the cheesecake filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients prepped and ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll.

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

1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the sponge cake batter:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs on high speed for 5 minutes until thick and pale. Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until fully combined.

3. Bake the sponge cake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when lightly touched. Be careful not to overbake, as a dry cake will crack when rolled.

4. Roll the cake:
While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully turn the cake out onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up in the towel (starting from the short end) and let it cool completely. This step is crucial for preventing cracks when assembling the final roll.

5. Make the cheesecake filling:
While the cake is cooling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.

6. Prepare the cherry filling (optional):
If you're making your cherry compote, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2 minutes until the compote thickens. Let it cool completely.

7. Assemble the cake roll:
Unroll the cooled sponge cake. Spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling across the entire surface. Add spoonfuls of cherry filling, spreading it out gently. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the roll to break when you re-roll it.

8. Roll it up again:
Once the fillings are in place, carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Transfer the roll to a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the Sponge Cake: Baking the cake for too long will make it dry and difficult to roll. Keep an eye on it and take it out as soon as it's set.
Skipping the Rolling Process While Warm: Always roll the cake while it's warm. This helps "train" the cake to hold its shape without cracking later on.
Overfilling the Roll: Too much filling can cause the roll to burst or not close properly. Be modest with the amount you spread.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your cherry cheesecake cake roll even more enticing, consider the following serving and presentation tips:

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Chilled Slices: This dessert is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator. Slice it with a sharp, serrated knife for clean cuts.
With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream to each slice for an extra creamy touch.
Drizzled with Cherry Sauce: For added visual appeal, drizzle some of the leftover cherry compote over each slice before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the roll adds a beautiful finish.
Fresh Cherry Garnish: Decorate the top of the roll with fresh cherries for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Swirl of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: If you're feeling indulgent, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top of the cake roll for a decadent touch.

Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: This cake roll can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. In fact, chilling it overnight enhances the flavor!
Storage: Store the cake roll in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. This helps keep it moist and fresh.
Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled cake roll (without the powdered sugar topping). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly fine for the cherry compote. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before cooking them down.

Q: My cake cracked when I rolled it. What did I do wrong?
A: Cracks can happen if the cake is overbaked or if you didn’t roll it while it was still warm. Next time, take care to watch the baking time and roll it right after removing it from the oven.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour, and you should achieve similar results.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines a light sponge cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherries in one beautiful swirl. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress both in flavor and appearance.

So, gather your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it! With the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy, this cake roll is a must-try for any dessert lover. Happy baking