Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe

If you're looking for a dessert that combines the best of two indulgent worlds—cheesecake and cake rolls—then you're in for a treat! This heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll recipe will delight your taste buds with its light, fluffy cake wrapped around a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, all crowned with a luscious cherry topping. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your journey, this step-by-step guide will walk you through creating a show-stopping dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Keep reading to discover the secrets to making this irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll!

What is a Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?

A Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that brings together the soft, spongy texture of a cake roll and the smooth, tangy creaminess of a cheesecake. The cake itself is baked as a flat sponge sheet, then rolled with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with cherry pie filling. It’s a visually stunning dessert that offers a variety of textures and flavors in every bite. If you love the flavor of cherries and the richness of cheesecake, this dessert will become one of your favorites.

Ingredients List for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake:

• Cake Ingredients:
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
• Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• Topping:
  • 1 can cherry pie filling

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe calls for specific ingredients, there are a few substitutions and variations you can consider to suit your dietary preferences or taste:

1. Cake Flour Instead of All-Purpose: If you want an even lighter and fluffier cake, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour.
2. Low-Fat Cream Cheese: For a lighter version of the cheesecake filling, you can use low-fat cream cheese, although it may slightly alter the richness.
3. Fresh Cherries: Instead of using canned cherry pie filling, fresh cherries can be used for a more natural flavor. Simply cook them down with some sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a homemade topping.
4. Chocolate Variation: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate twist, or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake roll for extra decadence.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's dive into the cooking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your very own Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until they are light and frothy. Gradually add in the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is pale and thick.
   • Add the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and milk, mixing until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake is golden and springs back when lightly touched. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make rolling difficult.
4. Roll the Cake:
   • While the cake is still hot, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper.
   • Gently roll the cake (starting from one short end) along with the towel. This will help the cake hold its shape and prevent cracking when you later add the filling. Let it cool completely while rolled.
5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
6. Unroll and Fill the Cake:
   • Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. Spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Re-roll the cake (without the towel this time), wrapping it tightly but gently. Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter.
7. Top with Cherry Filling:
   • Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top of the cake roll, allowing some of the cherries to cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation.

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

Cooking this Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll might seem like a challenge, but with these clear, concise steps, you’ll find it’s easier than you think:

1. Preparation and Baking: The key is in preparing the batter properly and ensuring the cake is not overbaked. This prevents cracking and makes the rolling process smooth.
2. Rolling Technique: Roll the cake while it’s still warm, which ensures flexibility. Rolling with a towel will keep it from sticking and maintain the shape.
3. Filling: Make sure your filling is light and fluffy for the perfect texture contrast against the cake’s sponginess.
4. Finishing Touches: Top with a generous amount of cherry pie filling for a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the Cake: Baking the cake for too long can lead to a dry, cracked roll. Stick to the recommended bake time and check for doneness by lightly pressing the surface.
2. Skipping the Towel Roll: If you don’t roll the cake in a towel immediately after baking, it can lose its shape and crack when you try to roll it later.
3. Overmixing the Batter: Be gentle when incorporating the dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can knock out the air and result in a heavy texture.
4. Not Chilling the Cake Before Serving: Allow the filled cake roll to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps set the cheesecake filling and enhances the overall texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll can take it from a delicious dessert to a true showstopper. Here are some tips for serving:

• Slice Cleanly: Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice the cake roll. Wipe the knife clean between each cut to get neat, professional-looking slices.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best texture, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before slicing. This allows the cheesecake filling to firm up slightly.
• Garnish: Add a few fresh cherries and a dusting of powdered sugar over the top for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

When it comes to presenting your cake roll, get creative! Here are some ideas:

• Drizzle with Chocolate: A drizzle of white or dark chocolate over the cherry topping adds a gourmet touch.
• Plate with Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for added indulgence.
• Elegant Platter: Place the entire cake roll on a fancy platter and surround it with fresh cherries or edible flowers for a stunning table centerpiece.

Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, cream cheese, and other dairy products are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
2. Cooling Completely: Don’t rush the cooling process. If the cake is too warm when filled, the cheesecake filling may melt and ooze out.
3. Storage: This cake roll can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, covered with plastic wrap. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for parties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze a Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?
   Yes! You can freeze the cake roll without the cherry topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add the cherry topping before serving.
2. Can I use other fruit toppings?
   Absolutely! Try strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry pie filling for a different twist on this recipe.
3. How do I prevent my cake from cracking?
   Rolling the cake while it's still warm is crucial. Be gentle when unrolling and filling, and use a towel to support the cake’s structure.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is the perfect combination of light, airy sponge cake and rich, creamy cheesecake, with a sweet-tart cherry topping to tie it all together. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, it's sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. Now that you know how to make this delightful dessert, give it a try and see how easily it comes together! Your guests (and taste buds) will thank you. Enjoy!

Print