Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll – Sweet, Fruity Dessert Perfect for Any Occasion

The Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a decadent yet light dessert that perfectly combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with a fluffy, tender sponge cake and a bright, fruity cherry topping. This easy cake roll is ideal for dessert lovers who want a visually stunning treat that’s also deliciously satisfying. Each slice features a soft, golden sponge cake enveloping a luscious cream cheese filling whipped with heavy cream, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that balances sweetness and creaminess. The topping of cherry pie filling adds a vibrant pop of color and juicy fruitiness, making every bite irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings, special celebrations, or a sweet treat after dinner, this Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is simple to make yet impressive in presentation. With just a few essential ingredients like eggs, sugar, cream cheese, and cherries, this dessert is approachable for home bakers while delivering professional-level flavor and a stunning finish.

Introduction

Dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to impress, and this Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a perfect example. It combines the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the light texture of a sponge cake, rolled into a beautiful and elegant cake roll. Topped with a juicy cherry topping, this dessert is both eye-catching and full of flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a special occasion, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake roll is easy enough for home bakers but sophisticated enough to wow guests. Its soft sponge cake, fluffy cream cheese filling, and fruity cherry topping create a combination of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant & Impressive: Looks stunning while being simple to make.
• Soft & Fluffy: Sponge cake rolls perfectly without cracking.
• Creamy Filling: Rich cream cheese with whipped heavy cream for smooth texture.
• Fruity & Sweet: Cherry topping adds color, sweetness, and juiciness.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect dessert for gatherings or celebrations.
• Beginner-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients and easy rolling technique.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 8 slices

Sponge Cake Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar, or low-calorie alternatives
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure preferred

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened, full-fat preferred
• 1 cup powdered sugar, adjust for sweetness
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

Cherry Topping Ingredients

• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, if using fresh cherries

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Kitchen towel
• Spatula or spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sponge Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your jelly roll pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 cup sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.
3. Gently fold in 1 cup sifted flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until just combined.
4. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes.

Roll the Cake

5. Allow the cake to cool for a couple of minutes. Place a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar over the cake and gently roll the sponge with the towel. Allow it to cool completely rolled.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

6. Beat 8 oz cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth.
7. Fold in 1 cup whipped heavy cream until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Cake Roll

8. Carefully unroll the cooled sponge, spread the cream cheese filling evenly, and re-roll tightly without tearing.
9. Top with cherry pie filling, or for fresh cherries, mix with 2 tablespoons cornstarch to thicken before topping.
10. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Fruit Options: Swap cherries for raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
• Sugar Alternatives: Use erythritol or coconut sugar for a lower-calorie version.
• Decorative Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for extra flair.
• Make Ahead: Cake roll can be assembled and refrigerated for several hours before serving.

Flavor Profile

The sponge cake is light, airy, and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. The cherry topping adds a bright, juicy pop of fruit and balances the sweetness. Every bite is a harmonious mix of soft, creamy, and slightly tart textures, making this cake roll indulgent yet refreshing.

Nutritional Overview (Per Slice)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 25 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly; contains dairy and eggs; not vegan.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the assembled cake roll covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
• Serving: Slice just before serving for best presentation and texture.
• Freezing: Can be frozen tightly wrapped for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
   Yes, but use 2 tablespoons cornstarch to thicken their juice for topping.
2. How do I prevent the sponge from cracking?
   Roll it while slightly warm using a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
3. Can I make it ahead?
   Yes, refrigerate for up to 2–3 days. Cake may also be frozen.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Full-fat is preferred for best creaminess, but low-fat can work with slightly lighter texture.
5. How to make the cake sweeter or less sweet?
   Adjust powdered sugar in the cheesecake filling and the sugar in the sponge cake.

Cooking Timeline

Step	Time
Prep Sponge Cake	5 min
Bake Sponge Cake	12–15 min
Cool & Roll	10 min
Prepare Filling	5 min
Assemble Cake Roll	10 min
Chill	60 min
Total	1 hr 45 min
Servings	8

Serving Suggestions

• Slice into even portions and serve chilled.
• Top with extra whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added elegance.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or afternoon tea.

Recipe Variations

1. Berry Cheesecake Roll: Replace cherries with blueberries or raspberries.
2. Chocolate Cherry Roll: Add cocoa powder to sponge cake for a chocolatey twist.
3. Mini Rolls: Make individual portions using smaller jelly roll pans.
4. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pistachios over the cherry topping.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, creamy texture; use full-fat for smoothest filling.
• Cherries: Add natural sweetness and a bright fruity flavor; canned or fresh can be used.
• Sponge Cake Eggs: Beating eggs with sugar aerates the cake for a tender roll.

Pro Baking Tips

• Beat eggs until pale and fluffy for a light sponge.
• Fold flour gently to prevent deflating the batter.
• Dust kitchen towel with powdered sugar to avoid sticking when rolling.
• Chill after assembling for cleaner slices and stable layers.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store covered for 2–3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge before serving.
• Do Not Freeze: Toppings with fresh whipped cream may not freeze well.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	6 g
Carbs	40 g
Fat	15 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	25 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian; contains dairy and eggs.

Expanded Conclusion

The Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve. Soft sponge cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious cherry topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Simple to make, yet elegant enough for any occasion, this cake roll will impress family and guests alike. Save this recipe, share it, and enjoy a fruity, creamy dessert that’s perfect for every sweet craving.

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