Delightful Cherry Chocolate Roll Cake: A Spiraled Treat for All Occasions

Make your celebrations extra special with this Cherry Chocolate Roll Cake! Combining a light chocolate sponge, luscious cherry filling, and airy whipped cream frosting, this dessert is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. With its spiral design and decadent flavors, it’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just a weekend indulgence. Follow this easy recipe to create a dessert that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 cup cherry pie filling or cherry jam
• 1/2 cup fresh cherries, finely chopped (optional)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Fresh cherries
• Chocolate curls or shavings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Sponge

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
2. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract and milk, mixing until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture, followed by the whipped egg whites. Mix until just incorporated.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.

2. Roll the Sponge Cake

1. Lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it with powdered sugar.
2. While the cake is still warm, carefully invert it onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake gently with the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape.

3. Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Combine the cherry pie filling and fresh cherries in a bowl (if using). Set aside until ready to assemble.

4. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until needed.

5. Assemble the Roll Cake

1. Unroll the cooled sponge cake carefully. Spread an even layer of cherry filling over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
2. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the cherry filling.
3. Roll the cake back up tightly, without the towel, and place it seam-side down on a serving plate.

6. Frost and Decorate

1. Cover the outside of the roll cake with whipped cream, using a spatula to create decorative swirls.
2. Top with fresh cherries and sprinkle with chocolate curls or shavings for an elegant finish.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Beautiful Presentation: The spiral design and vibrant decorations make it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
• Rich Yet Light: The chocolate sponge, sweet cherries, and whipped cream create a perfect balance of flavors.
• Easy to Customize: Swap cherries for raspberries or add a layer of chocolate ganache for extra decadence.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks and ensures a smooth spiral.
2. Chill Before Slicing: For clean, even slices, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
3. Use High-Quality Cocoa: High-quality cocoa powder gives the sponge a richer chocolate flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! Raspberry jam, strawberry preserves, or even a citrus curd would work beautifully in this recipe.

2. How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
Roll the sponge while it’s still warm, and handle it gently to maintain its structure.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake can be assembled and refrigerated up to a day in advance. Add the final decorations just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Cherry Chocolate Roll Cake with:

• A Warm Latte or Cappuccino: Perfect for enhancing the chocolate flavors.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a creamy contrast to the cake’s light and airy texture.
• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing touch.

Conclusion

This Cherry Chocolate Roll Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its rich chocolate layers, sweet cherry filling, and light whipped frosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy every delightful bite of this spiraled masterpiece!