If you’re a fan of both cheesecake and cake rolls, you’re in for a treat with this Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll! This indulgent dessert combines the lightness of a fluffy cake with the richness of cheesecake filling, and it's topped off with a luscious cherry filling. It's perfect for any celebration, holiday, or just when you want to impress your family and friends with a stunning and delicious dessert. Though it may look fancy, this cake roll is easier to make than you think—just follow our step-by-step instructions!

What is a Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?

A Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a rolled sponge cake filled with a creamy, tangy cheesecake mixture and swirled with a sweet, fruity cherry filling. Once assembled, the roll is chilled, sliced, and served in beautiful spirals that combine fluffy cake, rich cheesecake filling, and bursts of cherry flavor in every bite. The light sponge cake makes the dessert airy, while the creamy cheesecake and cherries provide a decadent contrast. This dessert is visually stunning and perfect for a special occasion or when you’re looking for a show-stopping treat.

Ingredients List for Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

For the Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: ¾ cup.
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon.
Eggs: 4 large eggs, at room temperature.
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons.
Milk: ¼ cup (whole milk or 2%).
Powdered Sugar: For dusting the towel and cake.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese: 8 oz (1 block), softened to room temperature.
Powdered Sugar: ½ cup, sifted.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup (for added creaminess).

For the Cherry Filling:

Cherry Pie Filling: 1 can (about 21 oz).
Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness).

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some variations and substitutions to tailor this Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll to your preferences:

Different Fruit Fillings: Replace the cherry pie filling with strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling for a different flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make the cake roll gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream to make this dessert dairy-free.
Chocolate Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to make a chocolate sponge cake.
Lighter Version: Use a lower-fat cream cheese and reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan (or rimmed baking sheet) with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs on high speed using a hand mixer or stand mixer for about 5 minutes, until pale and thick.
Gradually add the granulated sugar while beating on medium speed until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and milk.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and generously dust it with powdered sugar.
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan, and carefully invert the cake onto the prepared towel.
Gently peel off the parchment paper, and then, starting from the short end, roll the warm cake up in the towel (yes, with the towel inside the roll). Let the cake cool completely while rolled, about 1 hour.

Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture for a light, fluffy cheesecake filling.

Step 6: Unroll and Fill the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully unroll it.
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese filling, spreading it gently to create an even layer. If using, drizzle with lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Step 7: Roll the Cake Again

Carefully re-roll the cake (without the towel this time!), using gentle pressure to keep the filling inside.
Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow it to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making this Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll:

Not Rolling the Cake While Warm: Rolling the cake while it's warm helps prevent cracking. If you wait until the cake cools, it may crack when you try to roll it.
Overbaking the Cake: Keep a close eye on the cake during baking. Overbaking can cause the cake to become dry, making it harder to roll without breaking.
Overfilling the Cake: Be careful not to overfill the cake with cheesecake or cherry filling, as this can cause the filling to squeeze out when rolling.
Not Chilling the Cake: The cake needs time to chill and set in the fridge, so don’t skip this step. Chilling ensures that the cake holds its shape when sliced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is as beautiful as it is delicious. Here’s how to serve and present it:

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Chilled: This cake roll is best served chilled straight from the fridge. It’s easy to slice and the flavors are perfectly balanced when cool.
With Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Drizzle with Cherry Syrup: For an elegant presentation, drizzle the top of the cake roll with extra cherry pie filling or cherry syrup.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: Just before serving, dust the cake roll lightly with powdered sugar for a simple and pretty finish.
Garnish with Fresh Cherries: Add fresh cherries on top of each slice for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve on a Cake Stand: Display the cake roll on a beautiful cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece at your party or gathering.

Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and filling.
Roll the Cake Tightly: When re-rolling the cake after adding the filling, roll it as tightly as possible without squeezing out the filling. This will give you clean, beautiful spirals when sliced.
Make Ahead: You can make this cake roll a day in advance, and it will taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
A: Yes! You can make your own cherry filling by cooking fresh cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. Let it cool completely before adding to the cake.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
A: Roll the cake while it’s still warm in a powdered sugar-dusted towel. This step helps prevent cracking as it cools. If cracks do form, you can cover them with frosting or powdered sugar.

Q: Can I freeze the cake roll?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake roll by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and frost before serving.

Q: How long does the cake roll last in the fridge?
A: The cake roll can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it tightly wrapped in

plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a decadent, show-stopping dessert that combines the lightness of a cake roll with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special. Despite its fancy appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to make, and the combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every heavenly bite!

Happy baking! 🍒🍰