Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate cherry swiss roll delivers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The light, airy chocolate sponge provides the perfect canvas for the silky whipped cream filling, while the cherries add bursts of natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color. What makes this recipe truly special is its approachable technique – despite looking incredibly sophisticated, it’s surprisingly manageable for home bakers. The make-ahead friendly nature means you can prepare it hours or even a day before serving, making it ideal for entertaining. Plus, the stunning spiral pattern when sliced creates an impressive visual presentation that’s guaranteed to wow your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chocolate Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
Whipped Cream Filling
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Filling & Decoration
- 1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh pitted cherries
- 2 tbsp cherry liqueur (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh cherries (for decoration)
How to Make Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Swiss Roll
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
Make the Chocolate Sponge In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 8-10 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and tripled in volume. The mixture should fall in ribbons when the beaters are lifted. Beat in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the sifted cocoa powder using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Bake the Cake Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing gently with an offset spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Roll the Cake While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel away the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake up in the towel. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack, seam-side down.
Prepare the Filling In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. If using fresh cherries, gently fold them with the optional cherry liqueur and let macerate for 15 minutes.
Assemble the Swiss Roll Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border. Distribute the cherries evenly over the cream. Re-roll the cake without the towel, using gentle pressure to create a tight spiral. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Final Decoration Before serving, unwrap the swiss roll and place on a serving platter. Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
Helpful Tips
Temperature Matters: Room temperature eggs whip up better and create more volume in your sponge cake. Take them out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before baking.
Don’t Overmix: When folding in the cocoa powder, use gentle folding motions to maintain the air you’ve beaten into the eggs. Overmixing will result in a dense cake.
Roll While Warm: The cake must be rolled while still warm to prevent cracking. The towel method helps create the shape memory that prevents breaking later.
Chill Your Equipment: For the best whipped cream, chill your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping.
Cherry Prep: If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
Difficulty: Intermediate
Notes
For the best results, use high-quality cocoa powder – Dutch-processed cocoa will give you the richest chocolate flavor. If you don’t have cherry liqueur, you can substitute with vanilla extract or simply omit it entirely. The swiss roll can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries can be substituted for cherries if desired. When slicing, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the cleanest presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this swiss roll ahead of time?
Yes! This Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Swiss Roll actually improves after chilling overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture becomes even more tender. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.
Why did my cake crack when rolling?
Cracking usually occurs when the cake has cooled too much before rolling or if it was overbaked. Always roll while the cake is still warm and slightly flexible. If it does crack slightly, don’t worry – the filling will help hold it together.
Can I freeze this swiss roll?
Yes, you can freeze the completed swiss roll for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
You can use a half-sheet pan (13×18 inches) but watch the baking time carefully as it may bake faster due to the thinner layer.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Fresh or canned cherries work best for this recipe. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using.
Storage Instructions
Store your Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Swiss Roll covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake is best served chilled and should be kept refrigerated due to the whipped cream filling. For optimal presentation, add the final chocolate shaving garnish just before serving. If transporting, keep the swiss roll chilled and add decorative elements at your destination. Leftover slices can be individually wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Swiss Roll represents the perfect marriage of elegance and flavor, delivering a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of rich chocolate sponge, silky whipped cream, and bright cherries creates a harmonious blend that satisfies every palate. While the technique may seem intimidating at first, following these detailed instructions will help you create a professional-looking dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this chocolate cherry swiss roll promises to deliver both visual impact and unforgettable taste. The make-ahead convenience makes it perfect for entertaining, allowing you to impress your guests while keeping your stress levels low. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed by the stunning results you can achieve in your own kitchen.