Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade Recipe

Hello, chocolate and cherry lovers! This recipe is for those who crave a show-stopping dessert with a decadent chocolate sponge, creamy filling, and bursts of sweet-tart cherry. This Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade is as beautiful as it is delicious, with its hypnotic swirl of cream and cherry, topped with fresh cherries and a drizzle of chocolate. Perfect for special occasions, this roulade will steal the show and have everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

• 3 large eggs – Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the sponge and gives it a soft texture.
• 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour – Adds structure to the cake; sift it to avoid lumps.
• 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder – Provides rich chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa for the best taste.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a hint of vanilla that complements the chocolate flavor.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 cup cherry pie filling – Gives a burst of cherry flavor in every bite. You can use homemade or store-bought.
• 1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted – Adds a fresh touch and more texture to the filling.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened – Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness and adds smoothness.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without making it grainy.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely vanilla flavor to the filling.
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold – Whips up to a fluffy, airy consistency to lighten the filling.

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate, melted – Perfect for drizzling over the roulade for a decadent touch.
• Fresh cherries – Adds a beautiful and delicious garnish on top.

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How to Make the Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring there’s extra overhang on the sides.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 5-6 minutes, until light and fluffy.
3. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together. Gently fold them into the egg mixture in batches, using a spatula to retain as much air as possible.
4. Add the vanilla extract and gently mix until incorporated.
5. Spread the batter evenly over the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the sponge springs back when touched.

Step 2: Roll the Cake

1. While the cake is still warm, carefully lift it with the parchment paper and place it on a flat surface.
2. Roll the cake up gently, starting from the shorter side, along with the parchment paper. Let it cool completely in this shape to prevent cracking later.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently, until well combined and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Roulade

1. Carefully unroll the cooled sponge cake and spread an even layer of cream cheese filling over it.
2. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream layer, making sure to leave a small border along the edges.
3. Gently re-roll the cake, peeling off the parchment paper as you go.

Step 5: Decorate the Roulade

1. Place the rolled cake on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the roulade in a zigzag pattern.
3. Garnish with fresh cherries on top for a festive, elegant look.

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Equipment Needed for This Recipe

(Click to get the equipment on Amazon)

• Baking sheet (10×15-inch) – Essential for baking the sponge cake evenly.
• Parchment paper – Prevents the cake from sticking and makes rolling easier.
• Electric mixer – Speeds up the process of beating eggs and whipping cream.
• Spatula – Ideal for folding ingredients gently to keep the cake airy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries for the filling, but make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy roulade.

How do I prevent the roulade from cracking?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm, and be gentle when unrolling and rerolling it after adding the filling. Rolling it with parchment paper also helps maintain the shape.

Can I make this roulade in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the roulade a day ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Wait until serving time to add the melted chocolate and fresh cherries.

What if I don’t have a 10×15-inch baking sheet?

You can use a slightly smaller or larger pan, but baking times may vary. Watch the cake closely to prevent over-baking.

Is there an alternative to cream cheese in the filling?

Mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.

Can I add alcohol to the cherry filling?

For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur or brandy to the filling.

What if I don’t have a mixer?

A hand whisk will work for beating the eggs, though it’ll take longer. For the whipped cream, chill a metal bowl and whisk by hand for the best results.

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Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed making and tasting this indulgent Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade as much as we do! With its stunning presentation and rich flavors, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends on Facebook, or save it on Pinterest for later. Enjoy every bite!

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