Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe

Name: Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large eggs (room temperature); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup milk (room temperature); 1 tablespoon melted butter (cooled); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for a slight tang); 1 can cherry pie filling (about 20 oz); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening); 1 tablespoon water; Powdered sugar (for dusting the roll); Fresh cherries or mint leaves (for garnish)

by Jannet Lisa

18 de July de 2025

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Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll has become my absolute go-to dessert for any celebration, and I’m so excited to share this cherry cheesecake roll recipe with you! I first tried making a version of this years ago, and let me tell you, the combination of a light, fluffy cake with that creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and sweet cherry swirl is simply divine. The aroma of warm cake and sweet cherries filling my kitchen always brings such a sense of comfort and joy. It’s a dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes, making it perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

This dessert is an absolute showstopper, and I know you’ll adore it! Here’s why:

It’s incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the perfectly baked sponge cake.
The creamy cheesecake filling is rich and luscious, a delightful contrast to the cake.
The sweet cherry topping adds a burst of fruity flavor that everyone raves about.
This is an easy cherry cheesecake roll that’s surprisingly simple to assemble.
Making a homemade cherry cheesecake roll has never been more rewarding or delicious.
The beautiful swirl presentation makes it perfect for any special occasion or holiday.
It’s a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
You get that classic cheesecake taste in a fun, rolled format!

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Gathering these cherry cheesecake roll ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing dessert. You’ll need these items for a perfect cream cheese cherry roll cake:

3 large eggs (room temperature) – essential for a light and airy sponge
¾ cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the cake batter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that classic, comforting flavor
1 cup all-purpose flour – the base of our tender cake
1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise beautifully
¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
¼ cup milk (room temperature) – adds moisture to the batter
1 tablespoon melted butter (cooled) – for richness and a tender crumb
8 oz cream cheese (softened) – the heart of our luscious filling
½ cup powdered sugar – to sweeten the cheesecake filling
1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold) – whips up to create a light, fluffy filling
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for a slight tang) – brightens the cream cheese filling
1 can cherry pie filling (about 20 oz) – our sweet and fruity topping
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening) – if you prefer a thicker cherry layer
1 tablespoon water – to mix with cornstarch if using
Powdered sugar (for dusting the roll) – for that beautiful finishing touch
Fresh cherries or mint leaves (for garnish) – to make it picture-perfect

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Let’s dive into how to make cherry cheesecake cake roll! This process is simpler than you might think, and the results are so worth it.

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper and giving it a light grease. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 large eggs and ¾ cup granulated sugar. Beat them together at medium-high speed for about 4-5 minutes. You’re looking for the mixture to become pale, thick, and ribbon-like. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the whipped egg mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Gently fold in the ¼ cup milk and 1 tablespoon melted butter. The batter should be smooth and pourable.
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan. Spread it out so it covers the pan nicely. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when you touch the center. It should smell wonderfully sweet and baked.
Step 6: While the cake is still warm from the oven, carefully invert it onto a clean kitchen towel that has been generously dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one of the shorter ends, carefully roll the warm cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape.
Step 7: While the cake cools, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the 8 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, and another teaspoon of vanilla extract until perfectly smooth and creamy.
Step 8: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. If you like a little tang, stir in the 1 tablespoon lemon juice. This is a crucial part of these cherry cheesecake roll instructions!
Step 9: If you prefer a thicker cherry topping, whisk together the 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Heat the 1 can cherry pie filling in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. Let it cool before using.
Step 10: Once the sponge cake has completely cooled, carefully unroll it.
Step 11: Spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling across the entire surface of the cake, leaving about a ½ inch border along the edges.
Step 12: Spoon the cooled cherry filling over the cheesecake layer, spreading it gently.
Step 13: Now, carefully re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, into a tight spiral.
Step 14: Wrap the finished cake roll snugly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up. This step is key for a successful cherry cheesecake roll!
Step 15: Before serving, slice the cake roll with a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
Step 16: Serve your beautiful creation chilled, perhaps garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or some fresh cherries. Enjoy this delightful dessert cherry cheesecake roll!

Irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

I’ve made this dessert dozens of times, and these tips have elevated my cherry cheesecake cake roll from good to absolutely spectacular. Follow these for the perfect result every time:

Always use room temperature eggs and milk for the cake batter. This helps them emulsify better, leading to a lighter, more tender cake that rolls without cracking.
Don’t overbake the cake! It should be just set and spring back when gently touched. Overbaking is the number one culprit for a cake that cracks when rolled.
Let the cake cool completely before unrolling and filling. Trying to fill a warm cake will cause the filling to melt and make a mess. Patience is key here!
Use cold heavy whipping cream for the filling. This ensures it whips up to stiff peaks, giving you that luxurious, stable cheesecake layer.

What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?

The real secret to a perfect jelly roll cherry cheesecake lies in technique: rolling the cake while it’s still warm with the towel inside creates the perfect curve, preventing cracks later. Also, don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding is crucial for that airy texture. For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s ingredient guides.

Can I make Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layer one day in advance, let it cool completely, and then re-roll it with the towel and refrigerate. Assemble the final cake roll with the filling and cherry topping up to 24 hours before serving. It actually tastes even better as the flavors meld! If you’re looking for other make-ahead desserts, consider our S’mores Cupcakes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?

The most common mistake is overbaking the cake, which makes it brittle and prone to cracking. Another pitfall is trying to roll or fill a cake that’s too hot or too cold. Ensure your cake is warm enough to roll but fully cooled before adding the filling. For more tips on preventing cracks, you can find helpful advice on Allrecipes.

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

This beautiful dessert cherry cheesecake roll is a stunner on its own, but I love a few simple touches to make it even more special. For a classic presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving is perfect. If you’re feeling fancy, top each slice with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a few fresh, juicy cherries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a light dessert wine, making for a truly elegant finish to any meal. You could also serve it alongside a simple vanilla bean ice cream for an extra decadent treat! For more dessert inspiration, check out our S’mores Cupcakes.

Nutrition Facts for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

This delightful cherry cheesecake cake roll dessert offers a sweet indulgence. Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving (this recipe yields 8 servings):

Calories: 320
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 180mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Properly storing your beautiful cherry cheesecake cake roll is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. After it has completely cooled and you’ve rolled and filled it, wrap the entire cake roll snugly in plastic wrap. This airtight seal is crucial for preventing it from drying out. Then, place it in an airtight container for refrigeration. You can keep your cherry cheesecake roll in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it longer, freezing is a great option! Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, it’s best to simply let a frozen roll thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer it slightly warm, though it’s typically enjoyed chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

What is a cherry cheesecake cake roll?

A cherry cheesecake cake roll is a delightful dessert that combines a soft, sponge cake rolled around a creamy cheesecake filling and often finished with a sweet cherry topping. Think of it as a lighter, more portable version of a classic cheesecake, with the added fun of a jelly roll format. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those beloved cherry and cream cheese flavors in a beautiful, swirled presentation.

Why make cherry cheesecake cake roll?

You should definitely make this cherry cheesecake cake roll because it’s incredibly impressive yet surprisingly achievable for home bakers. It offers a fantastic balance of textures and flavors – tender cake, rich filling, and sweet fruit. Plus, it’s a dessert that always wows guests and is perfect for celebrations or just a special treat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes as amazing as it looks! For other crowd-pleasing recipes, explore our latest recipes.

Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! While the cherry filling is classic, this recipe is very forgiving. You can easily substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like strawberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry blend. Some people also like to use a homemade fruit compote for a less sweet option. It’s a versatile base for many delicious variations!

How do I get a clean cut when slicing?

To achieve those beautiful, clean slices, make sure the cake roll is thoroughly chilled – at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Use a sharp serrated knife, and I find it helps to wipe the knife clean between each slice. Gently sawing back and forth is better than pressing down hard, which can squish the layers.

Variations of Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll You Can Try

This cherry cheesecake cake roll is wonderfully versatile, and I love experimenting with different flavors and methods. If you’re looking for a twist, here are a few ideas I’ve tried or heard about:

Flavor Swaps: For a different fruity delight, try a cherry swirl cheesecake roll using a mix of cherry and raspberry filling, or even a blueberry compote. You can also add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a cozy spiced cherry cheesecake roll, especially lovely in the fall. For a similar fruit-forward dessert, consider our Apple Zucchini Bread.
Glazed Cherry Cheesecake Roll: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top of the finished roll for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Roll: While this recipe involves baking, you can adapt it for a no-bake version by using a pre-made sponge cake or ladyfingers as the base.
Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free option, simply substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.