Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll — Perfect Holiday Dessert

Craving a dessert that’s equal parts elegant and drool-worthy? Let me introduce you to the Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll—a treat that looks fancy enough for the holidays but is secretly way easier to make than it appears. Think fluffy sponge cake, silky cheesecake filling, and glossy cherries all rolled up into one dreamy spiral. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds.

So, whether you need a showstopper for a dinner party or just a sweet little cake for four people on a cozy weekend, this beauty checks every box. Let’s roll (pun fully intended).

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What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible?

Here’s the deal: regular cakes are great, but a cherry roll is next-level. Why? Because instead of stacking layers, you’re literally rolling flavors together into a swirly masterpiece. Each slice gives you cake, cheesecake, and cherries in one bite.

A few more reasons you’ll love it:

• Showstopper looks – People will think you bought it from a fancy bakery. (Let them think that; your secret’s safe with me.)
• Customizable – Not into cherries? Swap in strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
• Flavor bomb – Light sponge + rich cream + tart cherries = dessert harmony.
• Make-ahead friendly – You can prep this the night before and just chill.

Basically, this is not just another cherry cake roll recipe—it’s the dessert equivalent of the little black dress: timeless, flattering, and always a hit.

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Ingredients You’ll Need (with Quick Notes)

For the Sponge Cake:

• Eggs (3, room temp) – Gives the sponge its airy lift.
• Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweet, but not tooth-achingly so.
• Vanilla (1 tsp) – Always. Never optional.
• Flour (1 cup) – The backbone of your sponge.
• Baking powder (1 tsp) – Lift-off!
• Salt (¼ tsp) – A little balance.
• Milk (¼ cup) – Softens the crumb.
• Melted butter (1 tbsp) – Just enough for richness.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – Star of the show.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup) – For sweetness and smooth texture.
• Vanilla (1 tsp) – Again, always.
• Whipping cream (1 cup, cold) – Adds fluffiness to the filling.
• Lemon juice (optional) – For a tangy kick.

For the Cherry Layer:

• Cherry pie filling (20 oz can) – Your shortcut to fruity perfection.
• Cornstarch + water (optional) – To thicken if you like it less runny.

Extras:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting).
• Fresh cherries or mint for garnish.

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The Story Behind This Recipe

Fun fact: cake rolls (aka Swiss rolls) have been around forever, but somewhere along the line, someone said, “What if we stuffed it with cheesecake AND fruit?” Genius.

This cherry cheesecake dessert idea takes inspiration from holiday gatherings where you want something festive, but pies and cookies just don’t cut it. A cherry roll cake feels celebratory without being overcomplicated. Plus, cherries are basically edible confetti, so it instantly screams party dessert.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make It

1. Bake the Sponge

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Whisk eggs and sugar until thick and pale (about 4–5 minutes). Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt gently. Add vanilla, milk, and butter—don’t overmix! Spread into a lined jelly roll pan and bake 10–12 minutes.

Pro tip: Don’t overbake! A dry sponge = cracks when rolling.

2. Roll It While Warm

Once out of the oven, flip the sponge onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment, then roll it up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely. (Yes, rolling it warm feels weird, but trust me, it sets the shape and prevents breakage.)

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip the cream separately until peaks form. Fold them together gently. Add lemon juice if you want tang.

4. Prep the Cherries

Warm the cherry pie filling and thicken with cornstarch slurry if desired. Let it cool completely before using—nobody wants hot filling melting their cheesecake layer.

5. Assemble the Roll

Unroll your sponge, spread the cheesecake filling evenly, then spoon cherries over top. Carefully re-roll without the towel, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1–2 hours.

6. Serve Like a Pro

Dust with powdered sugar, slice with a serrated knife, and garnish with fresh cherries or mint.

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Pro Tips for the Best Cake Roll

• Roll while warm, not hot. Too hot, and it’ll steam itself soggy; too cold, and it cracks.
• Don’t overfill. A little restraint with the cherries will save you from a gooey mess.
• Use a serrated knife. This ensures clean slices without squishing the roll.
• Chill before slicing. Let it firm up—it tastes better and looks sharper.

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Variations to Try

• Berry Swap: Try blueberries or raspberries for a summer vibe.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and zig-zag over the top. Instant upgrade.
• Gluten-Free: Swap in a GF flour blend—this cherry cake roll still comes out fluffy.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan cream cheese. Works like a charm.

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Best Way to Serve

This festive cherry cheesecake roll shines on a holiday table, but don’t save it just for December. It’s light enough for spring brunches and indulgent enough for birthdays.

Pair it with:

• Freshly brewed coffee (bitterness balances sweetness).
• A glass of champagne (because why not?).
• A drizzle of chocolate sauce if you want to be that person who takes dessert over the top.

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Quick Tips for Storage & Leftovers

• In the fridge: Wrap tightly in plastic; good for 3–4 days.
• In the freezer: Wrap in plastic + foil, freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Leftovers hack: Dice up extra slices and layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fruit. Boom—instant new dessert.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
A: Absolutely! Cook fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened. It’ll taste even fresher.

Q: My cake cracked—what do I do?
A: Don’t panic. Dust it with powdered sugar, or cover with whipped cream. Nobody will ever know.

Q: Can I make it the day before?
A: 100%! In fact, this cherry cheesecake cake roll actually tastes better after chilling overnight.

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Final Bite

This cherry roll cake is the definition of dessert goals. It’s elegant, versatile, and deliciously indulgent—all while being easier than it looks. Whether you’re searching for new cherry dessert recipes, a cherry cheesecake dessert idea to wow your guests, or a stunning festive cherry cheesecake for the holidays, this roll has your back.

So go ahead, grab those cherries, whip that cream, and roll with it—you’re about to make your new favorite dessert.

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