Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- Water as needed for cake mix
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Additional cherry pie filling
Directions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cake:
- Follow the instructions on the box to make the angel food cake mix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the cake springs back when touched.
4. Roll the Cake:
- While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it with powdered sugar.
- When the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting at the short end, roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely.
5. Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the cherry pie filling.
6. Assemble the Cake:
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface.
- Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel and place it on a serving platter.
7. Top and Serve:
- Top with whipped cream and additional cherry pie filling if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Servings: 10
To achieve the perfect Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll, consider these secrets and tips:
Secrets to Achieve the Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
- Properly Prepare the Pan:
- Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and ensure it extends slightly over the edges. This helps in easy removal and prevents sticking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened properly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese Thoroughly:
- Beat the cream cheese well until it’s light and fluffy before adding other ingredients. This ensures a creamy and smooth filling.
- Fold Ingredients Gently:
- When folding in the cherry pie filling into the cream cheese mixture, do it gently to maintain the texture and prevent deflating.
- Sprinkle Powdered Sugar on Towel:
- Generously dust your kitchen towel with powdered sugar before rolling the cake to prevent sticking and to add a subtle sweetness.
- Roll the Cake While Warm:
- Roll the cake with the towel while it’s still warm to prevent cracking and to help it hold its shape better.
- Cool Completely Before Filling:
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese and cherry filling. A warm cake can cause the filling to melt and slide.
- Refrigerate Before Serving:
- After assembling, refrigerate the cake roll for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice.
- Use Quality Cherry Pie Filling:
- Opt for a good quality cherry pie filling with whole cherries for better presentation and taste.
- Careful Unrolling:
- When unrolling the cake after baking, do it slowly and gently to avoid tearing.
- Evenly Spread Filling:
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake to ensure every bite has a balance of flavors.
- Use a Sharp Knife:
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the cake roll for clean cuts without squishing the layers.
- Garnish Appropriately:
- Garnish with whipped cream and additional cherry pie filling just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
- Control Baking Time:
- Keep a close eye on the cake while it bakes to ensure it’s not overbaked, which can lead to dryness and cracking when rolled.
- Experiment with Flavors:
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings or extracts in the cream cheese mixture to suit your preferences.
- Chill Properly:
- Allow the cake roll to chill for the recommended time after assembly to set the filling and achieve the best texture.
- Serve at the Right Temperature:
- Serve the cake roll chilled but not too cold, as this allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Adjust Sweetness:
- Taste the filling before spreading it on the cake to adjust the sweetness if needed by adding a bit more powdered sugar or vanilla extract.
- Handle with Care:
- Handle the cake roll gently throughout the process to maintain its shape and presentation.
- Enjoy Fresh:
- Cake rolls are best enjoyed fresh on the day of assembly or within a day or two to maintain the best texture and flavor.
By following these secrets, you’ll be able to create a Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll that is visually appealing, deliciously creamy, and perfectly rolled every time!
Popular Questions and Their Answers :
- Can I use a homemade angel food cake mix instead of a boxed mix?
- Yes, you can use a homemade angel food cake mix if you prefer. Just ensure it’s prepared according to the recipe’s instructions.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the towel when rolling?
- Sprinkle a generous amount of powdered sugar on the towel before placing the cake on it. This helps prevent sticking.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
- Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.
- What type of cherries should I use for the pie filling?
- Canned cherry pie filling works best for this recipe due to its consistency.
- Can I make the cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store leftover cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the cake roll?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake roll. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I use different fruit fillings?
- Yes, you can use any fruit pie filling you prefer, such as blueberry or raspberry.
- What can I use if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
- You can use a half-sheet pan (13×18 inches) and adjust the baking time slightly.
- How can I make the cake more festive?
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the batter or filling for a festive look.
- Do I need to use whipped cream for topping?
- Whipped cream is optional, but it adds a nice finishing touch. You can also use whipped topping or leave it out.
- What can I use instead of powdered sugar in the filling?
- You can use granulated sugar, but powdered sugar provides a smoother texture.
- Can I add nuts to the filling?
- Yes, finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added for extra texture.
- How do I keep the cake roll from cracking?
- Roll the cake while it’s still warm, and let it cool rolled up in the towel to prevent cracking.
- Can I use a different type of cake mix?
- Angel food cake mix works best for this light and airy dessert, but you can experiment with other light cake mixes.
- Can I add flavoring to the cream cheese filling?
- Yes, you can add a splash of almond extract or lemon juice for added flavor.
- How do I know when the cake is done baking?
- The cake is done when it springs back when touched lightly and is golden brown.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in two separate pans.
- What kind of knife should I use to cut the cake?
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts without squishing the cake.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free angel food cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.