If you adore rich chocolate and sweet cherries swirled into a delicate, airy cake, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Swiss Chocolate Cherry Roll Cake Recipe. This dessert combines a light chocolate sponge rolled around a luscious cherry cream filling, topped with silky chocolate ganache and garnished to perfection. It’s a show-stopping treat both in flavor and appearance, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy, sweet moment at home. Let me take you through every joyful step of creating this irresistible Swiss delight!

Swiss Chocolate Cherry Roll Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for this dish is key because each item plays a meaningful role—from the eggs that create the perfect sponge texture, to the cherry filling that bursts with fruity sweetness. The balance of chocolate and fruit is what makes this Swiss Chocolate Cherry Roll Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.

4 large eggs (room temperature): Eggs provide structure and a light, airy texture to the sponge cake.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while aiding in creating that tender crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm aroma that enhances the chocolate flavor.
½ cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for the sponge, providing the body the cake needs.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate richness without added sweetness.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently for a soft texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Prevents sticking when rolling and adds a delicate finish.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped into a fluffy filling, it provides creaminess and lightness.
2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Complements the cherry flavor beautifully.
½ cup cherry pie filling (plus extra for garnish): Juicy cherries add bursts of fruity sweetness inside the roll.
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips: Melted into a smooth ganache, making the topping luscious and glossy.
¼ cup heavy cream (for ganache): Combines with chocolate to create a rich, silky topping.
Chocolate shavings and whole cherries (optional garnish): Add elegance and extra flavor for presentation.

How to Make Swiss Chocolate Cherry Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Carefully beat 4 large, room temperature eggs with an electric mixer for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and full of air. This step is crucial since it gives the cake its signature lightness. Next, blend in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold Gently

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures no lumps and a smooth batter. Gently fold the dry ingredients into your egg mixture, taking care not to deflate the air you worked so hard to whip in. Aim for just combined; overmixing can affect the cake’s tenderness.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Place it in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake springs back lightly to the touch. This relatively short bake time keeps the sponge soft and pliable for rolling.

Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm

While your cake is baking, generously dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake finishes baking, immediately invert it onto the sugared towel, peel off the parchment paper, and carefully roll the cake up in the towel from the short side. This warm rolling prevents cracks when you later fill and roll the cake fully.

Step 5: Prepare the Cherry Whipped Cream Filling

While the cake cools completely in its rolled towel, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Then, gently fold in the cherry pie filling to create the luscious inside layer that beautifully complements the chocolate sponge.

Step 6: Assemble the Roll Cake

Once your cake is fully cooled, carefully unroll it from the towel, spreading the cherry whipped cream evenly over the surface. Roll it up again gently but without the towel this time and place it seam-side down on a serving plate to keep everything intact.

Step 7: Create the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Heat the remaining heavy cream until steaming, then pour it over the semisweet chocolate chips. Let sit for a minute to melt, then stir until smooth and glossy. Spread or drizzle this decadent ganache over the roll for a rich, irresistible finish.

Step 8: Chill Before Serving

Pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the filling and ganache set perfectly. This step helps the roll slice beautifully without any squish, making your final presentation flawless.

How to Serve Swiss Chocolate Cherry Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Swiss Chocolate Cherry Roll Cake Recipe truly shine, garnish with extra cherries and chocolate shavings. These not only add visual appeal but enhance each bite with bursts of fresh fruit and a little crunch from the chocolate curls. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch that looks stunning on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry salad. The vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and cherry flavors, while the berries add brightness and a fresh contrast that balances the dessert beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the roll cake into individual servings and layering them on dessert plates with a drizzle of warm cherry sauce or extra whipped cream. For a party, arrange slices upright in a decorative cake stand or plate alongside small bowls of fresh cherries and chocolate curls so guests can help themselves to garnishes. These little touches take your presentation from great to unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Swiss Chocolate Cherry Roll Cake Recipe, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, though honestly, it’s so delicious it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

You can freeze the roll cake after assembling but before adding the ganache topping. Wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then add the ganache fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If your ganache feels too firm from the fridge, simply let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries add a wonderful brightness. For best results, pit and lightly macerate them with a bit of sugar to bring out their juices before folding into the whipped cream.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

A rimmed baking sheet or even a half-sheet pan works well, as long as it’s about the same size. Just be sure to line and grease it properly to avoid sticking.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a powdered sugar-dusted towel helps keep the cake pliable and prevents cracks. Be gentle during unrolling and re-rolling steps.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This cake contains no meat or gelatin products, making it a perfect treat for a vegetarian diet.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Choose one formulated for baking to maintain the delicate texture of the sponge.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Swiss Chocolate Cherry Roll Cake Recipe enough. It’s a delightful blend of chocolatey, fruity, and creamy that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether for a festive occasion or a cozy weekend treat, it brings warmth and smiles to every table. Grab your ingredients, and let’s roll up this delicious masterpiece together—you won’t regret it!