There’s something undeniably enchanting about a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade is the epitome of elegance—a light, fluffy chocolate sponge cake rolled around a luscious cherry filling and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. Each slice reveals a stunning swirl of chocolate and cherry, making it the perfect dessert for a dinner party, a holiday celebration, or even a quiet night in.
I first made this roulade for a friend’s anniversary dinner, and it was an instant hit. Everyone loved how the rich chocolate paired with the sweet-tart cherry filling, and the presentation was so impressive that it felt like it came from a high-end bakery. What I love most about this recipe is how it combines simple ingredients into a dessert that feels luxurious and indulgent.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade is sure to impress. Let’s get baking!
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- Decadent & Elegant: A stunning swirl of chocolate and cherry in every slice.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, and special occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared a day in advance.
Exciting Story:
Last Valentine’s Day, I made this Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade for my husband, and it was an instant hit. He couldn’t believe how delicious it was, and he even said, “This is better than anything I’ve had at a fancy restaurant!” Now, it’s a must-have at every special occasion, and my friends always ask me to bring it to gatherings.
Why This Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade?
This roulade is the ultimate combination of rich, sweet, and tangy flavors. The chocolate sponge cake is light and airy, the cherry filling is luscious and fruity, and the chocolate glaze adds a luxurious finish. It’s easy to make, yet it looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. Plus, its rolled presentation makes it perfect for special occasions!
What You Need For Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade:
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup cherry preserves or jam
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Cake: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, and fold until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched. Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake up in the towel and let cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cherry preserves and lemon juice.
- Assemble the Roulade: Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cherry filling evenly over the surface. Roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour over the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the rolled cake.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips For Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade:
- Use room temperature eggs for the best cake texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and airy.
- Let the filling cool completely before spreading to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Different Fruits: Swap cherry preserves for raspberry or strawberry jam.
- Add-Ins: Stir chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the filling for extra texture.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use a sugar substitute in the cake and filling.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream in the glaze.
- Use unsweetened cocoa powder and reduce the sugar in the filling.
Closing (Todd Wilbur Style):
And there you have it—Chocolate Cherry Swirl Roulade that’s sure to impress! Don’t forget to let us know how your dessert turns out, and consider checking out some of our other decadent treats:
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?
Yes, but cook them down with sugar to make a thick filling. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze this roulade?
Yes, freeze without the glaze and add it after thawing. - What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
Use a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. - How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
Roll it while it’s still warm and don’t overbake. - Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes, raspberry or strawberry jam works well too. - What’s the best way to slice the roulade?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. - Can I make this vegan?
Use flax eggs, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate. - How do I make the glaze shinier?
Add a tablespoon of corn syrup to the glaze mixture. - Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped almonds or walnuts add a nice crunch. - How do I serve this roulade?
Serve chilled or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar.