Chocolate-Cherry Swiss Roll Fantasy

This Chocolate-Cherry Swiss Roll Fantasy is a decadent and visually stunning dessert. A light chocolate sponge cake is rolled with a rich cherry filling and whipped cream, then topped with glossy chocolate ganache for the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is as dreamy as it sounds!

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for rolling the cake)

For the Cherry Filling:

1 cup cherry preserves or jam
1 cup fresh or canned cherries, pitted and chopped
1 tbsp cornstarch (if needed for thickening)

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh cherries
Chocolate shavings
Edible gold dust

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and tripled in volume (about 5 minutes). Gently fold in the vanilla extract.
Sift the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in thirds, folding gently after each addition to maintain the batter’s volume.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Immediately turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake (with the towel) into a tight spiral. Let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

In a small saucepan, heat the cherry preserves and chopped cherries over medium heat until bubbling. If the mixture is too thin, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and stir it in. Cook until thickened. Let cool.

3. Make the Whipped Cream Filling:

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Assemble the Swiss Roll:

Unroll the cooled cake and spread a thin layer of the cherry filling over the surface. Spread the whipped cream evenly on top of the cherry layer.
Carefully roll the cake back up tightly, using the towel to guide it. Place seam-side down on a platter and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

5. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

Heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

6. Decorate the Roll:

Pour the ganache over the chilled roll, letting it drip down the sides for a glossy finish.
Garnish with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or edible gold dust for an extra touch of elegance.

7. Serve:

Slice and serve this Chocolate-Cherry Swiss Roll Fantasy to impress your guests with its beautiful layers and heavenly flavors.

Tips:

Roll the sponge cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
For an extra kick, add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry filling.
Store the Swiss roll in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This dessert is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, with the perfect balance of chocolate richness and cherry brightness. Enjoy every decadent bite!