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Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter. Add the vanilla and melted butter, folding until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
Step 2: Roll the Cake
- Prepare for rolling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
- Invert the cake: Carefully invert the cake onto the prepared towel. Peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake: Starting from one end, roll the cake tightly in the towel, keeping it rolled as it cools. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- Mix cherries and sugar: If using fresh cherries, toss them with sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream
- Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Step 5: Assemble the Swiss Roll
- Unroll the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it from the towel.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the cherry filling over the cream.
- Roll it back up: Carefully roll the cake back up, starting from the end without filling. Use the towel to help guide it.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Chill: Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help it set.
- Garnish: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar, and add chocolate shavings and extra cherries for decoration.