Log cake

Chocolate roll with cherries - an irresistible delicacy

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Number of servings: 8

Do you dream of a dessert that transports you to the winter holiday atmosphere, even after they have passed? The chocolate roll with cherries is the perfect choice! This recipe combines fluffy sponge cake with decadent chocolate and sweet cherries, resulting in a dessert that will impress any guest. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- Sponge cake from the log cake recipe (you can use a simple sponge cake recipe made of 4 eggs, 120 g sugar, 120 g flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder).

For the cream:
- 240 g chocolate (choose a quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 3 tablespoons milk (whole milk will provide better creaminess)
- 3 tablespoons maraschino or grenadine syrup (these add a layer of flavor and a touch of sweetness)
- 3 egg yolks (I recommend using fresh eggs for better taste)
- 125 g whipped cream (you can use natural cream or a plant-based substitute, depending on your preferences)
- Half a cup of cherries from jam or crystallized (fresh cherries are also a wonderful option, but make sure they are well cleaned)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the sponge

1. Bake the sponge. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is frothy and light in color. Add the flour and baking powder, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing volume. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until the sponge is well risen and passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

Step 2: Preparing the chocolate cream

1. Melting the chocolate. In a heatproof bowl, place the chopped chocolate and 3 tablespoons of milk. Set the bowl over a pot of boiling water (bain-marie) and stir frequently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. It is important not to let the water boil too hard so that the chocolate does not burn.

2. Adding the yolks. In another bowl, beat the yolks with the maraschino or grenadine syrup until creamy. Quickly add the melted chocolate mixture to the yolks, stirring rapidly to avoid curdling the eggs.

3. Incorporating the whipped cream. Whip the cream until it holds stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate cream using a spatula to maintain the aeration of the cream.

4. Adding the cherries. Halve the cherries and carefully fold them into the chocolate cream.

Step 3: Assembling the roll

1. Unrolling the sponge. Once the sponge has completely cooled, remove the parchment paper. Place the sponge on a clean towel sprinkled with a little powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

2. Adding the cream. Spread some of the chocolate cream over the sponge, leaving a little space at the edges. You can also add a layer of whipped cream with cherries, according to your preference.

3. Rolling the sponge. Using the towel, carefully roll the sponge to form a tight roll. Be careful not to break the sponge, and at the end, seal the roll.

Step 4: Cooling and decorating

1. Cooling. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This step is essential to allow the flavors to develop and to stabilize the cream.

2. Decorating. After the roll has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Cut the ends of the roll diagonally for a nice appearance. Place the cut slices on a plate and attach them to the roll with a little whipped cream.

3. Finishing. Dust powdered sugar over the roll using a fine sieve for an elegant look.

Serving and suggestions

The chocolate roll with cherries is served cold, perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. This dessert is ideal for enjoying in the company of loved ones, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

Practical tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and with other fruits (berries, peaches, or bananas).
- Storage: The roll can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but make sure it is covered with cling film to prevent drying out.
- Frequently asked questions:
- How can I make the roll look better? Make sure the sponge is completely cooled before rolling it to avoid cracking.
- What can I use instead of cherries? You can replace the cherries with any other sweet fruit, such as raspberries or peaches.

Nutritional benefits

This dessert is not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants due to the chocolate, and offers vitamins from cherries, which contribute to the health of the immune system.

Do you want an unforgettable culinary experience? Try this chocolate roll with cherries recipe and enjoy every bite! It can quickly become your favorite for any occasion.