Directions
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Make the sponge:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process is crucial as it will incorporate air and yield a tremendous softness in the sponge. Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the bowl, then gently fold them into the mixture, ensuring a smooth batter without lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter. This step is essential for ensuring the cake remains light and fluffy. Next, spread the batter evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–12 minutes, until cooked but still soft. -
Roll the sponge:
Once the sponge is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately flip it onto a clean, damp kitchen towel. This meticulous step helps to retain moisture and keeps the sponge malleable. Carefully peel off the parchment paper while the sponge is still warm. With the towel, roll the sponge tightly to shape it. Allow it to cool completely while rolled; this will help maintain its form when you fill it. -
Prepare the filling:
In the meantime, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar until it forms stiff peaks. It’s crucial to ensure that the cream is very cold as this contributes to achieving the perfect, stable whipped cream. Make sure to drain the cherries well to prevent excess moisture, which might make your roll soggy. -
Assemble the cake:
Gently unroll the cooled sponge. If you opt for syrup, now is the time to mix the cherry juice or kirsch with the optional sugar and lightly brush it onto the sponge. This adds a tremendous burst of flavor and keeps the cake moist. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the sponge, then sprinkle with drained cherries and chocolate shavings. With care, re-roll the sponge tightly, seam-side down, ensuring that the filling is encapsulated within. -
Decorate:
Finally, pipe or spread additional whipped cream on top of the Swiss roll. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and add a few whole cherries for a charming decoration. Chill the roll before serving; this allows the flavors to meld together and helps the filling firm up, making for a delightful presentation.
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