Perfect Valentine Swiss Roll: Easy Heart Decoration Tips

Ingredients

For the Hearts

30 grams (2 tablespoons) softened butter
30 grams (2 tablespoons) powdered sugar
1 egg white (30 grams)
30 grams (0.25 cup) flour
Food coloring

For the Sponge Cake

4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
40 grams (4 tablespoons) milk
40 grams (4 tablespoons) vegetable oil
70 grams (0.5 cup) flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Food coloring
Pinch of salt
4 egg whites
70 grams (0.5 cup) sugar

For the Cherry Filling

150 grams (1 cup) frozen cherries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

For the Cream

100 grams (3.5 ounces) cream cheese
100 milliliters (0.5 cup) heavy cream (33%)
2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Having a few different sizes on hand will make mixing and combining ingredients a breeze.
Electric Mixer
This tool will save your arms when beating egg whites and cream to the perfect consistency.
Whisk
Useful for hand mixing and ensuring your batter is smooth.
Sifter
Ensures your flour and powdered sugar are clump-free for a smooth batter and cream.
Piping Bag
Perfect for creating those adorable heart shapes. If you don’t have one, a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off works, too!
Baking Pan (33x24 cm)
The right size pan will ensure your sponge cake bakes evenly.

Instructions

Step 1

Preparation of the Heart Batter

In a bowl, mix softened butter with powdered sugar.

Add the egg white and mix again.

Finally, sift in the flour and mix until smooth.

Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe hearts onto parchment paper.

If the batter is too runny, chill it in the freezer for a few minutes.

Freeze the hearts until solid.

Step 2

Preparation of the Sponge Cake

Preheat the oven and prepare a 33x24 cm (13x9 inch) baking pan.

In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with vanilla sugar, milk, and vegetable oil.

Sift flour and baking powder into the yolk mixture and stir until smooth.

Add food coloring.

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.

Gradually add sugar to the whites and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, covering the frozen hearts.

Bake until done; remove and let cool.

Step 3

Making the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan, combine frozen cherries and sugar.

Heat for a few minutes until the cherries release their juice.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, then add to the cherries.

Cook until the mixture thickens, then blend until smooth and let cool.

Step 4

Preparing the Cream

In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar.

Combine the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture.

Step 5

Assembling the Roll

Once the sponge cake is cool, carefully peel off the parchment paper.

Spread the cherry filling over the cake.

Spread the cream evenly over the cherry layer.

Roll the cake tightly and refrigerate before slicing and serving.

Servings

Indulge your senses with this delectable Heart-Filled Sponge Cake, beautifully presented on a white serving platter to make the colors pop. 💖
For a special touch, add some fresh cherries and mint leaves around the cake. They not only enhance the presentation but also complement the cake's fruity flavor. 🍒

Thinking about a *themed party*? 🎉 Decorate the cake slice with edible glitter or gold leaf to make each piece sparkle.

Serve this cake alongside **a refreshing cherry cocktail or a glass of bubbly prosecco** for an indulgent pairing. 🍹🥂

This sponge cake also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.🍨

Variations

🎉**Going gluten-free** doesn't mean missing out on this stunning treat. Replace the regular flour with almond or coconut flour. Just ensure to check for the proper conversions.
For the sponge cake, you can use a gluten-free baking powder to ensure the texture remains fluffy.

✨**Veganizing this recipe** is easier than you think! Swap the butter with a vegan margarine and use flax eggs in place of regular eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg). For the cream, opt for plant-based cream cheese and whipped coconut cream.

Enjoy the same show-stopping cake while keeping it within your dietary preferences. 🍰💚

Faq

What if I don't have a piping bag?
You can use a small plastic bag with one corner snipped off to pipe the hearts.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh cherries work great too! Just make sure to pit them and adjust the sugar if your fresh cherries are sweeter.
How do I prevent my sponge cake from deflating?
Make sure to gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture to keep the batter airy and avoid overmixing.
Can I prepare the hearts in advance?
Absolutely! Make and freeze the hearts a day ahead to save time on the day of baking.
What's the best way to roll the cake without cracking it?
Make sure the cake is slightly warm when you start rolling and use parchment paper to help guide the roll.
How can I store leftovers?
Store the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well if you want to save it for later.