Red Wine Swiss Roll with Orange & Cream Cheese– An Easy Homemade Dessert

Preparation method:

• Note: This red wine syrup is more than a glaze — it’s an aromatic embrace that softens the sponge, adds moisture, and infuses every bite with personality and charm.
• Red Wine Syrup
  We’ll start with this, because it’s the heart of the recipe — that little detail that turns a simple sponge into a story worth savoring.
  In a small saucepan, I combined the red wine, sugar, and a cinnamon stick. I let them simmer gently for about five minutes, just until the sugar dissolved and the flavors mingled beautifully. Then I added a few tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice — just enough to bring a fresh note and a hint of color to the mix.
  Once it was done simmering, I took it off the heat and let it cool completely.
  The result? Fragrant, silky, and absolutely perfect for brushing over the sponge — adding just the right amount of moisture, depth, and that touch of magic every dessert needs.
• The Sponge
  I preheated the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lined a large rectangular baking tray with parchment paper.
  In a mixing bowl, I whisked the eggs with the sugar until the mixture doubled in volume and turned light and fluffy.
  Next, I added the red wine and vanilla, then gently folded in the dry ingredients — the sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
• I gently folded everything together with a spatula, just until the batter was smooth and uniform.
  Then I poured it into the prepared tray, spread it evenly, and baked for about 10–12 minutes — just until the sponge was set, yet still soft and springy to the touch.
• Rolling the Sponge
  On another sheet of parchment paper, I dusted a thin layer of cocoa powder.
  This step not only adds a touch of flavor but also prevents the sponge from sticking and gives it a lovely, bark-like appearance.
  I carefully flipped the warm sponge onto the cocoa-dusted paper — don’t worry, it releases easily from the baking sheet.
  I peeled off the original parchment, then rolled the sponge tightly together with the new cocoa-coated paper.
  I let it cool completely in this shape; that way, it keeps its perfect form and won’t crack later when it’s time to fill it.
• Orange Cream Cheese Filling
  In a mixing bowl, I combined the cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, grated orange zest, and a splash of orange juice.
  I mixed everything well until it turned into a smooth, fragrant cream. Next, I gradually added the cold heavy cream, whipping until the mixture became light, fluffy, and perfectly silky.
  Finally, I folded in the remaining orange juice, just to enhance that fresh citrus note, and placed the cream in the fridge for a short while — just enough to let it firm up and hold its shape beautifully when spread.
• Assembling the Roll
  Once the sponge had cooled, I brushed the entire surface evenly with the red wine syrup.
  This step makes the sponge softer, adds depth of flavor, and helps the filling adhere beautifully.
  Next, I spread the orange cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, saving about a quarter of it for the final decoration.
  
• I rolled the sponge again, this time as tightly as possible, and placed it in the fridge for at least an hour — just enough time for it to firm up and for the flavors to blend beautifully.
  Tasty tip: I reheated the remaining red wine syrup and let it simmer until it thickened into a lovely reduction — perfect for drizzling on top and intensifying the flavor of the roll.
• Serving the Red Wine, Orange & Cream Cheese Swiss Roll
  After letting the roll chill in the fridge for about two hours, I used the reserved cream to decorate the top.
  A few drops of the red wine reduction added a lovely pop of color and fragrance.
  I placed a few thin orange slices here and there for a charming visual touch, and the roll was ready to serve!
• I cut generous slices and served immediately. Each bite combines the tender sponge, silky cream, and the rich flavors of wine and orange — a miniature celebration on every plate.
• And so, step by step, the story came to life on a plate. This Red Wine, Orange & Cream Cheese Swiss Roll is more than just a dessert — it’s a little ritual of indulgence, a touch of magic for chilly evenings.
  Every bite brings the warmth of the wine, the freshness of citrus, and the delicate texture of the sponge, a gentle reminder that the simplest moments can truly feel like a celebration.
• So light a candle, pour yourself a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and let the flavors of this roll carry you away — a dessert that tells, more beautifully than any words, the story of a late autumn filled with warmth and delight.
  And let’s not forget: the magic is also in the little gestures…Wishing you days full of smiles and sweet stories, Ely