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Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

This elegant chocolate Swiss roll features a light chocolate sponge cake filled with cream cheese frosting and coated in chocolate ganache. Detailed instructions ensure perfect rolling technique.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:30:16 GMT
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A chocolate roll cake with a creamy filling, decorated with powdered sugar and sitting on a white plate, is displayed alongside chocolate squares. Pin it
A chocolate roll cake with a creamy filling, decorated with powdered sugar and sitting on a white plate, is displayed alongside chocolate squares. | zestplate.com

Decadent Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

I learned to make this Swiss Roll Cake after watching countless baking shows and it's become my go-to impressive dessert. Think light-as-air chocolate sponge wrapped around clouds of cream all draped in silky chocolate ganache. It looks fancy but I promise once you get the rolling technique down it's actually fun to make. Plus that moment when you slice into it and everyone gasps it's just priceless.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There's something magical about making a roll cake. The way the warm cake rolls up in its blanket of powdered sugar then unfurls to welcome that creamy filling. Every bite gives you the perfect ratio of tender cake to rich cream. I bring this to parties and people always think it came from a bakery.

Ingredients for Chocolate Swiss Roll

  • All-Purpose Flour: Just your regular flour is perfect here nothing fancy needed.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Get the good stuff it makes all the difference.
  • Sugar: Balances the cocoa and keeps our cake tender.
  • Eggs: These are our secret weapon for that perfect light texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Makes everything taste better.
  • Heavy Cream: For both our ganache and that dreamy filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps with rolling.
  • Cream Cheese: Makes our filling extra rich and tangy.
  • Chocolate Chips: They'll melt into that gorgeous ganache coating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter
Mix those dry ingredients then beat in your eggs sugar and vanilla until everything's smooth. Pour it into your lined pan and spread it nice and even.
Bake
Pop it in the oven for about 11 minutes. Keep an eye on it we want it just done so it stays flexible.
Roll the Cake
Here's the fun part. Turn that warm cake onto a powdered sugar dusted tea towel peel off the paper and start rolling. Don't worry if it's not perfect.
Make the Filling
While your cake cools whip up that filling until it's light and fluffy. Unroll your cake spread that goodness all over and roll it back up nice and tight.
Coat with Ganache
Heat your cream pour it over those chocolate chips and watch them melt into glossy perfection. Pour it over your cake and let it set up in the fridge.

Tips for Success

  • Use a Jelly Roll Pan: That specific size gives us the perfect thickness for rolling.
  • Roll While Warm: Trust me on this it prevents those dreaded cracks.
  • Cool Completely: Your filling will thank you by staying put.
  • Wrap and Chill: Makes cutting those beautiful swirled slices so much easier.
A chocolate roll cake filled with cream and a swirl of chocolate, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a small cupcake and decorative greenery. Pin it
A chocolate roll cake filled with cream and a swirl of chocolate, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a small cupcake and decorative greenery. | zestplate.com

Storage and Freezing

Keep your roll wrapped up in the fridge it'll stay perfect for three days. Want to make it ahead? Wrap it up before adding the ganache and pop it in the freezer it'll keep for two months. Just thaw overnight and add that glossy coating before serving.

Variations

  • Filling Flavors: Sometimes I use marshmallow fluff or chocolate mousse just to mix things up.
  • Topping Options: A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel makes it extra special.
  • Festive Additions: Around the holidays I love adding peppermint it makes everything feel extra festive.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why roll cake while hot?

Rolling while warm prevents cake from cracking when filled later.

→ Why use tea towel?

Prevents cake from sticking and helps absorb moisture while cooling.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, assemble up to 2 days ahead and store in fridge.

→ Why trim ends?

Creates clean look and reveals spiral pattern.

→ How do I prevent cracking?

Don't overbake cake and roll while still hot.

Swiss Roll Recipe

Classic chocolate Swiss roll with light chocolate sponge, creamy filling and rich ganache coating.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
11 Minutes
Total Time
26 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
02 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
03 1 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1/2 teaspoon salt.
05 4 large eggs.
06 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
07 2 tablespoons melted butter.
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
10 1 cup powdered sugar.
11 4 tablespoons butter, softened.
12 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
13 2/3 cup chocolate chips.
14 2 tablespoons heavy cream.
15 4 tablespoons powdered sugar.
16 3-4 tablespoons milk.
17 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to exactly 350°F and prepare jelly roll pan with parchment paper leaving overhang.

Step 02

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt until thoroughly combined.

Step 03

Beat eggs and sugar in separate bowl until mixture becomes thick and pale.

Step 04

Gently fold melted butter and vanilla into egg mixture until just incorporated.

Step 05

Carefully fold flour mixture into wet ingredients until completely combined.

Step 06

Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake exactly 11 minutes.

Step 07

Dust clean tea towel generously with powdered sugar while cake bakes.

Step 08

Turn hot cake onto prepared towel and carefully remove parchment paper.

Step 09

Roll cake up in towel immediately while hot, starting from short end.

Step 10

Allow rolled cake to cool completely at room temperature, about 2 hours.

Step 11

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth for filling.

Step 12

Carefully unroll cooled cake and spread filling evenly, leaving border around edges.

Step 13

Re-roll filled cake tightly without towel and wrap in plastic.

Step 14

Refrigerate at least one hour until filling firms.

Step 15

Prepare ganache by melting chocolate with cream, then adding sugar and milk until pourable.

Notes

  1. Elegant presentation.
  2. Make ahead friendly.
  3. Classic technique.
  4. Perfect for entertaining.

Tools You'll Need

  • Jelly roll pan.
  • Tea towel.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, butter, cream).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 478
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 8 g