Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Fluffy Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Baking a delightful chocolate cake roll brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s heart.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and excitement.

Delicate layers of rich chocolate promise an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

Soft, tender sponge cake wrapped around silky cream creates a magical dessert experience.

Each slice reveals a perfect spiral of decadent flavors that dance across your palate.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the delicate balance of textures and intense cocoa notes.

Creamy and light, this dessert transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring every delicious bite.

Chocolate Cake Roll Made For Pure Dessert Joy

Chocolate Cake Roll Made For Pure Dessert Joy
  • Whip Up a Quick Dessert Delight: Easy chocolate cake roll that impresses everyone.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This recipe requires simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings with its elegant presentation and rich chocolate taste.
  • Time-Friendly Treat: Preparation takes under 30 minutes, with minimal baking time and straightforward assembly, allowing you to create a stunning dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Chocolate Cake Roll Batter Essentials

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour, Cocoa Powder: Core dry ingredients that give structure and deep chocolate flavor to the cake, choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa for rich taste.
  • Baking Powder, Salt: Essential leavening and seasoning agents that help cake rise and enhance overall flavor.
Cake Liquids and Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Sugar: Primary binding and sweetening elements that create cake's light texture, use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
  • Vanilla Extract, Vegetable Oil: Add moisture and enhance flavor complexity, pure vanilla provides better taste than imitation.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creamy filling ingredients that create smooth, light whipped cream, ensure cream is cold for best whipping results.
  • Chocolate Chips, Heavy Cream: Rich ganache topping ingredients that provide glossy chocolate coating, choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate for balanced sweetness.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Fresh Berries, Chocolate Shavings: Decorative elements that add visual appeal and extra flavor complexity, use fresh seasonal berries for best presentation.

Chocolate Cake Roll Preparation Walkthrough

Chocolate Cake Roll Preparation Walkthrough

Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter

Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a jelly roll pan and give it a quick spray of cooking grease.

Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

In one bowl, mix together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

In another bowl, whip eggs and sugar until they become thick and fluffy.

This takes about 5 minutes of intense mixing.

Drizzle in vanilla extract and oil, mixing gently to keep the air in the batter.

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Base

Spread the batter evenly across the pan.

Pop it into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

The cake is ready when you touch it and it springs back like a gentle cushion.

While the cake is still piping hot, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

Flip the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake with the towel from the short end.

Let it cool down completely.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff, dreamy peaks.

Carefully unroll the cooled cake.

Spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface.

Gently roll the cake back up, this time without the towel.

Place the roll seam-side down on a serving plate.

Step 4: Craft Chocolate Ganache Topping

Heat heavy cream until it’s just about to simmer.

Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl.

Let it sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Pour the ganache over the cake roll, making sure to cover it evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake roll for at least an hour to let everything set.

When you’re ready to serve, slice and add some final touches.

Dust with powdered sugar, scatter fresh berries, or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for extra pizzazz.

Cake Roll Tips For Chocolate Precision

Cake Roll Tips For Chocolate Precision
  • Roll the cake while it's still warm to avoid breaking the delicate sponge, ensuring a smooth, flexible texture without cracks.
  • Pat the whipped cream gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing the cake from becoming soggy and maintaining a light, airy texture.
  • Let the chocolate ganache cool slightly before pouring to achieve a glossy, even coating that drapes beautifully over the cake roll without running off.
  • Chill the cake roll completely before serving to help the filling set and make clean, precise slices that showcase the beautiful spiral design.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond or coffee in the whipped cream, or add a layer of fruit preserves for a personalized twist on the classic chocolate cake roll.

Cake Roll Stays Neat and Rich in Storage

  • Store the chocolate cake roll in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep the cake at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the ganache and restore its creamy texture. Do not microwave, as this can dry out the delicate cake.

Soft Matches For Cake Roll

  • Pair Sweet Chocolate Symphony with Bold Red Wine Elegance
  • Rich chocolate cake roll finds its perfect match in a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, which cuts through the dessert's sweetness while complementing its deep cocoa notes.
  • Enhance Cake's Creamy Texture with Espresso Companion
  • Serve a freshly pulled espresso alongside the roll, allowing its intense coffee flavor to highlight the chocolate's richness and cleanse the palate between delectable bites.
  • Elevate Dessert with Raspberry Liqueur Accent
  • Drizzle a small glass of raspberry liqueur like Chambord next to the cake roll, creating a tangy-sweet contrast that amplifies the dessert's complex flavor profile.
  • Create Textural Contrast with Vanilla Cream Liqueur
  • Pour a chilled Baileys Irish Cream to introduce a smooth, velvety companion that softens the chocolate's intensity and adds a luxurious creamy dimension to the dessert experience.

Tasty Twists on Chocolate Cake Roll

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to maintain cake's structure and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake Roll: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for whipped filling. Use dairy-free dark chocolate for ganache topping. Replace oil with coconut oil for added flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Cake Roll: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free dark chocolate for ganache. Incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder and add extra vanilla extract for depth.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cake Roll: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Replace dairy cream with whipped coconut cream. Create ganache using plant-based chocolate and coconut milk. Utilize vegetable oil for cake base.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to sift the dry ingredients?

Sifting helps break up any lumps in flour, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients, ensuring a smoother, more even cake texture and preventing clumps that could affect the cake’s consistency.

  • How can I tell if the cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when the top springs back when lightly touched, and it appears set but not dry. Typically, this takes 10-12 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven.

  • What's the purpose of rolling the cake with a towel while it's still hot?

Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking and helps the cake maintain its shape. The powdered sugar on the towel prevents sticking and allows for easier rolling when you add the filling later.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake roll a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and covered, and it will stay fresh and delicious. Just add the ganache topping before serving.

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Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich chocolate sponge cake roll delivers a delightful dessert experience with its elegant spiral design. Creamy filling nestled inside promises pure indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts seeking a classic sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (177 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar (for rolling)

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Craft the foundation by preheating the oven to 350°F and preparing a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This ensures smooth cake removal and even baking.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt – creating a uniform mixture that prevents lumps in the batter.
  3. Whip eggs and sugar vigorously for 5 minutes until the mixture transforms into a pale, voluminous blend. Incorporate vanilla extract and oil, gently folding to maintain the airy texture.
  4. Delicately integrate dry ingredients into the egg mixture, ensuring minimal deflation of the whipped base.
  5. Distribute batter evenly across the prepared pan, creating a thin, uniform layer that will facilitate easy rolling later.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for the telltale sign of a cake ready to be rolled – a surface that springs back when lightly touched.
  7. Immediately after removing from the oven, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert the hot cake onto the towel, carefully peeling away the parchment paper.
  8. Roll the cake with the towel from the short end, allowing it to cool completely while maintaining its curved shape.
  9. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form, creating a luxurious filling with optimal structure.
  10. Gently unroll the cooled cake, spreading the whipped cream in a smooth, even layer. Roll the cake again, this time without the towel, positioning it seam-side down on a serving platter.
  11. Prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit briefly before whisking to silky perfection.
  12. Cascade the glossy ganache over the cake roll, ensuring an even, appetizing coating.
  13. Refrigerate for at least an hour to set the filling and topping, which helps stabilize the cake’s structure.
  14. Optional: Embellish with a dusting of powdered sugar, scattered fresh berries, or delicate chocolate shavings to elevate the visual appeal.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume when beating, creating a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
  • Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with flour and cocoa powder, to prevent a dense or dry cake.
  • Avoid overmixing when folding dry ingredients to maintain the cake’s delicate, airy structure.
  • Quickly roll the hot cake with the towel to help prevent cracking and set the cake’s shape while cooling.
  • Whip cream just until stiff peaks form to prevent butter-like separation and maintain a smooth, creamy filling.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Keep the cake roll chilled to maintain its shape and enhance the ganache’s glossy finish.
  • Experiment with flavor variations by adding espresso powder to the batter or using flavored whipped cream.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 332
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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