Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll Recipe

The Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll is pure dessert magic: imagine a pillowy vanilla sponge rolled up with a cloud of whipped cream and plenty of mini chocolate chips, then slicked with a glossy chocolate glaze and finished with a flurry of more chips and whipped cream. Each slice offers that perfect swirl—light sponge, creamy filling, and a decadent hit of chocolate in every bite. This treat is not only showstopping but also comfortingly nostalgic and guaranteed to make both kids and grown-ups light up with joy. If you’re searching for a bake that’s as fun to make as it is delightful to eat, you’ve found your new favorite in the Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll are kitchen staples, transformed into a spectacular dessert. Each one plays a special role, from building the soft sponge to making the cream filling unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each matters.

• Eggs (4 large, room temperature): The structure and luxurious rise of the sponge come from whipping these up with sugar—don’t skip bringing them to room temperature!
• Sugar (100 g / ½ cup): Not only sweetens but helps create that volume in the cake base.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Essential for that bakery-style aroma running right through the bake and filling.
• All-Purpose Flour (60 g / ½ cup): Provides body to the cake without making it heavy.
• Cornstarch (20 g / 2 tbsp): Lends extra tenderness and a super-soft bite to the sponge.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Ensures the sponge springs up nice and light as it bakes.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the chocolate later on.
• Heavy Cream (250 ml / 1 cup, cold): Whips up for that dreamy, billowy filling.
• Powdered Sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the cream gently without graininess.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (50 g / ½ cup, for filling): Guarantees a satisfying chocolate surprise in every creamy bite.
• Milk Chocolate (200 g / 7 oz, chopped): The core of your luscious chocolate glaze.
• Heavy Cream (100 ml / ½ cup, for glaze): Melts the chocolate to pure silky perfection.
• Butter (1 tbsp): Adds shine and richness to your finished glaze.
• Extra Mini Chocolate Chips and Whipped Cream for Decoration: Make the Swiss roll truly irresistible to look at AND eat.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sponge Cake

First, crank up your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper for easy unrolling later. Beat the eggs and sugar together vigorously until the mixture is pale, thick, and triples in volume—this can take 5 to 6 minutes, so let it get truly fluffy. Add in the vanilla. Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold this mixture into the eggs just until combined. Spread the batter evenly in the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 10–12 minutes. The sponge should be lightly golden and bounce back when touched—don’t overbake or it may crack while rolling.

Step 2: Roll the Cake While Warm

As soon as the cake comes out, invert it carefully onto a kitchen towel that’s been dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper, then roll up the cake gently (starting at the short end) with the towel inside. The warmth makes it pliable and helps set that swirl. Leave the rolled-up cake to cool entirely—this prevents splitting when you add the filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Filling

Pour cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a clean bowl and whisk until stiff peaks form. The cream should be thick enough to hold its shape but not over-whipped. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips—these give you pops of flavor and a beautiful speckled look in every cut. Pop the filling in the fridge while the cake cools down completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll

Unroll your cooled sponge carefully—it will have a memory of its shape, making assembly easy. Spread the whipped cream filling over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting at the same end as before, roll the cake up tightly but gently. Place seam side down on a serving platter, and chill the assembled roll in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so everything sets up beautifully.

Step 5: Make and Apply the Chocolate Glaze

Heat the cream until just steaming (not boiling), then pour it over your chopped milk chocolate in a bowl. Allow it to sit a minute to melt, stir until smooth, and add the butter for extra gloss. Let the glaze cool slightly so it thickens but is still pourable. Slowly pour over the chilled roll, letting it cascade down the sides for that bakery-dripping effect.

Step 6: Decorate

While the glaze is still soft, shower the top with mini chocolate chips—go classic with milk, or mix it up with dark and white chips for extra flair. Pipe whipped cream swirls along the top for an elegant, celebratory finish. The result is a Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll that looks every bit as dreamy as it tastes.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll

Garnishes

The finishing touches turn a delicious dessert into a showstopper! Decorate your Swiss roll with a lavish sprinkle of chocolate chips—milk, dark, and even white if you like a pop of contrast. Pipe delicate whipped cream swirls across the top, or add a few curls of chocolate for drama. A dusting of powdered sugar never goes amiss for a festive, snowy look.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for that classic cake-and-cream combo. Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries are especially lovely) balance the indulgence with a juicy, tangy lift. For a grown-up twist, a tiny cup of espresso or a cappuccino is perfect alongside each rich, chocolatey slice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, slice the Swiss roll and arrange the rounds slightly overlapping on a long platter—each cut shows off the hypnotic chocolate chip swirl. For afternoon tea, serve thin slices on pretty dessert plates with a few extra chips scattered around. To make things extra fun for kids, cut into mini rolls and stick a toothpick flag in each. However you present it, Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll always steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the Swiss roll snugly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better on day two as the flavors meld. Just be sure the cut ends are covered to keep the cake from drying out.

Freezing

This dessert freezes surprisingly well. For best results, freeze the roll (without glaze and decorations) by wrapping tightly in cling film and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the glaze and fresh garnishes just before serving for that bakery-fresh look and taste.

Reheating

The Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll is meant to be eaten chilled or at room temperature, so simply let it sit out for about 15–20 minutes after removing from the fridge to take off the chill. There’s no need for baking or microwaving—just slice and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make the Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the sponge and prepare the filling a day ahead. Roll the cake and chill overnight, then glaze and decorate the next day for the freshest presentation.

What if my cake cracks while rolling?

Minor cracks can happen—don’t worry! The filling and glaze will disguise most imperfections. Make sure to roll the sponge while it’s still warm for maximum flexibility, and don’t overbake.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the glaze?

Definitely. If you love a richer flavor, swap in dark chocolate for the glaze or even try white chocolate for a different spin. Just keep the ratios the same for smooth, pourable consistency.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a good 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and check that your baking powder is gluten-free—the texture stays beautifully light and no one will even notice the difference.

Why are mini chocolate chips better than regular chips in this recipe?

Mini chocolate chips disperse more evenly through the creamy filling and create gorgeous little flecks in each slice, as well as a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite without overwhelming the tender roll.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll is as joyful to look at as it is to eat—full of billowy cream, melty chocolate, and playful crunch. With just a handful of essential ingredients and some simple steps, you can make a dessert that always earns rave reviews. Don’t let its bakery finish fool you: this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, so grab your whisk and treat yourself to a swirl of chocolate happiness!

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