Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe

If you’re hunting for your next show-stopping dessert, look no further than this Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe. Imagine a soft, cocoa-rich sponge rolled up with a silky, aromatic coffee cream, then finished with a dusting of cocoa and a shower of chocolate shavings. Every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture — velvety, cloud-like cake wrapped around a dreamy, espresso-infused filling. This is my absolute go-to when I want to dazzle guests or indulge in something truly special; it always delivers on both elegance and pure pleasure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity — every ingredient is chosen for the way it enhances the cake’s flavor, tenderness, and visual appeal. Together, they create a luxurious treat that’s far more than the sum of its parts.

• Eggs: Whipped to airy perfection, these form the backbone of a sponge that’s light and rollable.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness and structure all in one, helping to whip the eggs to volume.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough for stability, but still delicate enough for that perfect, yielding bite.
• Cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolate flavor and a deep, tempting hue.
• Baking powder: Gives the sponge a gentle lift so it’s never dense.
• Salt: A pinch is all you need to sharpen and balance the sweet notes.
• Milk: Adds a hint of moisture, keeping the cake soft and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch to round out the chocolate with warmth.
• Heavy whipping cream: Chilled and whipped for cloud-like, luscious filling.
• Mascarpone or cream cheese (optional): A spoonful for extra richness and a touch of tang in the filling.
• Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the cream, just lightly sweetening it.
• Instant coffee: Dissolved for an espresso hit that makes the cream sing.
• Cocoa powder (for dusting): Finishes the roll with a sophisticated, bittersweet flourish.
• Chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate: Adds texture and an extra layer of decadence to every slice.
• Optional meringues or chocolate pearls: Perfect for dazzling finishing touches when you want to impress.

How to Make Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper — this helps release the cake flawlessly later. In a large bowl, vigorously beat the eggs and sugar until they become very pale and triple in volume, about five minutes. The lightness at this stage is key! Sift together the dry ingredients, then gently fold them into the egg mixture to preserve as much air as possible. Add the milk and vanilla for a fragrant, moist batter, and pour everything into the pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the sponge springs back when touched.

Step 2: Roll the Sponge

As soon as your cake emerges from the oven, get ready for the signature swirl. Lay a clean kitchen towel on your countertop and dust it generously with cocoa powder — this prevents sticking and adds another hit of chocolate. Flip the hot cake out onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and carefully roll it up with the towel inside. This crucial step sets the spiral shape and avoids cracking later. Let the rolled cake cool completely before moving on.

Step 3: Make the Coffee Cream

For the irresistible filling in this Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe, combine cold heavy cream, mascarpone (if using), powdered sugar, and dissolved instant coffee. Whip everything together until you have stiff, luscious peaks — smooth, thick, and deeply aromatic. Chill the cream until you’re ready to use, so it’s perfectly firm for spreading.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll

Once the cake is cool, gently unroll it and spread the coffee cream all over, from edge to edge. Then, without the towel, roll the sponge up tightly and place it seam-side down on your serving platter. You’ll marvel at the beautiful swirl pattern revealed when you slice into this masterpiece!

Step 5: Decorate

Now for the fun part: finishing your Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe masterpiece. Dust the top generously with cocoa powder, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or chunks, and if you like, pipe a few extra cream swirls or dot with meringues and chocolate pearls. The presentation is as irresistible as the taste.

How to Serve Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate each slice with a finishing flourish: a dusting of cocoa powder instantly deepens the chocolate flavors, while a scatter of chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate adds drama and crunch. For extra celebration, crown the roll with tiny meringues or shiny chocolate pearls — trust me, it will look every bit as wonderful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

The Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe is delightfully rich, so it pairs beautifully with lighter accompaniments. Fresh berries bring color and a burst of tartness alongside each slice. Offer a cup of espresso, black coffee, or even a steaming hot chocolate to echo the flavors and make your dessert spread truly complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the roll in generous slices set atop pretty dessert plates, or arrange it on a cake stand surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves. You can add a drizzle of chocolate or coffee syrup for a dramatic effect, or even cut the roll into mini rounds for a chic, bite-sized twist at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover slices covered in the refrigerator. The flavor actually deepens overnight, and the cake stays moist wrapped tightly or secured in a sealed container. Enjoy within 2–3 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Wrap the uncut roll (or individual slices) snugly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and dust with fresh cocoa or add toppings just before enjoying.

Reheating

Since the Swiss roll is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a slightly softer bite, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving — the cream will become even silkier.

FAQs

Can I make the Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe without mascarpone or cream cheese?

Absolutely! The mascarpone or cream cheese simply adds richness and a little body to the coffee cream. You can leave it out if you prefer a lighter filling; just use extra whipped cream and adjust the sugar to taste.

Why does my Swiss roll crack when I try to roll it?

Cracking usually happens if the sponge cools down before being rolled the first time. Always roll the cake while it’s still warm with the towel inside, as this shapes it gently and prevents breaks when you fill and re-roll it.

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant?

For the most intense flavor, instant coffee is recommended since you can dissolve it in very little water without diluting the cream. Brewed coffee is more watery and won’t deliver the same punch or consistency in the filling.

How far in advance can I assemble the Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe?

You can assemble the cake up to a day in advance — in fact, chilling overnight often improves the flavors and makes slicing even easier. Just wait to add final decorations until just before serving for the best look and texture.

What’s the best way to achieve clean, beautiful swirls when slicing?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices. For extra precision, chill the roll well before slicing to firm up the cream and sponge, ensuring every piece shows off those gorgeous spirals.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe, it will become a cherished favorite for every special occasion — or whenever you crave a touch of decadent magic. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this stunning dessert steal the spotlight on your table!

Print