Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover craving a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake is an absolute must-try. This cake features a light, airy chocolate sponge wrapped tightly around a luscious, creamy filling, all draped in a shiny chocolate ganache that makes every bite a dream. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles at any gathering, and once you master it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again to impress friends and family with your baking skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness. Each component plays a key role—from the fluffy sponge and the creamy filling to the glossy ganache that ties everything together.

• 4 large eggs, room temperature: These provide structure and help create the light, airy sponge texture you want in a roll cake.
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar: Sweetens the sponge delicately while helping with volume when beaten with eggs.
• 65 g (½ cup) all-purpose flour: Gives the sponge enough body without weighing it down.
• 30 g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and rich color to the sponge.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the sponge rise gently for that perfect fluffy crumb.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavors.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Keeps the sponge moist and tender.
• 2 tbsp warm milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a gentle warmth.
• 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream (cold): Whipped into a light, fluffy filling for lusciousness.
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream filling subtly without graininess.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling): Continues the vanilla aroma inside the filling.
• 100 g (3.5 oz) cream cheese (optional): Adds richness and stability to the filling, perfect if you want a firmer texture.
• 150 g (5 oz) dark chocolate, chopped: Used for the decadent ganache topping that envelopes the cake.
• 150 ml (⅔ cup) heavy cream (for ganache): Blended with chocolate to create a silky, glossy finish.
• Chocolate shavings or chunks (optional): For an elegant finishing touch on top.
• Cocoa powder (optional): For dusting the rolling towel to prevent sticking.

How to Make Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a 10×15 inch baking tray with parchment paper to ensure your delicate sponge doesn’t stick. Next, whip together the eggs and sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want the mixture to become pale and triple in size—that’s the secret to that lovely, light sponge texture. Meanwhile, sift all your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—together so they mix evenly without clumps. Gently fold this into your egg mixture to keep as much air in the batter as possible, then swirl in the oil, warm milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is silky smooth.

Step 2: Bake Your Sponge Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it smoothly with a spatula, giving the pan a gentle tap to release any air bubbles. Pop it into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the top springs back when touched lightly. The goal here is to keep the sponge moist and flexible enough to roll, so don’t overbake!

Step 3: Roll While Warm

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, carefully invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder—this helps prevent sticking without affecting the flavor. Peel off the parchment paper gently, then roll the cake up starting from the short edge, using the towel to guide it. Rolling while warm helps prevent cracks and sets the shape as it cools.

Step 4: Make the Filling

Chill your cold heavy cream and whip it vigorously with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. For a thicker, creamier filling that holds up well when sliced, beat in the softened cream cheese until smooth and combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once the sponge has cooled completely while rolled, gently unroll it and spread the filling evenly across the surface. Roll the cake back up without the towel this time, keeping the seam side down to maintain a neat appearance for serving.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Warm the heavy cream until it’s just steaming—avoid boiling it. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes to melt the chocolate perfectly. Stir gently until silky smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly before draping it over the cake. This luscious ganache envelops the roll in a glossy, chocolatey hug.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle chocolate shavings or chunks on top for an elegant look and a bit of texture that will make people swoon before they even take a bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Garnishes

The beauty of this Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake is how well it pairs with simple yet eye-catching garnishes. Beyond chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder, consider fresh berries or a sprig of mint to add a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For something extra indulgent, a drizzle of raspberry coulis or salted caramel sauce on the side offers a delightful balance to the rich chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving slices on a beautiful cake stand makes the presentation party-ready, but you can also cut individual rolls into bite-sized pinwheels for a charming finger-food option at a gathering. Wrapping these bite-sized treats in parchment paper makes for cute packaging that guests will love to take home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake covered in the refrigerator, ideally wrapped with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain the texture and flavor balance as fresh and delightful as the day you baked it.

Reheating

Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a softer ganache, let the cake sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off and soften the ganache glossy coating.

FAQs

Can I make the Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake without cream cheese in the filling?

Absolutely! The cream cheese is optional and helps with stability, but whipped cream alone creates a lighter, delicate filling that complements the sponge beautifully.

What if my sponge cracks when I roll it?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is crucial to prevent cracking. If cracks do appear, fear not—you can cover them nicely with the ganache and some chocolate shavings for a charming rustic look.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes! Dark chocolate works best for a rich flavor, but you can swap in milk or white chocolate depending on your taste preferences, adjusting the sweetness accordingly.

How do I get clean slice cuts from the cake?

Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, intact slices.

Can I add flavors other than vanilla to the filling?

Definitely! A touch of espresso powder, orange zest, or even peppermint extract can add exciting twists to the filling while still blending beautifully with the chocolate sponge.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake is truly a dessert that wins hearts with its balance of light sponge, creamy filling, and rich ganache. Once you give this recipe a try, it’s sure to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. So go on, roll up your sleeves, bake a stunning Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake, and share the joy of homemade chocolate goodness with everyone around you!

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