Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as spectacular to look at as it is delightful to eat, the Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream promises to impress. It’s a marvel of contrasts — feather-light chocolate sponge wrapped around a pillowy cream filling, then draped in a glossy layer of chocolate ganache. Each slice delivers a showstopping swirl and a perfect balance between rich and airy, making it the star of every celebration or cozy afternoon treat. Let’s dive into making this Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream together and bring a little magic to your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list might look simple at first glance, but trust me, every item is carefully chosen to build the classic taste, lush texture, and striking color of your Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream. Each plays a standout role — from the tender crumb of the cake to the cloudlike filling and silky-smooth ganache.

• Large Eggs: Give the cake its lift and delicate structure; beat them well for maximum fluffiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps whip the eggs into a voluminous foam.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and helps keep the sponge extra moist.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to give the cake body while staying ultra-light.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor and that iconic dark color.
• Baking Powder: Ensures a gentle, even rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a cozy aroma.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (cold): Whips up into the luscious, fluffy filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and dissolves smoothly without graininess.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Adds stability and tang to the dreamy cream filling.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted for a glossy ganache that brings the whole roll together.
• Optional Decorations: Try white chocolate shavings or whipped cream swirls for elegant finishing touches.

How to Make Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper (don’t skip this — it makes rolling a breeze!). Lightly grease the paper, then beat your eggs and sugars together until pale, creamy, and full of air, about five minutes. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt right into the bowl, then gently fold in these dry ingredients until the batter just comes together. Stir in vanilla for warmth, spread the mixture evenly in the pan, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until a toothpick emerges clean and the cake springs back to the touch.

Step 2: Roll the Cake

Rolling while warm is the secret to that iconic swirl. As soon as your cake is done, turn it out carefully onto a clean towel dusted liberally with powdered sugar (this prevents sticking and adds a little old-world bakery charm). Gently peel off the parchment, then roll up the cake from short end to short end inside the towel. Let it cool completely this way — this step helps your Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream keep its shape without cracks.

Step 3: Make the Cream Filling

While your cake cools, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until super smooth, creamy, and lump-free. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture. This delightful filling is tangy yet sweet, and so rich you’ll want to sneak a spoonful before it even hits the cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll

Carefully unroll your cake — don’t worry if it seems a little fragile or curls up on the edges. Spread the cream filling evenly from edge to edge, then gently roll the cake back up (this time, no towel!), aiming for a snug spiral. Place it seam side down on a serving tray, and breathe a sigh of satisfaction: you’re almost there!

Step 5: Add Ganache

For the crowning touch, heat the heavy cream until just hot (not boiling), and pour it over a bowl of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute before stirring into a silky, shiny ganache. Pour this over your Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream, letting it drip luxuriously down the sides. This is the part that makes your creation look like it belongs in a pâtisserie window.

Step 6: Decorate & Serve

Last, but certainly not least, decorate as you like: classic chocolate curls, delicate white chocolate shavings, or playful whipped cream rosettes. Chill the finished roll for at least an hour to set the ganache and make slicing clean and easy. Serve and prepare yourself for a chorus of wowed reactions — you did it!

How to Serve Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream with a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or piped swirls of whipped cream. A few fresh berries (think strawberries or raspberries) add a pop of color and complement the chocolate richness beautifully. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar brings a snowy, festive finish people can’t resist.

Side Dishes

While this showstopper easily stands alone, you can pair it with a fresh fruit salad for a bright contrast, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re craving extra indulgence. For a fancy touch, serve alongside espresso or strong black coffee — the bitterness pairs deliciously with the sweetness of the Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert platter, slice the roll into even rounds and arrange in a swirling fan. You can also stack slices slightly overlapping on a long platter and top with additional ganache drizzle and berries. Or, if you’re feeling playful, try cutting small bite-sized pinwheels for an elegant tea-party treat. However you slice it, Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream is a joy to show off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. The creamy filling and moist cake actually improve together after a night in the refrigerator, melding the flavors and keeping everything soft and fresh for up to three days.

Freezing

Yes, Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream freezes well! Simply wrap the un-sliced roll tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to a month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and serving. For best texture, freeze without ganache if possible, then add it fresh after thawing.

Reheating

Because this dessert is all about cool, creamy textures, there’s no need to reheat it. If you’ve stored your roll in the fridge or freezer, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly and bring out the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

If you use a baking sheet with higher sides, try to keep the batter spread to roughly the same dimensions for even baking. Be sure to watch the cooking time, as thickness changes can affect it quick!

Why did my cake crack when I rolled it?

Cracking most often happens if the cake cools too much before rolling, or if it’s overbaked. Rolling the cake while still warm and pliable is key — but don’t worry, ganache and garnishes can cover minor cracks!

Can I make the Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance lets the flavors meld beautifully, and the cake stays moist. Just keep it well-wrapped and refrigerated until serving time.

Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes — simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Double-check other ingredients (like baking powder) to be sure they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream for the filling?

While store-bought whipped topping will work in a pinch, real heavy cream whipped from scratch provides a much richer flavor and better stability, especially when folded with cream cheese in the Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream filling.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about slicing into a Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream and seeing that perfectly spiraled swirl. This treat never fails to delight, whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to sweeten up an ordinary day. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite dessert tradition. Share a roll — and a smile — with someone you love!

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