If you are seeking a dessert that offers both elegance and indulgence, this Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine a soft, tender chocolate sponge cake rolled up with a luscious whipped cream filling, delivering a perfect balance of richness, moisture, and lightness all in one bite. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy treat at home, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to this delightful cake roll. Each one plays a vital role, from the cocoa powder that gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor to the eggs that create the light, airy texture the roll needs to hold its shape beautifully.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the sponge, providing structure without weighing it down.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and that dark, beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough for a soft sponge.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavors.
- 4 large eggs: The secret to a light, fluffy batter and the cake’s flexible texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while adding to the tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates flavor with warmth and depth.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a delicate sweetness and prevents sticking when rolling.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to create the luscious filling.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens whipped cream without grit.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Flavor boost for the whipped cream filling.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional): For melting into a rich ganache topping.
How to Make Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting your stage for a perfect bake. Line a 10 by 15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease lightly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, ensuring that dry ingredients are well combined for consistent texture. Then, in a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture turns pale and thick—this aeration is what makes the cake wonderfully light and springy. Gently mix in the vanilla and milk, followed by folding in the dry ingredients carefully to avoid deflating the batter.
Step 2: Bake and Roll
Pour the smooth batter into your prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly. Pop it into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t overbake. You’ll know it’s ready when a gentle press bounces back. While the cake is still warm, carefully flip it out onto a kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel from the short end—this helps shape the roll and prevents cracks as it cools.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While your cake cools, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This light, sweet filling will lovingly embrace the cake when you unroll it again.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll
Once completely cool, gently unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface. Reroll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving plate. For an elegant finish, dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with a warm chocolate ganache made by melting chocolate chips with a little cream. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry before slicing.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar elevate this dessert’s charm, adding a snowy, festive touch. For extra decadence, smooth over a shiny chocolate ganache glaze and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or fresh berries to bring a hint of freshness and color.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream heightens the indulgence factor. Light fruit salads or candied nuts also complement its rich, creamy flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the roll into neat rounds for a pretty, uniform presentation that works beautifully at parties. Alternatively, individual mini rolls baked in muffin tins are a charming, bite-sized treat. For a festive touch, serve on a platter adorned with edible flowers or chocolate curls to wow your guests visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cake roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain moisture and protects the whipped cream filling from absorbing other fridge odors. Leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the fully assembled cake roll snugly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is rarely needed. If you prefer, allow slices to come to room temperature for 20 minutes for a softer mouthfeel, but avoid heat as it can cause the whipped cream to break down.
FAQs
Can I use something other than whipped cream for the filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute whipped cream with mascarpone cheese sweetened with a bit of sugar or even cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. Just keep the filling smooth and spreadable to ensure an easy roll.
What if my cake cracks when rolling?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and pliable is essential. If your cake cracks, don’t worry—simply patch it with some filling as you roll and serve it as is. It will still taste amazing!
Is it necessary to dust the cake with powdered sugar before rolling?
Yes, this helps to prevent sticking when you roll the cake for the first time. It also adds a subtle sweetness and makes unrolling easier without tearing the delicate sponge.
Can I add chocolate chips inside the filling?
Definitely! Adding mini chocolate chips into the whipped cream filling gives delicious bursts of melted chocolate, enhancing the texture and flavor even more.
How long does this Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe take from start to finish?
The baking itself is quite quick, about 10 to 12 minutes, but with cooling and chilling time, plan for approximately one hour to fully prepare this dessert and have it ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe with you feels like handing over a little piece of my heart wrapped in chocolate and cream. It’s a recipe filled with simplicity yet elegance—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that invites smiles and second helpings. So grab your whisk and parchment paper, because this enchanting dessert is waiting to become your new favorite.
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Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Chocolate Cake Roll features a light and airy chocolate sponge cake rolled with a luscious whipped cream filling. Topped optionally with a rich chocolate ganache, this classic American dessert is perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat any time. The cake is made from scratch and baked to perfection, then carefully rolled to achieve a beautiful spiral effect, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping (Optional)
- powdered sugar for dusting
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for ganache topping)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure an easy release of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the eggs and granulated sugar for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture is pale and thick, which helps create a light and airy texture in the cake.
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Lower the mixer speed and gently mix in the vanilla extract and whole milk until combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain the batter’s lightness.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched, indicating it’s done.
- Roll Cake with Towel: Immediately after baking, turn the hot cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and carefully roll the cake up in the towel starting from the short end. This step helps prevent cracking and shapes the cake as it cools.
- Cool Completely: Allow the rolled cake to cool completely while wrapped in the towel to retain its shape.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Filling: Using a mixer, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, forming a smooth and stable filling.
- Fill and Re-Roll Cake: Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake snugly without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Finish and Chill: Dust the cake roll with powdered sugar or optionally pour over a chocolate ganache made by melting chocolate chips with heavy cream. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.
Notes
- For an indulgent topping, melt 1 cup chocolate chips with 1/2 cup heavy cream to create a smooth ganache to pour over the cake roll.
- You can experiment with filling variations such as chocolate whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor.
- Rolling the cake while warm and using a towel dusted with powdered sugar helps prevent cracking and sticking.
- Chilling the cake before slicing ensures clean, impressive slices without the filling oozing out.
