Rich Chocolate Roll
This Rich Chocolate Roll (also known as a chocolate Swiss roll) features a soft, flexible cocoa sponge cake wrapped around a smooth, creamy chocolate filling. It’s light yet indulgent, rolls beautifully without cracking, and delivers bold chocolate flavor in every bite.
Elegant on the outside. Comforting on the inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Deep chocolate flavor without being heavy
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Soft sponge that rolls without cracking
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Perfect make-ahead dessert
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Customizable filling options
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Stunning presentation with minimal effort
Prep & Bake Time
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
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Cooling & Filling: 30 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour
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Servings: 10–12 slices
Ingredients
Chocolate Sponge Cake
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons milk
Chocolate Cream Filling
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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½ cup powdered sugar
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¼ cup cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
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Powdered sugar
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Chocolate ganache drizzle
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Chocolate shavings
Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
2. Make the Batter
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 4–5 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume. Beat in vanilla and milk.
Gently fold dry ingredients into egg mixture until just combined.
3. Bake
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cake springs back lightly when touched.
4. Roll While Warm
Immediately turn cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Peel off parchment.
Roll cake up gently (with the towel inside) from the short end. Let cool completely.
5. Make the Filling
Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
6. Fill & Re-Roll
Unroll cooled cake carefully. Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border. Roll back up tightly without the towel.
7. Chill & Serve
Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with ganache if desired.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Roll
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Roll the cake while hot to prevent cracking
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Don’t overbake — flexibility matters
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Use room-temperature eggs for best volume
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Chill before slicing for clean cuts
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Wipe knife between slices for neat presentation
Variations
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Mocha Roll: Add espresso powder to filling
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Mint Chocolate: Add peppermint extract
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Chocolate Raspberry: Spread raspberry jam under cream
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Ganache-Filled: Swap whipped filling for ganache
Storage
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Refrigerate: Up to 3 days (covered)
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Freeze: Wrap tightly, freeze up to 1 month
Estimated Calories
Approximately 280–320 calories per slice, depending on filling thickness.
Final Thoughts
Rich Chocolate Roll is timeless — soft, creamy, and indulgent without being overwhelming. It’s one of those desserts that feels special every single time you serve it.