Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Fluffy Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Creamy chocolate creates an irresistible spiral of decadence in this cake roll that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet memories of childhood desserts dance through every soft, tender slice.

Delicate layers of rich chocolate melt seamlessly across your palate with each delightful bite.

Lightweight yet intensely flavorful, this dessert brings elegant simplicity to your table.

Skilled bakers and novice kitchen enthusiasts alike can master this stunning confection with surprising ease.

Subtle techniques ensure a perfectly rolled treat that looks professionally crafted.

Whip up this spectacular chocolate sensation and watch faces light up with pure delight.

How to Store Chocolate Cake Roll Well

  • Store the chocolate cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep the cake roll at room temperature for only 2-3 hours if serving the same day. Cover loosely with a cake dome or plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
  • Because of the whipped cream filling, always store in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain texture and prevent spoilage.

FAQs

  • Can I make this cake roll gluten-free?

Yes, replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

  • How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a thin kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to help prevent sticking and cracking.

  • Is it possible to make this cake roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake roll a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which can actually help the flavors meld together.

  • What if I don't have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a large rectangular baking sheet with raised edges, ensuring it’s approximately the same size as a standard jelly roll pan.

What Makes Chocolate Cake Roll So Special

  • Craft a Quick Comfort Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing dish washing and making the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Deliciousness: Combining ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender orzo ensures a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making family mealtime a breeze.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, add vegetables, or experiment with different herbs to personalize this versatile recipe according to your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake Roll

For the Cake Base:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate cake.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind the cake ingredients.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Vanilla: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
For the Filling and Finishing:
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla: Work together to create a light and fluffy whipped cream filling for the cake roll.

How to Bake Chocolate Cake Roll Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Create the Wet Base

In another bowl, whip eggs and sugar until they become light and airy. Splash in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Pour in milk and stir until the batter looks smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layer

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake is just set.

Step 6: Prepare for Rolling

Sprinkle a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Carefully turn the warm cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper.

Carefully roll the cake inside the towel and let it cool completely.

Step 7: Whip the Cream Filling

In a clean bowl, whip together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.

Step 8: Fill and Roll the Cake

Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly across the surface.

Carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake roll for at least an hour to set.

Slice and serve chilled for a delightful dessert experience.

Helpful Notes for Chocolate Cake Roll

  • Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and create a clean, smooth cake roll surface.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better volume and a lighter, fluffier cake texture when beating with sugar.
  • Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back quickly without leaving an indentation.
  • Whip heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid over-beating, which can make the filling grainy or butter-like.
  • Allow cake to cool completely before filling to prevent cream from melting and ensure a neat, tight roll.

Flavor Twists for Chocolate Cake Roll Fans

  • Strawberry Cream Swirl: Replace vanilla filling with fresh strawberry cream by blending purĂ©ed strawberries into whipped cream for a fruity summer version.
  • Hazelnut Chocolate Dream: Incorporate ground hazelnuts into cake batter and add hazelnut spread between layers for a rich, nutty profile.
  • Mocha Espresso Roll: Mix instant espresso powder into cake batter and create a coffee-flavored cream filling for an intense caffeine kick.
  • Coconut Chocolate Paradise: Sprinkle shredded coconut inside the cake roll and infuse cream filling with coconut extract for tropical vibes.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Cake Roll

  • Slice this decadent roll into elegant pinwheels for a stunning party dessert. Dust with additional powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color.
  • Create an Instagram-worthy plate by adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside each slice. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings for extra sophistication.
  • Arrange chocolate cake roll slices on a wooden board with fresh mint leaves, whipped cream dollops, and chocolate truffles. Perfect for an intimate after-dinner treat that looks professionally prepared.
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Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delicious chocolate cake roll from Italian pastry traditions combines rich cocoa flavors with silky cream filling. Elegant dessert delivers smooth textures and delightful sweetness you will savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsps powdered sugar (for filling)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
  • powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350F (175C). Prepare a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and light grease coating.
  2. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate lumps.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip eggs and sugar until mixture becomes pale and significantly voluminous. Incorporate vanilla extract.
  4. Delicately fold dry ingredients into egg mixture, ensuring minimal deflation. Gently integrate milk until smooth and uniform.
  5. Transfer batter to prepared pan, carefully spreading to create an even layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cake springs back when touched.
  6. Generously dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Immediately invert warm cake onto sugared towel, carefully peel off parchment paper.
  7. While cake is still warm, gently roll cake with towel from short end, allowing it to cool in rolled position to prevent cracking.
  8. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  9. Carefully unroll cooled cake, spread cream filling evenly across surface, then re-roll without towel.
  10. Refrigerate cake roll for at least 1 hour to set filling and enhance flavor. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is warm when rolling to prevent cracking and create a smooth, flexible texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better volume and lighter cake structure when beating with sugar.
  • Control moisture by not overmixing batter, which can lead to dense and tough chocolate roll.
  • Dust towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent cake from sticking during initial rolling process.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 232 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 116 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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