Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Fluffy Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe: Sweet Spiral Magic

Rich chocolate whispers dance through this decadent cake roll, promising pure indulgence.

Soft layers promise a dreamy texture that melts instantly.

Delicate swirls of cream complement the deep cocoa notes perfectly.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dessert brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

Skilled bakers and curious newcomers can create something truly spectacular with minimal effort.

Each slice promises a journey of sweet, velvety satisfaction that lingers beautifully.

Chocolate Cake Roll: Classic Elegance on a Plate

  • Create Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks professionally crafted with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress family and friends with a visually stunning chocolate cake roll that tastes as incredible as it looks, perfect for gatherings and special celebrations.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Adapt this recipe for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties, making it a go-to dessert for any event.
  • Customizable Creativity: Experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves, flavored creams, or nutella to personalize your cake roll and keep things exciting.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake Roll

For the Cake Base:
  • Eggs: The primary structure and leavening agent that provides volume and richness to the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, airy texture in the cake.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that gives structure to the cake.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides the deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, soft texture.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors in the cake.
For the Filling and Topping:
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Creates a light, sweet whipped cream filling for the cake roll.
  • Chocolate Chips: Forms a smooth, rich ganache topping for the cake.

How to Bake a Perfect Chocolate Cake Roll

How to Bake a Perfect Chocolate Cake Roll

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and give it a generous coating of grease.

Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and sift together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Base

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 5 minutes until the mixture looks thick and pale.

Gently stir in vanilla extract and oil, blending until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.

Mix carefully until everything is perfectly combined with no dry spots.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cake is ready when it springs back after a light touch.

Step 6: Create the Cake Roll

Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Immediately flip the hot cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper.

Carefully roll the cake with the towel, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: Whip the Filling

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

Beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture looks cloud-like.

Step 8: Fill and Roll

Gently unroll the cooled cake.

Spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface. Roll the cake back up without the towel this time.

Place seam-side down on a serving platter.

Step 9: Create Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream until it just starts to simmer.

Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until silky smooth.

Step 10: Finish and Chill

Pour the ganache over the cake roll, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Step 11: Serve and Decorate

Optional garnishes include a dusting of powdered sugar, scattered fresh berries, or delicate chocolate shavings.

Tips for Flawless Chocolate Cake Roll

  • Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, even cake texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better volume and a lighter, fluffier cake roll.
  • Roll the cake while it's still warm to prevent cracking and make it more pliable.
  • Whip cream to stiff peaks for a stable, structured filling that won't ooze out.
  • Chill the cake roll before serving to help it set and make slicing easier, creating clean, beautiful portions.

Variations on Chocolate Cake Roll

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cake Roll: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and select dairy-free chocolate for the ganache.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Cake Roll: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nutty Chocolate Cake Roll: Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts inside the filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas for Chocolate Cake Roll

  • Savor Chocolate Delights with Perfect Pairings
  • Brew Rich Coffee Complement: Dark roast or espresso cuts through the cake's sweetness, enhancing chocolate's deep, complex flavors with its robust profile.
  • Unleash Fruity Wine Magic: Select a sweet port or late-harvest red wine, which balances the chocolate's richness and adds elegant berry undertones to each decadent bite.
  • Craft Creamy Ice Cream Match: Serve vanilla bean or raspberry sorbet alongside the cake roll, creating a refreshing contrast that highlights the dessert's smooth chocolate texture.
  • Elevate Liqueur Experience: Enjoy a small glass of chocolate or hazelnut liqueur, which amplifies the cake's indulgent notes and provides a luxurious drinking companion.

Best Ways to Store Chocolate Cake Roll

Store the chocolate cake roll in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

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 without losing quality or taste.

Remove from the freezer and let the cake roll defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the ganache and restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients needed for this chocolate cake roll?

The key ingredients include eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, heavy cream, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and oil. These ingredients create the soft cake, creamy filling, and rich chocolate topping.

  • How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This recipe is moderate in difficulty. It requires some technique like rolling the cake while hot and creating a smooth ganache, but it’s manageable for bakers with basic skills. Patience and careful handling are important for success.

  • Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake roll a day in advance. After completing the ganache, store it in the refrigerator covered. This actually helps the flavors meld and makes the cake easier to slice.

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Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate dreams come alive in this classic Chocolate Cake Roll, where rich cocoa layers dance with creamy filling. Delicate swirls of chocolate embrace silky smooth cream, promising pure indulgence with each delightful slice you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Cake Preparation Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar (for rolling)

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake foundation by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with grease and line with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Whip eggs and sugar at high speed for 5 minutes until the mixture transforms into a thick, pale cream. Gently incorporate vanilla extract and oil.
  4. Delicately fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture, ensuring complete integration without deflating the batter.
  5. Distribute batter uniformly across the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the surface rebounds when lightly pressed.
  6. Immediately dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert the hot cake onto the towel, remove parchment paper, and carefully roll the cake with the towel from the short end. Allow to cool completely.
  7. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks develop.
  8. Gently unroll the cooled cake, spread whipped cream evenly, and re-roll without the towel. Position seam-side down on a serving platter.
  9. Create chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let rest for 2 minutes, then whisk until silky smooth.
  10. Drizzle and spread ganache evenly across the cake roll.
  11. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour before slicing.
  12. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar, garnish with fresh berries or chocolate shavings.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume when beating, creating a lighter, airier cake texture.
  • Use a light hand when folding dry ingredients to maintain the cake’s delicate, fluffy structure and prevent deflating the batter.
  • Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and make rolling the warm cake easier without cracking.
  • Refrigerate the cake roll for at least an hour before serving to help it set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 277 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 97 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 82 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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