why make this recipe
This Chocolate Cake Roll is soft, chocolatey, and filled with a creamy filling. It looks fancy but is simple to make. It works for special days or a quick dessert. If you like easy sweet treats, also try 3-ingredient banana pancakes for a fast breakfast idea.
introduction
This cake roll uses a thin sponge baked in a jelly roll pan, rolled warm, and filled with a light cream cheese filling. You get a tender cake and a smooth filling. The ganache on top adds a glossy finish and rich chocolate flavor.
how to make Chocolate Cake Roll
Make the cake, chill it rolled, then fill and re-roll. Finish with a chocolate ganache. Work in steps: bake, roll while warm, chill, fill, chill again, then pour ganache. Keep tools and ingredients ready before you start.
Ingredients :
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, 4 large eggs, room temperature, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional), 4 ounces good quality chocolate
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. Butter the parchment and edges. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream together sugar and butter at medium speed for 30 seconds, then high for 30 seconds. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing for 30 seconds.
- Add dry ingredients to the mixer, mixing on medium-low until combined, then on medium for 30 seconds.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until it springs back when touched.
- After baking, cool for 1 minute. Using the parchment, lift the cake out and roll it up while warm in a clean towel or parchment. Chill to set.
- For the filling, whip 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form and set aside. Then whisk cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream.
- Gently unroll the cooled cake, spread filling, and roll it back without the parchment. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill.
- For the ganache, heat 1/2 cup cream and corn syrup until bubbles form. Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Chill until cool and whisk again.
- Remove the cake from the wrap, place it on a wire rack, and pour ganache over it, spreading to the edges. Refrigerate to set.
- Slice when set and serve.
how to serve Chocolate Cake Roll
Slice the roll with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature. Add a dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar if you like. Serve with fresh berries or a small scoop of ice cream.
how to store Chocolate Cake Roll
Store in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. You can freeze sliced pieces in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Chocolate Cake Roll
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smooth batter.
- Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracking.
- Chill the rolled cake to set the shape before filling.
- Warm the ganache slightly if it hardens, then pour when pourable but not hot.
- For a breakfast and dessert mix, pair small slices with savory muffins like high-protein pancake sausage muffins for a full spread.
variation (if any)
- Replace cream cheese filling with whipped mascarpone for a richer taste.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso to the ganache for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Use raspberry jam and whole whipped cream for a fruity filling.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the cake roll ahead?
A: Yes. Bake and roll the cake, then chill. You can fill and finish it the next day.
Q: Why did my cake crack when rolling?
A: The cake likely cooled too long before rolling. Roll it warm right after baking to avoid cracks.
Q: Can I use a different chocolate for ganache?
A: Yes. Use any good quality chocolate you like. Dark chocolate gives a richer ganache; milk chocolate gives a sweeter finish.
Q: How do I get clean slices?
A: Chill the roll well, use a sharp serrated knife, and wipe the knife between cuts.


Chocolate Cake Roll
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft and chocolatey cake rolled with a creamy filling, finished with a glossy ganache.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional)
- 4 ounces good quality chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream together sugar and butter at medium speed for 30 seconds, then high for 30 seconds. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing for 30 seconds.
- Add dry ingredients to the mixer, mixing on medium-low until combined, then on medium for 30 seconds.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until it springs back when touched.
- After baking, cool for 1 minute, then roll the cake up in a clean towel or parchment. Chill to set.
- Whip 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form and set aside. Whisk cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread filling, and roll it back without the parchment. Wrap in plastic and chill.
- For ganache, heat 1/2 cup cream and corn syrup until bubbles form. Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Chill until cool.
- Remove the cake from the wrap, place it on a wire rack, and pour ganache over it. Refrigerate to set.
- Slice when set and serve.
Notes
Chill the rolled cake to set the shape before filling. Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg

