Chocolate Cake Roll (Rich & Moist Swiss Roll Recipe)

Hello my sweet friends! Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com, and today, I’m sharing a dessert that’s close to my heart — the Chocolate Cake Roll. Growing up, I was fascinated by the way my grandmother would turn a thin sponge into a perfect spiral filled with cream and ganache. It was pure magic — and now, I’m thrilled to pass that magic on to you.

This Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake (also known as a Chocolate Roll Cake Recipe) is pure indulgence — think of a feather-light moist chocolate sponge cake, filled with a cloud of vanilla whipped cream and covered in glossy dark chocolate ganache filling. It’s elegant enough for the holidays, yet easy enough to bake on a Sunday afternoon.

If you’re new to rolled cakes, don’t worry! I’ll walk you through every step to ensure your sponge stays soft, flexible, and crack-free. The secret? A balanced batter and the perfect rolling technique (you’ll learn my Chef-approved tip below).

This recipe is part of our delicious collection of Cake Roll Recipes — a series of light, creamy, and irresistibly rolled desserts. If you’re in the mood for something different, try my Matcha Swiss Roll Cake for a Japanese-inspired twist, or the Strawberry Shortcake Roll for a fruity, spring-ready version. And of course, coffee lovers shouldn’t miss our Tiramisu Cake Roll.

Whether it’s for a special celebration, a cozy evening, or a baking challenge, this homemade Swiss roll cake will make you feel like a pro pastry chef in your own kitchen.

💕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍫 Decadent yet light – The balance between the airy chocolate sponge and the rich filling is simply perfect.
• 🎂 Foolproof rolling method – My tested technique ensures you’ll never worry about cracks.
• ☕ Dark Chocolate Ganache Filling – Made with semi-sweet chocolate for a deep, smooth flavor.
• 🧁 Easy Chocolate Cake Roll from Scratch – No fancy tools, no mixer tricks — just simple baking joy.
• 🥄 Moist Chocolate Sponge Cake – Oil and whipped eggs keep it soft even after refrigeration.
• ❄️ Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for parties and family dinners.

Tell me: Do you prefer your cake roll filled with whipped cream or extra chocolate ganache? 🍫👇

🥚 Ingredients Needed

Before we start rolling, let’s talk ingredients. Each component of this Chocolate Cake Roll plays a key role in creating that soft, flexible sponge and luscious filling.

🧁 For the Chocolate Sponge:

• All-purpose flour – The base structure. You can also use cake flour for an even lighter crumb (King Arthur or Pillsbury work great).
• Cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred) – Gives a deep chocolate flavor and dark color. Brands like Ghirardelli or Hershey’s Special Dark are perfect.
• Cornstarch – Softens the sponge and keeps it flexible.
• Baking powder & salt – Balance structure and taste.
• Eggs (6 large, room temperature) – The backbone of the sponge; whip separately for the best texture.
• Granulated sugar – For sweetness and volume.
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the sponge moist (try canola or sunflower oil).
• Milk – Adds richness and helps bind the batter.
• Instant coffee powder (optional) – Enhances cocoa flavor without adding coffee taste.

🍫 For the Dark Chocolate Ganache Filling:

• Dark chocolate (50–70% cacao) – Use premium chocolate bars like Lindt or Ghirardelli.
• Heavy cream (whipping cream) – Creates that silky, melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate ganache filling.

🍦 For the Whipped Cream Filling:

• Heavy whipping cream – Use cold cream (Trader Joe’s or Costco).
• Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and stability.
• Vanilla extract – For aroma and a creamy flavor note.

Chef James’s Tip: Always use room-temperature eggs and sift your cocoa — it’s the secret to a smooth, lump-free sponge.

🍫 How to Cook (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Now for the fun part — let’s bake and roll your Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake like a pro!

👨‍🍳 Step 1. Prepare Your Pan

Line a 12×17-inch baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sponge releases smoothly later.

🥄 Step 2. Whip the Eggs

Separate the eggs. In one bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar, milk, oil, vanilla, and cocoa powder until pale and thick. In another, whip egg whites with sugar until soft peaks form. This gives your sponge its signature airy texture.

🧁 Step 3. Combine Gently

Fold the dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt) into the yolk mixture. Then, gently fold in the whipped whites using a spatula. Do not overmix — we want to keep it light and fluffy.

🔥 Step 4. Bake the Sponge

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and tap lightly to release air bubbles. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the top springs back when touched. Avoid overbaking — that’s key to how to roll a Swiss roll without cracking.

🧻 Step 5. Roll the Cake While Warm

Lay a clean tea towel or parchment sheet dusted with cocoa powder on your counter. Immediately invert the cake onto it, peel off the baking paper, and roll it up gently while it’s still warm. This helps the sponge “remember” its shape.

🍫 Step 6. Make the Dark Chocolate Ganache

Heat cream until just steaming. Pour over chopped dark chocolate, let sit 2 minutes, and stir until smooth. Refrigerate briefly until thickened.

🍦 Step 7. Whip the Cream

Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until assembly.

🌀 Step 8. Assemble

Unroll the cooled cake, spread whipped cream evenly, then add a thin layer of ganache. Roll tightly, seam side down. Coat with remaining ganache for that glossy finish.

🍴 Step 9. Chill & Serve

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into clean, perfect spirals.

Chef James’s Extra Tip:

“If your cake feels dry, brush it with a bit of milk or simple syrup before adding the filling — it will stay soft and flexible every time!”

Recipe Tips & Variations

Here’s where the real Chef magic comes in! 🎩
I’ve tested this Chocolate Roll Cake Recipe dozens of times in my kitchen, and these pro tips will help you nail it on your first try.

✅ Chef James’s Baking Tips

• Use oil instead of butter – It keeps your moist chocolate sponge cake soft, even after chilling.
• Roll while warm – Always roll the cake immediately after baking; this is how to avoid cracks and get that signature spiral.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder – A Dutch-process cocoa like Valrhona or Ghirardelli makes a huge difference in flavor and color.
• Don’t overfill – Spread the cream evenly but leave a small gap at the edge so the filling doesn’t spill out.
• Chill before slicing – Cooling the roll firms the ganache for clean, bakery-style cuts.

🥥 Flavor Variations

• 🥑 Keto Chocolate Roll – Swap sugar for erythritol and use almond flour instead of wheat flour for a low-carb version.
• 🥛 Dairy-Free Delight – Replace the whipped cream with coconut cream and use dark vegan chocolate for the ganache.
• 🍓 Berry Bliss Roll – Add a thin layer of raspberry jam before the whipped cream for a tangy contrast.

💡 Chef James’s Suggestion

“Want to impress your guests? Drizzle the top with melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts for a Nutella-inspired twist. It looks stunning and tastes divine!”

🧊 Storage & Reheating

So, you’ve baked the perfect homemade Swiss roll cake — now let’s make sure it stays fresh and luscious!

🧁 Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  The whipped cream and dark chocolate ganache filling hold perfectly when chilled.
• Freezer: Freeze (without ganache topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil.
  Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

🔥 Reheating (if serving warm)

• Air Fryer: 1 minute at 350°F gives the ganache a molten finish.
• Oven: Warm slices for 5 minutes at 300°F.
• Microwave: 10 seconds on medium — just enough to soften the cream without melting it.

Chef James’s Tip: Always let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving — the flavors bloom beautifully!

❓ FAQs (People Also Ask Style)

Let’s answer your most common baking questions — because the best bakers ask why, not just how!

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🍽️ What to Serve With This Recipe

Now that your Chocolate Cake Roll is chilled and ready to slice, let’s talk about the perfect pairings. 🍴

• ☕ A bold espresso or cappuccino – The bitterness enhances the cocoa richness beautifully.
• 🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Roll – Pair a chocolate slice with a fruity one for a colorful dessert platter.
• 🍵 Matcha Swiss Roll Cake – For guests who prefer a lighter, green tea twist.
• 🍮 Tiramisu Cake Roll – Combine both rolls for an elegant dessert trio during holidays.

Chef James’s Tip: For an extra-special touch, serve each slice with a drizzle of espresso syrup or a scoop of vanilla gelato.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this Chocolate Cake Roll made your heart melt, you’ll love exploring more of our rolled dessert creations on Tiramisucake.com. Each one brings a unique twist — from fruity layers to festive flavors:

• 🍠 Ube Cake Roll – A vibrant purple yam delight with a creamy coconut filling.
• 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Roll – Perfect for cozy autumn afternoons.
• 🍋 Lemon Cream Roll – Light, zesty, and perfect for spring gatherings.
• ❤️ Red Velvet Cake Roll – A show-stopping dessert with cream cheese filling.

👉 Don’t forget to visit our full Cake Roll Recipes hub to discover all the rolls you can bake next.

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Conclusion

And there you have it — the perfect Chocolate Cake Roll, baked with love and rolled to perfection! 🎂
I always say that the beauty of a good Swiss roll lies in the balance — the soft sponge, the smooth ganache, and that satisfying spiral that makes everyone at the table smile.

Whether it’s a family birthday, a weekend treat, or your first attempt at rolled cakes, this recipe will make you look (and feel) like a pastry chef.

For more delightful roll ideas, check out the full Cake Roll Recipes collection. And if you loved this, try the creamy Tiramisu Cake Roll or the colorful Ube Cake Roll next.

As always, follow safe food-handling practices and ingredient guidelines from the USDA — and for more expert baking techniques, I recommend checking Food Network’s cake tutorials.

Now it’s your turn:
👉 Try it, share it, and comment below — I’d love to see your Chocolate Cake Roll masterpieces! 🍫