No-Fail Chocolate Swiss Roll: A Perfect Cake Roll Recipe
This No-Fail Chocolate Swiss Roll recipe features a light and fluffy chocolate sponge cake rolled with a smooth Chantilly cream filling, then topped with a rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent everyday treat, this cake roll balances intense chocolate flavor with creamy sweetness, while the method ensures a tender, crack-free roll every time.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Whipping
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients:
- 75 g all-purpose flour
- 24 g Dutch processed cocoa powder + extra for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 10 g instant coffee powder
Eggs and Sugar:
- 4 large eggs (55 g each, divided)
- 140 g caster (superfine) sugar, divided in half
Butter and Flavoring:
- 55 g unsalted butter, melted
- 7 g vanilla extract
Chantilly Cream Filling:
- 250 g heavy cream, cold
- 50 g powdered sugar, sifted
- 7 g vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 250 g mascarpone, cold
Chocolate Ganache:
- 340 g dark chocolate
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 20 g brown sugar
- 250 g heavy cream
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) fan off, or 150°C (300°F) fan on. Line a jelly roll pan (37 x 24 cm) with baking paper and spray the bottom lightly with oil spray.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Add instant coffee powder and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Whip meringue: In a separate large bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form (~1 minute). Gradually add half (70 g) caster sugar in tablespoon increments while increasing to high speed. Beat until glossy and thick, about 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
- Whip egg yolks: In another large bowl, whip egg yolks, remaining sugar (70 g), and vanilla extract on high speed for 5 minutes until thick and pale.
- Fold whites into yolks: Gently fold half of the meringue into the yolk mixture until almost combined. Add the rest of the meringue and fold carefully until uniform.
- Add dry ingredients and butter: Sift the dry ingredients again over the batter. Gently fold until well combined. Drizzle in melted cooled butter and fold until no streaks remain.
- Bake the sponge: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10 minutes until the cake springs back lightly to touch.
- Remove and invert cake: Run a knife around the edges to loosen. Dust the top with 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. Place a sheet of baking paper, then a chopping board over the cake and flip it out. Remove the baking pan and peel off the baking paper from the bottom of the cake.
- Roll cake to cool: Roll the cake tightly with the baking paper from the narrow end to form a spiral. This prevents sticking and cracking. Let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare Chantilly cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, combine cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and mascarpone. Whip with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3–4 minutes. Avoid overwhipping.
- Make chocolate ganache (microwave method): Place dark chocolate, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Let cool slightly before use.
- Assemble the roll: Unroll the cooled cake gently, leaving the baking paper underneath. Spread the Chantilly cream evenly over the surface, leaving about a 1-inch gap at one end.
- Re-roll and chill: Roll the cake tightly from the end with the gap, using the baking paper to help. Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to set.
- Finish with ganache: Remove from fridge and unwrap the roll. Place it on a cooling rack over a tray. Drizzle the chocolate ganache evenly over the top, letting it cover the roll completely. Allow to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
- Instant coffee powder enhances the chocolate depth but can be omitted if desired.
- Ensure heavy cream and mascarpone are very cold for best whipping results.
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the Chantilly cream.
- For a shiny ganache, slowly heat ingredients and avoid overheating chocolate.
- Rolling the cake while warm with baking paper prevents cracks and sticking.
- Chill the assembled roll well so the cream and ganache can set firmly.
- Use a jelly roll pan approximately 37 x 24 cm with low sides for best shaping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of roll)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: Chocolate Swiss Roll, Cake Roll, Chocolate Cake, Chantilly Cream, Chocolate Ganache, Dessert, Easy Cake Roll