Chocolate Swirl Swiss Roll

 

The Chocolate Swirl Swiss Roll is a light and fluffy sponge cake rolled with a rich and creamy chocolate filling, creating a beautiful swirl pattern. This elegant dessert is soft, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate ganache, or fresh berries, it is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Light and airy sponge cake with a rich chocolate filling.
  • Beautiful swirl pattern makes it visually stunning.
  • Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or holiday gatherings.
  • Can be customized with different fillings such as cream cheese or fruit jam.
  • No complicated techniques—just simple rolling and filling.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sponge Cake

  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whole milk
  • Vegetable oil

For the Chocolate Filling

  • Heavy cream
  • Dark chocolate, chopped
  • Powdered sugar
  • Butter (optional, for extra richness)

For Decoration (Optional)

  • Powdered sugar
  • Chocolate ganache
  • Fresh berries

Directions

1. Prepare the Sponge Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet (10×15 inches) with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add vanilla extract, milk, and oil, then gently fold in the dry ingredients.
  • Pour the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.

2. Roll the Cake

  • While the cake is still warm, carefully lift it with the parchment paper and roll it from the short end.
  • Let it cool completely in the rolled position to prevent cracking later.

3. Make the Chocolate Filling

  • Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
  • Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
  • Whisk in powdered sugar and butter (if using), then let cool until thickened.

4. Assemble the Swiss Roll

  • Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread an even layer of chocolate filling.
  • Carefully roll it back up, peeling away the parchment paper as you go.
  • Chill for 30 minutes to set the filling.

5. Decorate and Serve

  • Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate ganache, or add fresh berries.
  • Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8-10 slices
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 12 minutes
  • Cooling & Assembling Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

  • Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the filling.
  • Mocha Flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
  • Berry Swirl: Spread a thin layer of berry jam under the chocolate filling.
  • Cream Cheese Filling: Swap chocolate filling for sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Serving: Best served chilled or slightly at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I prevent my Swiss roll from cracking?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm and let it cool in the rolled shape to prevent cracks.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but the filling will be sweeter. Adjust the sugar if needed.

How do I make the cake extra soft?

Beat the eggs and sugar until very fluffy—this creates a light sponge texture.

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! Try whipped cream, mascarpone, or fruit preserves for variety.

How do I get a perfect swirl when rolling?

Spread an even layer of filling and roll gently without pressing too hard.

Can I make this Swiss roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until serving.

What’s the best way to cut the Swiss roll cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and clean it between slices for neat cuts.

Can I add liqueur for extra flavor?

Yes, a splash of rum, Baileys, or Grand Marnier in the filling adds a gourmet touch.

Why is my cake too dry?

Overbaking can dry out the sponge. Remove from the oven as soon as it springs back when touched.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Swirl Swiss Roll is an elegant yet simple dessert that delivers both beauty and flavor. With its airy sponge and luscious chocolate filling, it’s a treat that impresses with every bite. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with ganache, this Swiss roll is sure to be a crowd-pleaser

 

Print
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Chocolate Swirl Swiss Roll

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  • Author: Mariem
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Swiss

Description

This Chocolate Swirl Swiss Roll is a light and fluffy sponge cake rolled with a creamy chocolate filling and drizzled with chocolate for a picture-perfect dessert.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the sponge cake:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate

For garnish:

  • 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for drizzling)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Sift in flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Fold gently, then add milk and vanilla.
  • Pour batter into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
  • While warm, roll the cake with parchment paper and let it cool.
  • Whip heavy cream and powder
  • Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracks.
  • Let the filling chill for 15 minutes before rolling for easier spreading.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • ed sugar, then fold in melted chocolate. Unroll the cake, spread the filling, then roll it back up.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving.

Notes

  • Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracks.
  • Let the filling chill for 15 minutes before rolling for easier spreading.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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