Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll

Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll is a decadent dessert that features a rich chocolate sponge cake rolled with creamy caramel filling and finished with a smooth chocolate glaze. Elegant and indulgent, this roll is ideal for holidays, celebrations, or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the buttery sweetness of caramel in a soft, spongy cake. It’s visually impressive, easy to slice and serve, and offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite. A crowd-pleaser that tastes as stunning as it looks.

ingredients

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

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

• Eggs (room temperature)
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• Heavy cream
• Soft caramels or caramel sauce
• Butter
• Salt (optional, for salted caramel)

For the Chocolate Glaze (optional):

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• Heavy cream
• Butter

Decoration (optional):

• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate shavings
• Caramel drizzle

directions

1. Make the Sponge Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Mix in vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into egg mixture. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
2. Roll While Warm: Turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Remove parchment and roll the cake in the towel. Let cool completely.
3. Prepare Caramel Filling: In a saucepan, melt caramels or caramel sauce with heavy cream and butter until smooth. Let cool to a spreadable consistency.
4. Assemble Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread with caramel filling, and re-roll tightly.
5. Make the Glaze (Optional): Heat heavy cream and pour over chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth. Pour over the cake roll and chill until set.
6. Decorate and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel. Slice with a warm knife for clean edges.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Cooling/Assembly Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the filling.
• Peanut Butter Caramel: Swirl peanut butter into the caramel for a nutty twist.
• Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the sponge or glaze.
• Nutty Finish: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top.
• White Chocolate Glaze: Substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate.

storage/reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze the whole roll or slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until serving.

How do I keep the cake from cracking?

Roll it while it’s warm and pliable, and don’t overbake.

Can I use jarred caramel sauce?

Yes, just ensure it’s thick enough to spread without running.

What’s the best chocolate for the glaze?

Use semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for a balanced flavor.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the roll is delicious with just a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I use a cake mix?

You could adapt a chocolate cake mix, but a sponge cake texture is best for rolling.

How do I slice the roll cleanly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, and wipe between cuts.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend for the sponge if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, make two rolls or use a larger pan and adjust baking time.

What can I use instead of a jelly roll pan?

A rimmed baking sheet (about 10×15 inches) works well.

Conclusion

Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll is an elegant, indulgent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. With its soft sponge, rich caramel center, and silky chocolate glaze, it’s a treat that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

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