Rainbow Chocolate Roll Cake

Rainbow Chocolate Roll Cake is a fun, festive dessert that combines a rich chocolate sponge cake with a swirl of vibrant rainbow-colored cream filling. This eye-catching roll is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to wow guests with a playful yet elegant presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate. The deep chocolate flavor balances perfectly with the light, sweet cream, and the colorful filling makes every slice a celebration. It’s a great alternative to traditional layer cakes and is surprisingly simple to assemble with a few basic tools.

Ingredients

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

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Unsalted butter (melted)

For the Rainbow Cream Filling:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (variety of colors)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
2. Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture.
4. Add melted butter and milk, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
6. Immediately turn the cake out onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel and roll up while warm. Let cool completely.
7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
8. Divide whipped cream into 5–6 bowls and tint each with a different gel food color.
9. Unroll the cake and pipe or spread the colored creams in rows across the surface.
10. Re-roll the cake tightly and chill for at least 1 hour before slicing. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Assembly and Chill Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time: About 2.5 hours

Variations

• Chocolate Ganache Topping: Add a smooth ganache glaze to contrast the colorful inside.
• Rainbow Frosting Swirl: Use a piping bag to create a rainbow swirl pattern on top.
• Fruit Layer: Add a thin spread of jam under the rainbow cream.
• Marble Effect: Gently swirl the colors for a tie-dye look instead of rows.
• Vegan Alternative: Use aquafaba for the sponge and coconut cream for the filling.

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly, for up to 4 days. Slice and bring to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. This dessert is not suitable for reheating. You can freeze the finished roll for up to 1 month—wrap well and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

How do I keep the cake from cracking?

Roll it while still warm using a clean towel to prevent cracking.

Can I use buttercream instead of whipped cream?

Yes, buttercream holds its shape longer and adds sweetness.

What colors work best?

Gel food coloring provides vibrant hues without thinning the cream.

Can I flavor the cream filling?

Yes, add fruit extracts or zest to each color batch for a fruity surprise.

What type of cocoa powder is best?

Use unsweetened natural or Dutch-processed cocoa for a rich flavor.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made the day before and stored in the fridge.

Do I need special tools for coloring?

Spoons, piping bags, or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off will work.

How do I slice it cleanly?

Use a sharp serrated knife and clean it between cuts.

Can I add decorations on top?

Absolutely. Rainbow sprinkles or piped frosting swirls make a great topping.

Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?

Yes! Let them help color the cream and spread it—it’s a fun activity.

Conclusion

Rainbow Chocolate Roll Cake is a delightful and creative dessert that brings joy to any table. With its rich chocolate sponge and cheerful rainbow filling, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Fun, festive, and easy to customize, this cake is sure to brighten any celebration.

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