How to Make Chocolate Roll Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s something undeniably magical about a chocolate roll cake. Maybe it’s the way the fluffy sponge cake embraces the rich chocolate filling, or perhaps it’s the elegant swirl that always feels like a celebration. Whatever the reason, this classic dessert is easier to make than you might think. Today, we’ll demystify the process and guide you, step-by-step, to create a chocolate roll cake that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Get ready to wow your friends and family with your newfound baking prowess!

What Makes This Chocolate Roll Cake So Special?

This recipe goes beyond the ordinary. It’s the result of countless trials and taste tests, incorporating expert tips and answering your frequently asked questions along the way. We’ll tackle common issues like cracking cake, uneven rolling, and achieving that perfectly balanced chocolate flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this comprehensive guide will empower you to create a chocolate roll cake that’s worthy of any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment You’ll Need

• 10×15 inch baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Sifter
• Two large bowls
• Whisk
• Parchment paper or wax paper for rolling
• Serrated knife

Chocolate Roll Cake Ingredients

Let’s Get Baking!

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15 inch baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two longer sides to help with lifting the cake later.
2. Whip the eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together on high speed until the mixture is pale yellow and has tripled in volume. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the whisk leaves ribbon-like trails that slowly dissolve back into the batter.
3. Gently incorporate dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, about a third at a time, folding gently with a rubber spatula after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a tough cake.
4. Add the vanilla: Gently fold in the vanilla extract.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched in the center.
6. Cool and prepare for rolling: While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel flat on your work surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, carefully invert it onto the powdered sugar-dusted towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper that the cake was baked on.

Expert Tip: To prevent the cake from cracking when you roll it, some bakers recommend rolling the cake while it’s still warm, with the towel in place. If you’re worried about the cake being too hot to handle, you can let it cool slightly, but don’t wait too long, as it becomes more prone to cracking as it cools.

Making the Filling:

1. Cream the butter and sugar: While the cake is cooling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Add remaining ingredients: Beat in the cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until the filling is smooth and creamy.

FAQ: Can I use a different type of frosting for my chocolate roll cake?

Absolutely! While this chocolate buttercream is a classic pairing, you can get creative with your fillings. Chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or even a fruit-flavored cream cheese frosting would be delicious alternatives.

Assembling the Roll Cake:

1. Spread the filling: Once the cake has cooled slightly, carefully unroll it from the towel. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edges.
2. Roll it up: Starting from one of the short ends, tightly roll the cake up, using the towel to help guide you. If you encounter any resistance, don’t force it, just gently encourage the cake to roll.
3. Wrap and chill: Once rolled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up, making it easier to slice.

Time to Decorate and Serve!

1. Dust with powdered sugar: Once chilled, carefully unwrap the cake and dust it with powdered sugar. You can also get creative with additional decorations, such as chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
2. Slice and serve: Use a serrated knife to slice the cake into even rounds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Slice of Chocolate Roll Cake

Extra Tips for Chocolate Roll Cake Success

• Room temperature ingredients are key: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you begin. This helps create a smoother batter and a more stable emulsion, resulting in a better texture.
• Don’t overbake the cake: Overbaking will make the cake dry and prone to cracking. Keep a close eye on it while it’s in the oven, and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.
• Handle the cake gently: The cake is delicate, especially when warm, so be sure to handle it with care to avoid tearing.
• Let it chill: Chilling the cake allows the filling to set and makes slicing much easier.

More Decadent Chocolate Treats to Try

If you enjoyed this chocolate roll cake recipe, you might also like these other chocolatey delights from Family Cuisine:

• How to Make Chocolate Cream Pie
• How to Make Italian Cassata Cake

Share Your Baking Triumph!

We’d love to see your chocolate roll cake masterpieces! Snap a picture and share it with us on social media. And be sure to leave a comment below letting us know how your cake turned out. Happy baking!