1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
2. Make the Chocolate Sponge Cake
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in oil, vanilla, and milk, then gently fold in dry ingredients.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
3. Bake & Roll the Cake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake is set and springs back when touched.
- While warm, turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder.
- Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel from the short end.
- Let it cool completely in the rolled shape (prevents cracking).
4. Make the Filling
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- (Optional) Mix in softened cream cheese for extra stability.
5. Assemble the Cake Roll
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over the surface.
- Gently roll the cake back up, using the towel to guide it.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Make the Chocolate Ganache (Optional Topping)
- Heat heavy cream until warm (but not boiling).
- Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Let cool slightly before drizzling over the cake roll.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice and serve with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or berries.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake Roll
Roll While Warm – Prevents cracks and makes rolling easier.
Don’t Overbake – A dry cake is harder to roll.
Chill Before Slicing – Makes clean, even slices.
Use a Sharp Knife – Wipe the blade between slices for a neat look.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Strawberry Roll – Add fresh chopped strawberries inside.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Roll – Use a peanut butter cream filling.
Mocha Cake Roll – Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the cake batter.
Double Chocolate Roll – Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
FAQs About Chocolate Cake Roll
1. Can I freeze a chocolate cake roll?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
2. Why did my cake crack when rolling?
The cake was either too dry or not rolled while warm. Try again with a slightly underbaked cake.
3. How do I keep the filling from oozing out?
Chill the cake before slicing, and don’t overfill it.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 3 days.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Cake Roll is rich, soft, and filled with a luscious cream filling, making it the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover! Whether for special occasions or a simple treat, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Try it today & enjoy a slice of chocolate heaven!