Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll Recipe

The Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll is a truly decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of cocoa, creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, and luscious caramel sauce, all wrapped in a light, tender sponge cake. This delightful dessert balances indulgence and elegance, making it perfect for celebrations or a special weekend treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or eager to try something new, this Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll offers the perfect combination of moist texture, silky filling, and gooey ganache that will impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building the airy sponge, lending depth with cocoa, or adding that irresistible creamy caramel chocolate harmony.

• 4 large eggs (room temperature): Eggs provide the structure and fluffiness your sponge needs.
• ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour: The base of your cake, giving it its tender crumb.
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: For sweetness and helping to create a light, airy texture.
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Gives just the right lift for a soft sponge.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors subtly.
• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk: Keeps the batter silky and moist.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Adds moisture without weighing the cake down.
• Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream: For whipping into soft peaks to create the light filling.
• 1 cup (280 g) chocolate hazelnut spread: The base of the chocolaty filling that adds creamy decadence.
• ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce: Sweet and buttery, caramel sauce cozy up with chocolate for that perfect harmony.
• 200 g dark or milk chocolate (chopped): Essential for the shiny ganache topping that seals in the flavors.
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream: To create the luscious ganache that drapes the Swiss roll.
• 1 tbsp butter: Adds gloss and smoothness to the ganache.
• Chopped caramel fudge, mini caramel or chocolate candies, crushed peanuts or toffee bits: For a fun and tasty finish that adds texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll

Step 1: Bake the Perfect Sponge

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. In a large bowl, beat your eggs and sugar vigorously until the mixture is pale and triples in volume — this step is crucial for that airy sponge texture. Then sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt before gently folding them into the egg mixture, so you keep as much air in as possible. Incorporate the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract carefully until just combined, being mindful to keep the batter light. Pour this beautiful chocolate batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch closely; you want a springy, moist sponge that isn’t overbaked.

Step 2: Roll While Warm

The magic of a Swiss roll is in the rolling, and timing is everything. Prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with cocoa powder. As soon as your sponge comes out of the oven, turn it out onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and gently roll it from the short side while it’s still warm. This helps the cake hold its shape without cracking. Let the rolled cake cool completely in this shape—it sets the perfect foundation for the luscious filling to come.

Step 3: Prepare the Indulgent Filling

While your cake cools, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks — not too stiff, as you want it to blend effortlessly. Carefully unroll your cooled sponge, then spread an even thin layer of caramel sauce over the surface. Next, mix the whipped cream with the chocolate hazelnut spread to create a creamy, dreamy filling, and spread this generously over the caramel layer. This combination creates a heavenly balance of flavors inside your Swiss roll.

Step 4: Roll & Chill the Cake

Gently roll the cake back up, ensuring the filling stays snug inside. Wrap your roll tightly in plastic wrap to keep the shape intact and refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling time helps everything meld together and sets the roll firmly so it slices beautifully.

Step 5: Ganache & Decorate Your Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll

To finish this masterpiece, gently heat your heavy cream until it’s just steaming—avoid boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and butter, stirring continuously until the ganache is glossy and smooth. Carefully pour this over the chilled roll, letting it cascade down the edges for a dramatic, tempting look. Then get creative with your decorations: scatter chopped caramel fudge, mini caramel or chocolate candies, and crushed peanuts or toffee bits on top to add texture, color, and extra bursts of flavor.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll

Garnishes

When serving your Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll, a few extra touches elevate the experience. A dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar adds a refined note, while fresh berries introduce a bright contrast and a touch of tartness to balance the caramel’s sweetness. For an extra flair, drizzle a little warmed caramel or chocolate sauce across each slice for that ooey-gooey appeal.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to mellow the rich chocolate and caramel flavors. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk also makes the perfect companion, helping cleanse the palate between each scrumptious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn your Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll into a showstopper. Try slicing into pretty rounds and stacking them slightly offset on a serving platter, or arrange individual slices alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of crushed nuts. For a party, consider turning slices into mini dessert bites by skewering small cubes with caramel candies and nuts for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll can be refrigerated for up to three days, making it a lovely dessert to enjoy in the days after your celebration. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Before serving, let slices sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to bring out their full flavor and softness.

Freezing

If you want to prepare your Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll ahead of time or save leftovers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the entire roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Because this is a delicate cake with creamy filling and ganache, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow the frozen or refrigerated roll to thaw naturally to maintain the perfect texture and flavor balance without compromising its luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for the Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll, saving time without sacrificing flavor. Just choose a good quality sauce for the best results.

What type of chocolate is best for the ganache?

You can use either dark or milk chocolate for the ganache, depending on your preference. Dark chocolate will give a richer, slightly bitter finish, while milk chocolate provides a sweeter, creamier topping.

How do I prevent the sponge cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it is still warm and handling it gently is key to avoiding cracks. Also, dusting the towel with cocoa powder helps prevent sticking and keeps the cake smooth.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

It’s best to whip the cream and assemble the filling shortly before filling the cake to ensure freshness and the best texture. However, you can prepare the individual components in advance and mix them when ready.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! While the Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll might seem fancy, the steps are straightforward with just a bit of care, especially when rolling. With patience and attention to detail, even beginners can create this stunning dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a Chocolate Caramel Swiss Roll from scratch, and the rewards are as delicious as they are beautiful. This dessert invites both indulgence and sharing, making it a wonderful centerpiece for any occasion. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to the unforgettable blend of chocolate, caramel, and cream wrapped in a tender cake—you’re going to love every slice!