Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious, the Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake is your new best friend. This delightful treat wraps a light, chocolatey sponge cake around a rich and creamy hazelnut filling, all cloaked in a silky chocolate glaze. It’s the kind of cake that feels fancy, yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it a dessert that will have friends and family asking for seconds before you know it.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake lies in its beautifully balanced ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the airy sponge to the luscious hazelnut filling and shiny chocolate glaze, these components come together effortlessly.

• 5 large eggs (room temperature): These are essential for a light and airy sponge, helping it rise beautifully.
• ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake while keeping it tender.
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the sponge and helps create that lovely golden color.
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened): Offers a rich, deep chocolate flavor without adding moisture.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the sponge a gentle lift for a tender crumb.
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk: Keeps the sponge moist and soft.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the cake from drying out.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with sweet, aromatic notes.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled: Whipped to create a light filling that holds its shape.
• ¾ cup (200 g) chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella or similar): The star ingredient for the luscious filling.
• ¼ cup (30 g) toasted chopped hazelnuts (optional): Adds delightful crunch and enhances the hazelnut flavor.
• 200 g dark or milk chocolate (chopped): For the luscious glaze that seals in moistness and adds shine.
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream: Heated to melt chocolate for the silky glaze.
• 1 tbsp butter: Adds gloss and smoothness to the chocolate glaze.
• Decoration options: Ferrero Rocher chocolates, chocolate squares or curls, toasted hazelnuts, powdered sugar for dusting.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake

Step 1: Bake the Perfect Sponge Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Beat your eggs and sugar together until the mixture is thick and pale – this takes about 5 to 6 minutes and is key to that airy sponge texture. Then, sift together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure everything is light and lump-free. Gently fold the dry ingredients into your egg mixture, followed by the milk, oil, and vanilla extract, making sure not to deflate that precious airiness. Pour the batter into your pan, smooth it out evenly, and bake for 10-12 minutes – the cake should spring back lightly when you touch it.

Step 2: Shape the Roll

Once your sponge is out of the oven, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted lightly with cocoa powder. This prevents sticking and adds a touch of extra chocolate flair. Carefully invert the warm cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and immediately roll the sponge up with the towel inside. Rolling it while warm prevents cracking later on. Set it aside to cool completely in this rolled shape – this makes filling and re-rolling a breeze.

Step 3: Whip Up the Filling

For the luscious filling, whip your chilled heavy cream to soft peaks before folding in the chocolate hazelnut spread until everything is smooth and creamy. This combination creates a dreamy, luscious center with just the right balance of lightness and decadence. Once your sponge has cooled, gently unroll it, spread the filling evenly over the surface, and sprinkle on toasted hazelnuts if you like a bit of crunch. Then, roll it back up tightly and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to help it set beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze and Coat the Roll

For the glaze, heat your heavy cream until it’s steaming but not boiling, and pour it over your chopped chocolate and butter. Stir gently until you have a silky, glossy glaze that is just perfect for draping over your chilled roll. Pour the glaze slowly over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally, and smooth it out if needed for a polished finish. This glossy coat seals in moisture and adds a rich chocolate punch that will wow your guests.

Step 5: Decorate Your Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake

Now comes the fun part! Top your masterpiece with Ferrero Rocher chocolates or your favorite truffles, scatter chocolate squares or curls, sprinkle toasted hazelnuts, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. These little finishing touches take your Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake from gorgeous to absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake

Garnishes

Freshly chopped hazelnuts and a dusting of powdered sugar not only add visual appeal but provide a wonderful textural contrast to the soft, creamy cake. Garnishing with chocolate curls or mini truffles elevates the experience and makes each slice feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A few fresh berries on the side can also bring a bright, tangy note that balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert table centerpiece, slice your Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake into even rounds and stack them on a tiered platter. You could also drizzle extra chocolate sauce artistically around the plate or serve individual slices with a sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts and a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake refrigerated, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to three days. Bringing it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving restores that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to a month. To thaw, let it defrost overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended. However, letting refrigerated leftovers sit out for 15 minutes is perfect to regain that soft, supple texture everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut spread instead of chocolate hazelnut?

Absolutely! While chocolate hazelnut spread is traditional and delicious here, you can experiment with almond butter or peanut butter for a different twist on the flavor profile.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

A rimmed baking sheet around 10×15 inches works just as well. Just be sure it’s shallow so your sponge bakes evenly and rolls easily.

Do I have to toast the hazelnuts?

Toasting is optional but highly recommended. It enhances the hazelnuts’ flavor and gives them a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Can I make the Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check your baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free as well for the best results.

Is there a way to make the cake less sweet?

Definitely! You can reduce the sugar in the sponge slightly or use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the glaze to balance the overall sweetness to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chocolate Hazelnut Swiss Roll Cake, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved treat. It’s a delightful dance of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly approachable for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this cake invites you to savor the joy of homemade desserts. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!