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If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both elegant and utterly irresistible, this Chocolate Cake Roll with Cream Filling and Ganache Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a soft, tender chocolate sponge cake rolled tightly around a rich, fluffy cream filling, then lovingly draped in a glossy, decadent chocolate ganache. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that simply melts in your mouth, perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, making the magic happen without fuss or complication. From the cocoa powder that gives the cake its rich chocolate color and depth, to the fresh heavy cream that whips up into a luscious filling, each component is a simple essential that brings the overall dessert together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness, ensuring the cake stays soft yet holds together well when rolled.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that deep, chocolatey flavor and a rich, dark color that makes this cake irresistible.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough to keep it light and spongy without being cakey.
- Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Large eggs: Give body and richness, while contributing moisture and that beautiful golden hue.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb when whipped with eggs.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to both the cake and cream filling.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft, making rolling a breeze without cracks.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling and filling): Prevents the cake from sticking during rolling and sweetens the whipped cream filling softly.
- Heavy whipping cream: Essential for both the fluffy cream filling and the silky ganache topping.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the ganache, giving a glossy, smooth finish and intense chocolate richness.
How to Make Chocolate Cake Roll with Cream Filling and Ganache Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pan and Oven
The first step is all about prep work—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your jelly roll pan ready by greasing it thoroughly and lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the cake will release easily after baking, which makes rolling it later effortless and keeps the cake intact.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sifting together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt not only helps remove any lumps but also evenly distributes the leavening agent. This step is crucial for a uniform texture and that perfect chocolate flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
Beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This aeration is what gives your cake its lightness and ensures a springy texture that won’t crack when rolled.
Step 4: Mix in Vanilla, Oil, and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil to keep your cake moist. Then, carefully incorporate the dry ingredients, making sure to retain as much air as possible to maintain that tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—your cake should spring back lightly when touched and not appear dry on top. The quick bake time is key to a soft, pliable cake that rolls perfectly.
Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm
This is a magical moment. Sprinkle powdered sugar over a clean kitchen towel, then flip the warm cake onto the towel and gently peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up with the towel inside and let it cool completely. Rolling while warm prevents cracking and forms the shape needed for the cream filling.
Step 7: Whip the Cream Filling
Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream filling is light, sweet, and the perfect contrast to the rich chocolate cake.
Step 8: Fill and Re-roll the Cake
Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface, then roll it back up, this time without the towel. Set it seam-side down for that neat finished look that makes slicing a dream.
Step 9: Prepare the Ganache Topping
Heat heavy cream just until it simmers, then pour over semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before whisking until smooth and silky. This glossy ganache adds a stunning, decadent layer that truly elevates the cake.
Step 10: Finish and Chill
Pour the ganache evenly over your cake roll and spread it to cover every inch beautifully. Chill the cake for at least an hour to let everything set, making slicing easy and the ganache firm but luscious.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake Roll with Cream Filling and Ganache Recipe

Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar over the ganache or decorating with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries adds a burst of color and a fresh tang to balance the richness. For a bit of flair, chocolate shavings or curls on top make an elegant finishing touch that wows every guest.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for those who want extra indulgence. A cup of rich coffee or a glass of dessert wine can also enhance the experience, making each bite even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake roll into neat rounds and plate them with artistic drizzles of chocolate or berry sauce. You could serve individual portions in clear glasses topped with extra whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a twist. The possibilities for presentation are as limitless as your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled and chilled, keep any leftover Chocolate Cake Roll with Cream Filling and Ganache Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for about 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cake longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Frozen properly, it can last up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain the cake’s soft texture and creamy filling.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not necessary—but if you prefer your ganache slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may affect the texture of the cream filling and ganache.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely! You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind the sweetness and adjust powdered sugar in the filling if needed to balance the flavors.
What if my cake cracks when rolling?
If cracks appear, it usually means the cake cooled too much before rolling or it baked too long. Don’t worry—just fill and roll it gently, the cracks often become less noticeable when covered with the ganache.
Can I prepare the cream filling in advance?
Yes, you can whip the cream filling a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick whisk before spreading to bring back its fluffiness if it settles or separates slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for both the filling and the ganache. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips as well. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I get perfect slices without squishing the cake?
Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chill the cake well before slicing and cut slowly with a gentle sawing motion to keep those slices neat and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cake Roll with Cream Filling and Ganache Recipe is a delightful treat that brings a touch of bakery-level magic right into your kitchen. Its blend of soft cake, delicate cream, and luscious ganache makes every bite feel like a celebration. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming a favorite for sharing with friends, family, or simply savoring on your own. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Chocolate Cake Roll with Cream Filling and Ganache Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Cake Roll features a light, fluffy cocoa sponge cake rolled with a smooth whipped cream filling and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or an elegant dessert, it offers a delightful balance of rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to combine and aerate the mixture.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and fluffy. Then gently mix in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil.
- Combine Ingredients and Bake: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to maintain airiness. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- Roll the Cake: As soon as you remove the cake from the oven, sprinkle powdered sugar over a clean kitchen towel, then turn the hot cake out onto this towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up with the towel inside. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled shape to prevent cracking.
- Prepare the Filling: Whip together the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light but stable cream filling.
- Fill and Re-roll: Gently unroll the cooled cake and evenly spread the whipped cream filling over the surface. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, placing it seam-side down to hold its shape.
- Make the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let this sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the prepared ganache evenly over the rolled cake, smoothing it with a spatula to coat completely.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake roll for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set. Before serving, optionally garnish with additional powdered sugar, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings for extra appeal. Slice into 10 servings.
Notes
- Beating the eggs and sugar well is essential for a light and airy cake texture.
- Rolling the cake while warm with a towel helps prevent cracks when filling.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results.
- Ganache can be slightly warmed if needed to keep pourable when glazing.
- Allow the cake to chill completely before slicing to achieve clean slices.

