Chocolate Cake Roll

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A light and fluffy chocolate cake roll with rich cocoa flavor, perfect for special occasions or as a delightful dessert. Its tender sponge and chocolatey taste make it appealing to both kids and adults, offering a visually impressive and delicious treat that pairs well with whipped cream or berries.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan with waxed paper.
  3. Grease and flour the lined pan; tap out excess.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine cake flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Mix well.
  6. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until fluffy.
  7. In a small bowl, using clean beaters, beat egg whites on high until foamy.
  8. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
  9. Fold 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture.
  10. Alternately fold in the remaining egg whites and flour mixture.
  11. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  12. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter chocolate cake roll, consider using egg whites only and reducing the sugar slightly. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour mixed with cornstarch for a similar texture. Sifting the cocoa powder helps avoid lumps. Make sure to roll the cake while it's warm to prevent cracking when you fill it later.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chocolate cake roll dusted with confectioners' sugar for a simple presentation. It pairs beautifully with Lucille'S Homemade Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert further. This roll makes a delightful addition to any dessert table alongside American recipes like Butterscotch Cream Pie.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chocolate cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have filled the roll, keep it wrapped tightly to maintain freshness. For reheating, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warm, ensuring the filling stays intact.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Cake Roll contains roughly 211 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

211 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 3.3g 4% DV
Carbs 41.4g 15% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 219.8mg 10% DV
Potassium 284.9mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 43mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Calcium 78.8mg 6% DV
Iron 2.8mg 15% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cake roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chocolate cake roll a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, unroll it, fill it, and roll it back up. This can save you time on the day of your event.

What can I use as a filling for the cake roll?

Common fillings include whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache. You can also use a fruit filling like raspberry jam or even a layer of orange whip for a citrus twist. Choose a filling that complements the rich chocolate flavor.

Why did my cake crack when rolling?

Cracking can occur if the cake is overbaked or if it isn't rolled while still warm. Ensure you bake it just until a toothpick comes out clean and roll it gently as soon as it comes out of the oven. If it does crack, you can use frosting to cover imperfections.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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