Chocolate Raspberry Swiss Roll

If you’ve ever dreamed of dessert that feels both elegant and comforting, look no further than this Chocolate Raspberry Swiss Roll. A soft, chocolate sponge cake filled with a luscious, tangy raspberry jam and a smooth whipped cream, it’s the kind of dessert that will impress at any occasion—whether it’s a holiday dinner, a birthday celebration, or a cozy treat just because. Each slice is a perfect balance of rich chocolate, sweet cream, and a burst of fruity raspberry. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Raspberry Swiss Roll

This decadent dessert is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection:

Elegant Yet Easy

While this Swiss roll looks fancy and impressive, it’s actually surprisingly easy to make. It’s a great way to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Rich and Light

The chocolate sponge cake is light and airy, while the raspberry filling adds a refreshing fruity twist. The cream brings it all together in a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Versatile Flavors

If you’re a fan of chocolate and fruit combinations, you’re in for a treat. The balance of rich chocolate and tart raspberry is simply irresistible, but you can switch the fruit out with other jams if you prefer.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it at a special dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this chocolate raspberry Swiss roll is always the star of the show. It’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself.

Make Ahead-Friendly

This dessert is ideal for making ahead of time. The flavors develop even more as it sits, and you can store it in the fridge for a few days until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

Now, let’s gather the ingredients to make this showstopper of a dessert:

Eggs

The base of any good sponge cake! Eggs provide structure and richness to the cake.

Sugar

We need a little sweetness to balance the cocoa in the cake.

Cocoa Powder

For that deep, chocolatey flavor that makes the sponge cake so delicious.

Flour

Just a little bit to give the cake body without making it too dense.

Baking Powder

To help the sponge cake rise and stay light and fluffy.

Salt

A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Raspberry Jam

This is the heart of the filling. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of raspberry jam pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate cake.

Heavy Cream

For the whipped cream filling—rich, light, and perfectly smooth.

Powdered Sugar

Sweetens the cream and helps it hold its shape when whipped.

Vanilla Extract

A dash of vanilla extract adds a little extra depth to the cream filling.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to roll? Let’s get started on this beautiful dessert:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This ensures your cake won’t stick and it’ll roll up perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Sponge Cake

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed in the center. Be sure not to overbake, as the cake needs to stay soft and pliable for rolling.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake up in the towel while it’s still warm. Let it cool completely in the towel.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Filling

While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it, or it might turn into butter!

Step 6: Unroll and Fill the Cake

Once the cake is cool, carefully unroll it. Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam evenly over the surface, followed by a layer of whipped cream.

Step 7: Roll the Cake Up

Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Be gentle, so the cake doesn’t crack. Once rolled, transfer it to a serving platter.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Chill the Swiss roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to set. Before serving, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

Nutrition Facts

(These numbers are estimates based on the ingredients used. You can adjust the recipe for different portion sizes as needed.)

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

How to Serve Chocolate Raspberry Swiss Roll

This delicious treat pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:

Fresh Berries

A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side will complement the flavors of the Swiss roll and add a fresh touch.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes the perfect pairing for this rich dessert.

Whipped Cream

If you want to amp up the creaminess, serve the Swiss roll with an extra dollop of freshly whipped cream on top.

Hot Beverage

Pair this indulgent dessert with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine for the ultimate treat.

Additional Tips

Use Homemade Jam

If you’re feeling extra, try making your own raspberry jam to elevate the flavor and give the dessert a more personal touch.

Make it Ahead

This Swiss roll actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead and let the flavors meld together.

Prevent Cracking

If you’re worried about the cake cracking when rolling, make sure to bake it just until it’s set, and don’t let it cool too long before rolling. The key is to roll it while it’s still warm.

Customize the Filling

Feel free to mix up the jam flavor—blueberry, strawberry, or even a citrus marmalade would work wonderfully if you’re craving something different.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought jam instead of homemade?

A1: Yes! Store-bought raspberry jam works perfectly. Just make sure it’s smooth and spreadable.

Q2: Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

A2: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make it gluten-free.

Q3: How do I store the Swiss roll?

A3: Store leftovers in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap. It’ll last for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I freeze the Swiss roll?

A4: Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I use a different fruit jam?

A5: Absolutely! You can use any jam you like—strawberry, blueberry, or even peach would make great alternatives.

Q6: How can I prevent the cake from cracking?

A6: Be sure to roll the cake up while it’s still warm and don’t overbake it. The cake should be soft and flexible when you roll it.

Q7: Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

A7: Yes, you can make the whipped cream a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Q8: How can I make this dessert dairy-free?

A8: Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for the filling and a dairy-free margarine for the cake. Make sure the jam you use is also dairy-free.

Q9: How do I make the Swiss roll even more decadent?

A9: You could add a layer of chocolate ganache over the whipped cream before rolling it up for an extra indulgent treat.

Q10: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

A10: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Adjust the baking time slightly if necessary.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Raspberry Swiss Roll is a showstopper of a dessert—delicious, elegant, and just the right balance of chocolate and fruit. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just treating yourself to something sweet, it’s sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy every delightful slice!

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