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Swirled German Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Swirled German Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Indulgent German chocolate cake roll weaves rich chocolate sponge with silky coconut-pecan filling, creating a delightful dessert that whisks you to sweet culinary bliss. Elegant swirls and intense flavors make this classic treat an irresistible centerpiece for any celebration.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
  • Powdered sugar (for rolling the cake)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (70 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 oz (113 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tsp butter (for shine)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, applying a light grease coating.
  2. Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder together in a mixing bowl.
  3. Wet Mixture: Vigorously beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and pale in color.
  4. Batter Integration: Incorporate vanilla, milk, and vegetable oil into the egg mixture. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Initial Baking: Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake surface springs back when touched.
  6. Initial Rolling: While warm, invert cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel. Remove parchment paper and roll cake with towel from the short side.
  7. Filling Preparation: Combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Continuously stir until thickened, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and blend in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Allow to cool to room temperature.
  8. Cake Assembly: Carefully unroll cooled cake and spread coconut-pecan filling evenly across the surface. Gently re-roll cake without the towel, positioning seam-side down on a serving platter.
  9. Ganache Creation: Heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate, allowing to sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth, then incorporate butter for a glossy finish.
  10. Final Presentation: Drizzle ganache over rolled cake. Allow ganache to set for 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve, optionally garnishing with additional pecans or shredded coconut.

Notes

  • Avoid over-baking the cake roll to prevent dryness; watch carefully and remove when cake springs back lightly to maintain soft, flexible texture.
  • Use a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel to prevent sticking and help create smooth, even cake roll without cracking.
  • Allow coconut-pecan filling to cool completely before spreading to prevent cake from becoming soggy and maintain structural integrity.
  • Ensure chocolate is chopped finely and cream is just steaming (not boiling) to create smooth, glossy chocolate coating without burning or separating.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg