Did you know that a simple chocolate-covered strawberry can transform into a dazzling dessert with just a few extra steps? Introducing my delightful Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll Cake! This whimsical treat captures the essence of the classic chocolate-covered strawberry, featuring a soft and moist chocolate cake enveloping a luscious strawberry jam, all sealed with smooth ermine frosting and a glossy chocolate coating.
What’s even better? This Swiss roll is not just visually stunning—it's a breeze to make, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
As you dive deeper into this recipe, you’ll discover the joy of rolling cake the right way and utilizing fresh ingredients to elevate your baking game. The unique combination of flavors and textures creates a dessert experience like no other. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and whip up something extraordinary? Let’s get started!
Why is Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll irresistible?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate cake, tart strawberry jam, and creamy ermine frosting creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
Effortless Presentation: Roll cakes have a stunning visual appeal, making this dessert perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
Quick & Easy: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up without any fuss.
Versatile Options: Feel free to switch up the frosting or jam to suit your personal tastes—this recipe is a canvas for creativity!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether for a birthday or simply a treat for yourself, this Swiss roll is a surefire way to satisfy sweet cravings.
Essential Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll Ingredients
For the Chocolate Swiss Roll
• Eggs – Essential for structure and binding the cake.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• Self-Rising Flour – Provides structure and leavening; substitute with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt if using all-purpose flour.
• Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process Preferred) – Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor of the cake.
• Simple Syrup – Keeps the cake moist and makes rolling easier; made with granulated sugar and water.
For the Ermine Frosting
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting.
• Flour – Acts as a thickening agent for a stable frosting.
• Whole Milk – Provides creaminess and moisture.
• Butter (Room Temperature) – Ensures a rich and smooth texture in the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses delightful flavor into the frosting.
• Salt – Balances and enhances the flavor.
For the Quick Strawberry Jam
• Fresh Strawberries (Washed and Diced) – The star ingredient that imparts fresh flavor.
• Sugar – Sweetens and helps the jam gel.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor and helps in setting the jam.
For the Garnish
• Chocolate Melting Wafers – Coating that adds a delicious chocolate shell.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries (Chopped, Optional) – Adds visual appeal and a crunchy texture on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes. Sift the self-rising flour, Dutch cocoa powder, and salt into the egg mixture, then gently fold until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly before baking for about 10 minutes, or until it springs back when lightly touched.
Step 2
While the cake is baking, prepare your sugared parchment. Cut a piece of parchment paper larger than the baking pan and sprinkle a good amount of granulated sugar over it, creating a sugary surface that will help prevent sticking and add a delightful sweetness to the roll. This step is key to ensuring that your Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll turns out beautifully when you roll it.
Step 3
Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately invert it onto the prepared sugared parchment paper. Carefully peel off the original parchment, taking care not to tear the cake. With the cake still warm, drizzle simple syrup over the top to keep it moist. Starting from one edge, roll the cake tightly using the sugared parchment as a guide. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely wrapped in the parchment, letting it maintain its shape.
Step 4
Next, prepare the ermine frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and flour, whisking continuously over medium heat for about 2 minutes until lightly toasted. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture simmers and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, transfer to a bowl and let it cool completely, either refrigerating it for a few hours or chilling in the freezer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the room temperature butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add the cooled flour mixture, mixing until smooth. Finally, blend in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Step 5
Now it's time to make the quick strawberry jam. In a saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices—this should take about 10 minutes. Once thick and jam-like, puree the mixture using an immersion blender or regular blender, being cautious due to the heat. Allow the strawberry jam to cool completely before using.
Step 6
With your cake and fillings ready, it’s time to assemble the Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll. Unroll the cooled cake carefully and spread an even layer of strawberry jam across the surface, followed by a smooth layer of ermine frosting. Roll the cake back up tightly, using the parchment to help, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, which will help it hold its shape.
Step 7
Finally, prepare to coat and garnish your creation. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate melting wafers, heating at 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth. Remove the chilled Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll from the refrigerator and carefully unwrap it. Coat the roll generously with melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. If desired, drizzle additional chocolate on top and sprinkle with chopped freeze-dried strawberries for an elegant finish. Slice into servings and enjoy the decadent layers of this delightful dessert!
Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful dessert! Tailor the flavors and textures to your liking.
- Whipped Cream: Swap ermine frosting with fluffy whipped cream for a lighter finish that melts in your mouth.
- Store-Bought Jam: For a time-saver, use store-bought strawberry jam instead of homemade—it’s convenient and still tasty!
- Chocolate Ganache: Replace melting wafers with a silky chocolate ganache made from melting chocolate and heavy cream for a richer coating.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds to the frosting for a delightful crunch and an unexpected flavor twist.
- Fruit Surprise: Experiment with different fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for a fresh take on the filling—bursting with flavor!
- Espresso Infusion: Enhance the simple syrup with a hint of espresso powder for a striking coffee flavor alongside chocolate.
- Minty Fresh: Stir in a few drops of mint extract into the ermine frosting for a refreshing mint-chocolate experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the chocolate batter for an exciting heat that surprises the palate.
What to Serve with Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll?
Indulge in a delightful celebration of flavors as you create a full meal around this decadent dessert.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries brings a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the richness of the roll. Their natural sweetness elevates the entire experience, making them a perfect sidekick.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, velvety texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the cake’s chocolatey layers, creating a delightful temperature play.
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Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea refreshes the palate and complements the chocolate and strawberry flavors in the Swiss roll, creating a lovely after-dinner experience.
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Chocolate-Covered Almonds: These crunchy bites echo the chocolate theme while providing a satisfying texture and nutty flavor that enhances the dessert.
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Chocolate Fondue: Serve with an assortment of fruits, pound cake cubes, or marshmallows for dipping. This interactive dessert option encourages fun and delicious moments for your guests.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, making each slice even more decadent and inviting.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: The effervescence and zesty lemon cut through the sweetness of the Swiss roll, making it a refreshing palate cleanser.
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Espresso or Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee pair perfectly with chocolate, enhancing the overall taste experience and providing a cozy end to your meal.
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Chocolate Ganache Dip: Drizzle extra chocolate ganache over the roll for a luxurious twist and serve with additional sliced strawberries for extra flair.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chocolate cake and strawberry jam up to 3 days in advance; simply store the cooled components tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The ermine frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days—just remember to bring it back to room temperature and re-whip it before assembly to ensure it’s fluffy. When you're ready to serve, assemble the Swiss roll by spreading jam and frosting, then re-roll and coat with chocolate. This way, you’ll impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort while keeping the flavors just as delicious and fresh!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll
Sugared Parchment: Make sure to sprinkle enough sugar on the parchment to prevent sticking and add a touch of sweetness.
Cool Completely: Ensure the rolled cake is completely cool before spreading the fillings; this will prevent melting and ensure clean slices.
Avoid Overmixing: When folding the batter, mix just until combined to maintain the light and fluffy texture of the Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll.
Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven properly; even a few degrees off can affect the baking time and cake texture.
Smooth Chocolate Coating: For a glossy chocolate shell, ensure that the melting wafers are fully melted. Heat them slowly to avoid burning.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll at room temperature for up to 1 day. Keep it covered to prevent drying out.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness while the flavors meld beautifully.
Freezer: If needed, you can freeze the Swiss roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: For best results, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature; there’s no need to reheat the Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll, as it’s delightful straight from the fridge!
Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe FAQs
What cream do you put in a chocolate Swiss roll?
I recommend using ermine frosting for a traditional chocolate Swiss roll. This creamy and smooth frosting complements the chocolate cake perfectly, adding richness without being overly sweet. You could also experiment with whipped cream or a light buttercream if you prefer more options!
What do you put in the middle of a Swiss roll?
Typically, you'll find various fillings in a Swiss roll, but for this Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll, I use a homemade strawberry jam followed by a layer of ermine frosting. This combination offers a luscious, fruity contrast to the rich chocolate cake, making every bite a delight.
Why did my Swiss roll go rubbery?
A rubbery texture in a Swiss roll usually comes from overmixing the batter or overbaking the cake. To achieve a light, fluffy cake, gently fold the dry ingredients in until just combined, and keep a close eye on your baking time—10 minutes should be sufficient for this roll!
Should we roll Swiss roll hot or cold?
It's best to roll the Swiss roll while it’s still warm. This allows the cake to bend without cracking, ensuring a perfect swirl. Once rolled, allow it to cool completely wrapped in parchment, which helps it maintain its shape.
Can you put buttercream in a Swiss roll?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on ermine frosting, you can substitute any favorite buttercream as a filling for your Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll. Just ensure your buttercream is spreadable—if it’s too stiff, you might find it challenging to roll without tearing the cake.
How can I ensure my Swiss roll stays moist?
To maintain the moisture, I recommend drizzling simple syrup over the warm cake right after baking. This not only keeps the cake tender but also adds extra sweetness. Additionally, store leftovers in an airtight container to prevent drying out, and enjoy them within a few days for the best experience.
Indulgent Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll You’ll Crave Daily
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper. Beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold gently. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare your sugared parchment by sprinkling granulated sugar over it. This helps prevent sticking.
- Invert the baked cake onto the sugared parchment, peel off the original parchment, and drizzle simple syrup over the cake. Roll the cake tightly using the parchment and let it cool.
- To make the ermine frosting, combine sugar and flour in a saucepan, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, continue to stir until thickened, then cool. Beat butter and mix in the cooled flour mixture, vanilla extract, and salt.
- For the quick strawberry jam, combine diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan and cook until thick. Allow to cool completely.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread strawberry jam and ermine frosting. Roll back up and chill in the fridge.
- Melt chocolate wafers in a microwave and coat the chilled Swiss roll. Optionally drizzle with more chocolate and top with freeze-dried strawberries. Slice and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Sprinkle enough sugar on the parchment to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the cake cools completely before spreading fillings.
- Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Preheat your oven properly.
- Melt chocolate wafers slowly for a smooth coating.
