This Swiss Cake Roll is a classic dessert that’s sure to impress! With its light and airy chocolate cake, creamy marshmallow buttercream filling, and rich dark chocolate ganache, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion. Trust me, you’ll love the delicate flavors and textures of this elegant dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic & Elegant: A timeless dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Light & Airy: Delicate chocolate cake with a creamy filling.
- Decadent Flavors: Rich chocolate and sweet marshmallow.
- Impressive Presentation: Beautifully rolled and glazed.

Ingredients
Cake:
- Cake Flour: Provides a light and tender crumb.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
- Salt & Baking Powder: Leavens and flavors the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and meringue.
- Corn Syrup: Adds moisture and tenderness.
- Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Provides structure and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
- Tap Water: Adds moisture.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness.
Marshmallow Buttercream Filling:
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling.
- Marshmallow Fluff: Provides marshmallow flavor and texture.
- Unsalted Butter (Softened): Adds richness and creaminess.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
Dark Chocolate Ganache:
- Dark Chocolate Bar (Broken): Provides rich chocolate flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and glossy ganache.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Swiss Cake Roll
Cake:
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12×16 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and dust with powdered sugar.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Separate Eggs: Separate yolks and whites into separate bowls.
- Prepare Yolks: Add ½ cup sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla, and water to yolks. Place bowl in warm water. Beat until thick and foamy.
- Combine Yolks and Dry Ingredients: Warm oil, add to dry ingredients, whisk. Add to yolks and whisk gently.
- Prepare Meringue: Beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beat until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Batter: Fold meringue into yolk mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, tap to spread. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool and Roll: Immediately flip onto a sugared dish towel. Remove pan and parchment. Roll cake into a spiral and cool.
Marshmallow Buttercream:
- Combine Ingredients: Beat powdered sugar, vanilla, and butter until smooth.
- Add Marshmallow Fluff: Mix until combined.
- Fill Cake: Unroll cake, spread filling, and reroll.
Dark Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat Cream: Microwave cream until just bubbling.
- Melt Chocolate: Add chocolate to cream, let sit, then stir until smooth.
- Glaze Cake: Pour ganache over the cake and spread evenly.
- Set and Serve: Allow ganache to set before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature eggs for best results.
- Don’t over-mix the batter to keep the cake light.
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.
- Allow the ganache to set completely before slicing.
How to Serve Swiss Cake Roll

- Serve as a dessert for special occasions.
- Pair with a scoop of ice cream or fresh berries.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different filling?
Yes, you can use whipped cream, fruit preserves, or other buttercream flavors.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, use your preferred chocolate for the ganache.
3. How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a damp towel.
4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake flour blend and follow the recipe.
This Swiss Cake Roll is a delightful and impressive dessert that’s perfect for any celebration! Simple to prepare, packed with rich flavors, and beautifully presented, this recipe is ideal for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or a sweet treat anytime. Enjoy the light, creamy cake with every delicious slice!
Print
Swiss Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Swiss Cake Roll is a classic dessert that’s sure to impress! A light and airy chocolate sponge cake is filled with a creamy marshmallow buttercream and topped with a rich dark chocolate ganache. It’s a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or any time you want a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 3/4 cup cake flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 1/3 cup for the egg white mixture)
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons tap water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Marshmallow Buttercream Filling:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dark Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 ounces quality dark chocolate bar, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Chocolate Sponge Cake:
-
Prepare Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12×16 inch jelly roll pan (rimmed baking sheet) with parchment paper and dust it with powdered sugar.
- Sift Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the cake flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together into a small bowl. Set aside.
- Separate Eggs:
- Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a large mixing bowl and the whites in a separate large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Egg Yolks:
- To the bowl with yolks, add ½ cup of sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla, and water.
- Place this bowl inside a slightly larger bowl filled with warm tap water.
- Beat the yolks on high speed until they become pale yellow, thick, and foamy.
- Remove the bowl of yolks from the water.
- Combine Oil and Dry Ingredients:
- Microwave the vegetable oil until warm.
- Add the warm oil to the small bowl of sifted dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
- Add this chocolate-oil mixture to the egg yolk mixture and whisk gently until smooth.
- Whip Egg Whites:
- In the large bowl with egg whites, beat on high speed until they become frothy, thick, and start to hold their shape.
- Slowly add the ⅓ cup of sugar a little at a time, mixing well in between.
- Continue to beat on high until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add the meringue mixture to the egg yolk mixture and gently fold together with a silicone spatula until just evenly incorporated.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and tap it gently on the counter to spread evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Do not overbake.
- Prepare for Rolling:
- While baking, lay a clean dish towel flat on the counter and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
- Roll Cake:
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately flip the pan upside down onto the sugared towel.
- Remove the pan and parchment paper.
- Use the towel to gently roll the cake into a spiral and allow it to cool in this position.
- Once cool, unroll the cake for filling.
Marshmallow Buttercream Filling:
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and butter to a large mixing bowl.
- Beat with a stand or hand mixer until smooth.
- Add the marshmallow fluff and mix again until completely combined.
- Fill Cake:
- Gently unroll the cooled cake.
- Evenly spread the marshmallow buttercream filling over the top.
- Gently roll the cake back up.
- Set the cake seam side down on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
Dark Chocolate Ganache:
-
Heat Cream:
- Microwave the heavy cream until it just starts to bubble.
- Combine Chocolate and Cream:
- Add the broken chocolate pieces to the warm cream.
- Allow the chocolate to sit for a minute or so, then stir to combine until smooth.
- Pour Ganache:
- Pour the ganache over the rolled cake, using an offset spatula to ensure all sides are covered.
- Allow the ganache to set before serving.
Notes
- Cake Mix Version: You can use a devil’s food cake mix by combining one box of cake mix and 6 large room temperature eggs. Follow the same instructions as the homemade version after combining those two ingredients.
- Do not overbake the cake, or it will be dry and crack.
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for optimal results.
- Be gentle when folding the meringue into the yolk mixture to maintain the cake’s light and airy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg