Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll

A soft vanilla sponge rolled with a creamy chocolate chip filling, coated in silky chocolate glaze, and decorated with extra chocolate and whipped cream—this Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll is a true showstopper dessert. I love how it combines lightness with indulgence in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this recipe gives me a bakery-style dessert without too much effort. The sponge is light and fluffy, the filling is creamy and studded with chocolate chips, and the glaze makes the whole cake look like it came straight from a pastry shop. I also enjoy how versatile it is—I can decorate it simply for a family treat or dress it up beautifully for special occasions.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sponge cake (jelly roll):

• 4 large eggs (room temperature)

• 100 g (½ cup) sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 60 g (½ cup) all-purpose flour

• 20 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

For the cream filling:

• 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream (cold)

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 50 g (½ cup) mini chocolate chips

For the chocolate glaze:

• 200 g (7 oz) milk chocolate, chopped

• 100 ml (½ cup) heavy cream

• 1 tbsp butter (for shine)

For decoration:

• Mini chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)

• Whipped cream swirls

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 10×15 inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment.

2. Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 5–6 minutes, then add vanilla.

3. Sift flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently into the egg mixture.

4. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden and springy.

5. While warm, invert cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and roll up with the towel. Let cool completely.

6. Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks. Fold in chocolate chips.

7. Unroll cooled sponge, spread filling, then roll up tightly. Chill 30 minutes.

8. Heat cream until steaming, pour over chopped chocolate, stir smooth, then add butter.

9. Pour glaze over the chilled roll, letting it drip down the sides.

10. Decorate with chocolate chips and whipped cream swirls.

Servings and timing

This Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll serves about 8–10 slices. It takes around 25 minutes of prep time and 30–35 minutes total with baking, chilling, and glazing included.

Variations

I sometimes add cocoa powder to the sponge for a chocolate-flavored roll. For a fruity twist, I like replacing the chocolate chips in the filling with chopped strawberries or raspberries. A dark chocolate glaze also works beautifully if I want a richer flavor.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. The cake tastes best chilled, but I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so the glaze softens slightly. Freezing is also possible—just wrap slices tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make the sponge cake ahead of time?

Yes, I can bake and roll the sponge a day ahead. I just keep it wrapped in a towel until I’m ready to fill and assemble.

How do I keep the sponge from cracking?

I roll it while it’s still warm and let it cool in that shape. That way, when I fill it later, it stays flexible without cracking.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the glaze?

Yes, I often swap it depending on how rich I want the roll to taste.

What other fillings work well?

I like using fruit jam, Nutella, or even mascarpone cream for different flavors.

Do I need a jelly roll pan?

It helps, but if I don’t have one, I use a rimmed baking sheet of similar size. The thickness of the sponge is what matters most.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chip Swiss Roll is a perfect blend of fluffy sponge, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate topping. I like making it for birthdays, holidays, or anytime I want to serve something impressive yet surprisingly easy. It’s a dessert that always gets compliments and leaves everyone reaching for another slice.

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