Chocolate Cake Roll with Creamy Mascarpone Filling Recipe

If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts that impress without overwhelming effort, this Chocolate Cake Roll with Creamy Mascarpone Filling Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture a soft, tender chocolate sponge rolled delicately around a rich, dreamy mascarpone and cream cheese filling that is light but packed with flavor. It’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy treat any day, combining the classic charm of chocolate cake with the silky smoothness of a mascarpone cream that just melts in your mouth. You’ll soon see why this is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this recipe is straightforward, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the eggs that lend structure to the cocoa powder that delivers a rich chocolate punch, these essentials come together simply but beautifully.

• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Provide lift and structure for the light, airy sponge cake.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the chocolate.
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour: The base for the sponge, ensuring a soft crumb.
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and color.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough for a tender texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate taste.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting: Keeps the cake from sticking to the towel and adds a delicate sweetness on top.
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: Whipped to create a light, fluffy filling base.
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without graininess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely fragrance to the creamy filling.
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened: Adds tanginess and richness to the filling.
• 1/2 cup (120g) mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese (optional): Elevates the filling with a luxuriously smooth texture and depth of flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Cake Roll with Creamy Mascarpone Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan, then line it with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment as well to ensure your cake slides out easily later. This prep step is crucial for that perfect, flawless roll.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution and helps prevent lumps, giving your cake that smooth texture we’re after in a good roll.

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale, fluffy, and doubled in volume—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where the sponge gets its lightness, so don’t rush it. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that classic warming note.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula or spoon. Be tender and careful here to keep as much air in the batter as possible. That air is what makes the sponge so soft and flexible for rolling later.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Smooth the surface so it bakes uniformly, then place it in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for a cake that’s springy to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean. Don’t overbake, or it will crack when rolling.

Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm

Once baked, dust a clean kitchen towel heavily with powdered sugar. Immediately invert the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up with the towel inside. Doing this while the cake is warm prevents cracking and starts training the cake to keep its roll shape as it cools.

Step 7: Prepare the Filling

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mascarpone until silky smooth. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and silky. This filling is the star, providing lightness balanced by creamy richness.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake Roll

When the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it from the towel. Spread the creamy mascarpone filling evenly over the cake’s surface. Then, carefully roll it back up, starting at one short end. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar and feel free to get fancy with chocolate shavings or a piped touch of whipped cream.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Place your cake roll in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the filling set so each slice holds beautifully and melts in your mouth with every bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake Roll with Creamy Mascarpone Filling Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Chocolate Cake Roll with Creamy Mascarpone Filling Recipe presentation, dusting it lightly with powdered sugar is timeless and elegant. For a touch of drama, sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls on top, or add a few fresh raspberries or mint leaves for color contrast and a fresh zing.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a frothy cappuccino, balancing the cake’s sweetness. For a lighter contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to round out the experience with a creamy-cold dimension.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the roll into pinwheel pieces and serving them on a dessert platter for parties. You can also pipe extra mascarpone filling on the side for extra indulgence. For celebrations, consider drizzling a bit of warm chocolate sauce or caramel over each slice for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Chocolate Cake Roll with Creamy Mascarpone Filling Recipe keeps well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and the cake remains moist and tender.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole rolled cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to one month. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain that perfect creamy texture without sogginess.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out at room temperature for 20 minutes rather than microwaving, which could affect the texture of the filling.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your cocoa powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious.

What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

You can use ricotta or add extra cream cheese instead. Mascarpone gives a luscious creaminess and mild flavor, but ricotta adds a nice lightness while cream cheese contributes tang and richness, so feel free to adapt.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes! The filling can be made a day in advance. Keep it covered and chilled in the refrigerator, then gently fold it again before spreading to ensure it’s perfectly smooth and fluffy.

Is it okay to use salted butter in the cake?

This particular recipe doesn’t include butter in the sponge, but if you experiment with adding butter or other fats to a variation, reduce or omit the salt accordingly to maintain the right balance of flavors.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

The key is to roll the cake immediately after baking while it’s still warm and pliable, using a powdered sugar-dusted towel to help. This gentle practice “trains” the cake to roll smoothly once cooled without breaking.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cake Roll with Creamy Mascarpone Filling Recipe truly brings a smile to anyone’s face, combining the nostalgic delight of a classic rolled cake with a luxuriously smooth filling that feels special yet totally achievable in your own kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try, impress your loved ones, and savor each melt-in-your-mouth bite of this elegant, comforting dessert. You might just find yourself making it again and again!

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