Cake rolls, known for their delicate, sponge-like texture and visually impressive swirl of flavors, have long been a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a festive celebration or a quiet family gathering, these rolled cakes offer both elegance and indulgence. In this article, we explore several delightful cake roll recipes—each a variation on the classic, with a unique twist that appeals to a wide array of taste preferences. From fruity and creamy combinations to chocolate indulgence, each recipe offers a slice of joy in every bite. Let’s take a deep dive into five heavenly cake rolls that will surely become crowd-pleasers at any event.
1. Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll
The Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a perfect marriage of two beloved desserts: cheesecake and sponge cake. The soft, moist sponge cake pairs beautifully with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, while the cherry topping adds a tangy, fruity twist. This dessert not only looks stunning but also offers a balance of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. The cake batter is simple to make—beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale, then fold in the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients. Once the batter is spread evenly in the pan, bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch.
After baking, roll the cake while it’s still warm, using a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from cracking later on. Once the cake is cool, unroll it and spread a creamy cheesecake filling made with cream cheese, whipped heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling before carefully re-rolling the cake. Top with more cherry filling and dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
Why This Cake Is Special: The combination of cheesecake and cake creates a texture that is both smooth and light, and the cherries on top add a refreshing contrast. It’s a perfect dessert for those who enjoy a balance between rich and fruity flavors.
2. Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake
The Elegant Black Forest Roll Cake brings the rich, decadent flavors of the classic Black Forest cake into a neat and manageable roll. This cake is filled with whipped cream, cherry preserves, and topped with chocolate curls, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday dinners.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned or jarred morello cherries, drained and chopped
- ¼ cup cherry preserves or jam
- For the Decoration:
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Extra cherries for garnish
- Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
Directions: After preheating the oven and preparing the jelly roll pan, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale, then gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients and milk. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake is fully set and springs back when touched.
While the cake cools, prepare the filling by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. Once the cake is cool, unroll it and spread cherry preserves, whipped cream, and chopped cherries. Re-roll the cake and garnish with chocolate curls, powdered sugar, and extra cherries.
Why This Cake Is Special: The Black Forest roll combines the flavors of dark chocolate, whipped cream, and cherries in a sophisticated package. The use of morello cherries, known for their slightly tart taste, adds a perfect contrast to the richness of the chocolate cake.
3. M&M’s Ferrero Oreo Roll Cake
For those with a more playful and indulgent palate, the M&M’s Ferrero Oreo Roll Cake offers an explosion of flavor with the use of Ferrero Rocher chocolate hazelnut spread, crushed Oreos, and mini M&M’s. Topped with a smooth chocolate ganache, this cake is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup Ferrero Rocher chocolate hazelnut spread
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup crushed Oreos
- ¼ cup mini M&M’s
- For the Ganache:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For Garnish:
- Extra crushed Oreos
- Mini M&M’s
Directions: Start by preparing the cake batter, which is similar to other roll cakes—beat eggs and sugar until pale, then fold in the dry ingredients. After baking, roll the cake and allow it to cool. For the filling, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold in Ferrero Rocher spread, crushed Oreos, and mini M&M’s.
Once the cake is cool, unroll it, spread the filling, and re-roll. For the ganache, heat cream, then pour over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Pour the ganache over the rolled cake and garnish with more Oreos and M&M’s.
Why This Cake Is Special: The combination of chocolate hazelnut spread, Oreos, and M&M’s makes for a cake that’s sweet, crunchy, and satisfying. The chocolate ganache drizzled on top adds an extra layer of richness that turns this cake into an indulgent treat.
4. Pink Velvet Roulade
The Pink Velvet Roulade is a visually stunning and whimsical cake. With its light pink color, it’s perfect for springtime events like baby showers, bridal showers, or birthdays. The tangy cream cheese filling paired with the soft, fluffy sponge cake makes it a refreshing yet indulgent dessert.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons pink food coloring
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
- For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions: Begin by preparing the cake, mixing the dry ingredients and then adding the wet ingredients, including pink food coloring for that signature hue. Bake, cool, and roll the cake in a powdered sugar-dusted towel. For the filling, whip cream cheese with heavy cream and powdered sugar until fluffy, then fill the cake with this smooth, tangy mixture.
After re-rolling, drizzle with a lemon-sweetened glaze and garnish with fresh raspberries for a pop of color and tartness.
Why This Cake Is Special: The soft pink color makes it visually appealing, while the cream cheese filling adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the cake. It’s a refreshing alternative to more traditional chocolate-based desserts.
5. Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll
For a dessert that combines two childhood favorites—cookie dough and ice cream—into one unforgettable treat, the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake Roll hits all the right notes. This indulgent dessert features layers of chocolate cake, eggless cookie dough, and creamy ice cream, making it a crowd-pleaser at summer parties or special family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup boiling water
- For the Eggless Cookie Dough:
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heat-treated all-purpose flour
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1/8 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Additional:
- 4-8 ounces Cool Whip for icing
- Additional mini chocolate chips for decorating
- Chocolate sauce (optional)
- M&M’s for decorating
Directions: Start by making the chocolate cake batter, then bake in a prepared jelly roll pan. Prepare the eggless cookie dough and ice cream filling while the cake is cooling. Once the cake is rolled and cooled, unroll it, spread the cookie dough, then the ice cream filling, and re-roll it.
For the finishing touches, ice the roll with Cool Whip and decorate with mini chocolate chips and M&M’s. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Why This Cake Is Special: This cake is a dessert lover’s dream—combining cake, cookie dough, and ice cream into one decadent roll. It’s the perfect treat for those who can’t decide between cookies or ice cream, offering the best of both worlds.
7. Raspberry Pistachio White Chocolate Roulade: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Nutty
The Raspberry Pistachio White Chocolate Roulade is an elegant and deliciously light dessert that combines the richness of white chocolate with the freshness of raspberries and the subtle crunch of pistachios. This roulade is a showstopper that brings together a delicate sponge cake filled with a creamy, indulgent filling. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party or a festive dinner, this roulade is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Roulade:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup white chocolate, melted and cooled
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
For Decoration:
- Additional raspberries
- Chopped pistachios
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions:
- Prepare the Roulade: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then fold gently to combine. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch.
- Cool and Roll the Cake: Once baked, dust a clean towel with powdered sugar. Turn the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and gently roll the cake up. Allow the cake to cool completely in its rolled-up form.
- Prepare the Filling: While the cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the melted white chocolate until smooth. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream mixture evenly over the surface. Add fresh raspberries and chopped pistachios on top, then re-roll the cake carefully.
- Decorate and Serve: Garnish the roulade with extra raspberries, chopped pistachios, and white chocolate shavings. Slice and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors in every bite.
Why It’s Special: The Raspberry Pistachio White Chocolate Roulade stands out due to its harmonious combination of delicate flavors. The richness of the white chocolate filling contrasts beautifully with the tartness of fresh raspberries, while the pistachios provide a delightful crunch. This roulade offers both visual appeal and a sophisticated taste that makes it ideal for any special occasion.
8. Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Roll: A No-Bake Indulgence
For those seeking a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Roll is a perfect choice. This no-bake dessert combines three of the most beloved ingredients: chocolate, peanut butter, and Rice Krispies. Rolled up into a log and chilled to perfection, this treat is the ultimate combination of crispy, creamy, and rich flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crispy Layer:
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Spread the melted chocolate onto a large piece of parchment or wax paper, forming a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes, or until firm but still pliable.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled chocolate layer.
- Add the Crispy Layer: Sprinkle the Rice Krispies cereal evenly over the peanut butter layer and gently press them into the mixture to ensure they stick.
- Roll It Up: Starting from one of the shorter sides, carefully roll the layers into a tight log, peeling away the parchment paper as you go. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Slice and Serve: After chilling, unwrap the roll and slice it into 1-inch pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Why It’s Special: This no-bake roll is a treat that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. The combination of smooth peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, and rich chocolate makes each bite irresistibly good. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick afternoon snack, this dessert is sure to satisfy your cravings for something both sweet and crunchy.
9. Chocolate Sponge Roll Cake: A Classic with a Twist
The Chocolate Sponge Roll Cake is a decadent yet simple dessert that brings together a light and airy sponge cake with a rich, velvety cream filling and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. This dessert is perfect for those who enjoy the combination of light sponge and creamy filling, with an added layer of sophistication from the ganache.
Ingredients:
For the Sponge Cake:
- 124g milk
- 88g butter
- 40g sugar
- 80g plain flour
- 45g cocoa powder
- 150g egg yolks
- 90g whole eggs
- 220g egg whites
- 110g sugar
For the Cream Filling:
- 250g heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 40g powdered sugar
- 25g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped
- 50g heavy cream
Instructions:
- Make the Sponge Cake: Heat the milk, butter, and 40g sugar in a saucepan until boiling. Remove from heat, and add the flour and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and add egg yolks and whole eggs one at a time, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with 110g sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the batter in batches.
- Bake the Sponge: Spread the batter evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 329°F (165°C) for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- Make the Cream Filling: Whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and cocoa powder until stiff peaks form. Fold in vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Roll Cake: Once the sponge cake is cooled, spread the whipped cream filling over the cake. Carefully roll it up, using the parchment paper to guide the cake. Chill the rolled cake for 30 minutes.
- Make the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour over the chopped chocolate, letting it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth, then allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the rolled cake.
- Serve: Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Why It’s Special: This Chocolate Sponge Roll Cake combines the light, airy texture of a sponge with the rich decadence of a chocolate ganache and whipped cream filling. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. The layers of chocolate and cream make it a satisfying treat for chocolate lovers.
10. Caramel Hazelnut Roll with Creamy Glaze: A Luxurious Delight
The Caramel Hazelnut Roll with Creamy Glaze is a show-stopping dessert perfect for any celebration. The delicate hazelnut biscuit is filled with a luxurious caramel heart, then covered in a smooth mascarpone glaze and decorated with roasted hazelnuts and mini macaroons. This dessert is a true indulgence that combines the nutty flavors of hazelnuts with the sweetness of caramel and the richness of mascarpone.
Ingredients:
For the Hazelnut Roll Biscuit:
- 100g ground hazelnuts
- 100g flour
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 120g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Caramel Heart:
- 150g powdered sugar
- 60ml whole liquid cream (warm)
- 50g soft butter
- A pinch of salt (optional)
For the Creamy Topping:
- 250g mascarpone
- 100ml whole liquid cream
- 50g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Decoration:
- Mini macaroons (caramel or hazelnut flavor)
- Whole roasted hazelnuts
- Smashed hazelnuts
Instructions:
- Prepare the Caramel Heart: Melt the powdered sugar in a saucepan until golden brown. Carefully add warm cream, butter, and salt, then stir until smooth. Pour into a mold and refrigerate until firm.
- Make the Hazelnut Biscuit: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, then gradually add half the powdered sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and vanilla until thick and pale. Fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites, then sift in the flour and ground hazelnuts. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Creamy Topping: Whip mascarpone, cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the Roll: Unroll the cooled hazelnut biscuit and spread with the creamy topping. Place the chilled caramel heart at one end and carefully roll up the biscuit. Cover with the remaining creamy topping.
- Decorate and Serve: Garnish with mini macaroons, whole roasted hazelnuts, and smashed hazelnuts. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
Cake rolls are a versatile and delightful way to showcase different flavors and textures in a single dessert. Whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or creamy combinations, there’s a cake roll recipe for every occasion and every palate. From the rich and indulgent M&M’s Ferrero Oreo Roll Cake to the refreshing Pink Velvet Roulade, these cake rolls are sure to impress both in taste and presentation. So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that will steal the spotlight, consider rolling up one of these heavenly creations.