Choco Swiss Roll Delight

Description:
This Choco Swiss Roll Delight is a decadent, fluffy chocolate cake rolled up with a rich, creamy filling. It’s the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delightful combination of chocolate and cream. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat, this Swiss roll will be the star of the show.

Origin:
The Swiss roll is a classic dessert with origins in Switzerland and the UK. This version adds a twist with rich chocolate cake and a creamy filling, making it a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings. It’s a great make-ahead dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients Quantity:

For the chocolate cake:
- All-purpose flour: ¾ cup
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: ¼ cup
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
- Large eggs: 4
- Vegetable oil: ½ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Hot water: ¼ cup
For the filling:
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Cream cheese (softened): 4 oz
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: ½ cup (for melting)
For the ganache:
- Semi-sweet chocolate (chopped): 3 oz
- Heavy cream: 3 tablespoons
- Butter: 1 tablespoon

Ingredients Optional:

Chopped nuts (like walnuts or hazelnuts) for garnish
Powdered sugar for dusting on top
A splash of coffee or espresso for added depth of flavor in the cake
Whipped cream for serving

Instruction:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper is greased lightly for easy removal.
Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and mix until just combined. Stir in the hot water to create a smooth, thin batter.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Roll the cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up with the towel inside, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely, still rolled up.
Prepare the filling: While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
Combine the whipped cream and melted chocolate with the cream cheese, folding gently to incorporate. This will create a smooth and fluffy filling.
Assemble the Swiss roll: Once the cake is cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the chocolate cream filling evenly over the inside of the cake. Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, into a tight roll.
Make the ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and stir until smooth. Stir in the butter until the ganache is glossy.
Finish the roll: Place the Swiss roll on a serving platter and pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts or powdered sugar.
Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips of Success:

Cooling the cake properly before unrolling is crucial. If the cake is too warm, it might crack when you roll it up.
Make sure to roll the cake gently while it’s still hot and use a kitchen towel to avoid sticking.
If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use any shallow pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
You can chill the rolled cake in the fridge for an hour to help the ganache set better before serving.
If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, add a pinch of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter.

Recommendation:
This Choco Swiss Roll Delight is perfect for birthdays, parties, or just as a weekend dessert for the family. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add an extra touch of indulgence.

Nutrition (per slice, approx.):