Nostalgic and rich, this swirled cake is fun for many occasions.

But how many of us will attempt to make this classic showstopper at home?

What Is Swiss Roll Cake?

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake sliced on plates to serve

Credit:Molly Bolton

The rolled cake is then topped with chocolate ganache.

If you’re familiar with theYule Log Cake, this technique is identical, save some decorating.

That’s true of aPumpkin Roll, too.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake ingredients

Credit:Molly Bolton

Once you master this cake-rolling technique, your options for swirled sweets are unlimited.

But everything will be easy to find.

Cake

Whipped Filling

Classic ingredients for whipped cream are used here.

ingredients for ganache and whipped cream

Credit:Molly Bolton

Chocolate Ganache

Perhaps the easiest part of the dessert.

You need good meringue to make the cake batter.

It helps the sponge be light and fluffyand less likely to crack when rolled.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake Meringue at Soft Peaks

Credit:Molly Bolton

These tips can guide you through the process.

How To Serve Swiss Roll Cake

Slice your Swiss roll cake into one-inch pieces.

you could serve as is, or add a topping, like fresh fruit or powdered sugar.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake meringue at firm peaks

Credit:Molly Bolton

Decorating a Swiss Roll Cake

Have a little fun with a chocolate cake roll!

If you want this to be more nostalgic and playful, consider pastel sprinkles.

For a formal occasion, you’re able to do a “beaded” look with sugar pearls.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake meringue at stiff peaks

Credit:Molly Bolton

The whipped cream filling may deflate a little in that time, but it will still be delicious.

More Classic Chocolate Cakes

Looking for your next baking project?

Continue to beat on medium speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 8-10 minutes.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake pan prepared with parchment paper

Credit:Molly Bolton

Check your meringue periodically to see if it’s ready to avoid under- or over-whipping.

Add the vegetable oil and buttermilk and beat to combine.

Next, add the flour mixture and beat until a smooth, chocolate batter forms.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake sifting together the dry ingredients for the cake

Credit:Molly Bolton

The batter should be light and airy.

Bake the cake:

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Use an offset or rubber spatula to gently spread into an even layer.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake beating the vegetable oil into the egg mixture

Credit:Molly Bolton

Bake until the cake is puffy and springs back slightly when lightly touched, 10 to 11 minutes.

Be careful not to overbake, or the cake will be more likely to crack when it is rolled.

Sift remaining 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder all over the tea towel/ parchment paper.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake chocolate batter after mixing

Credit:Molly Bolton

Roll the cake:

Remove the cake from the oven.

Remove the parchment paper from the top of the cake.

Place the cake seam-side down on a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake folding the meringue into the batter

Credit:Molly Bolton

Fill and re-roll the cake:

Carefully unroll the cooled cake.

Transfer back to the refrigerator while you prepare the ganache.

Pour the warm heavy cream over the chopped chocolate and leave undisturbed for 2 minutes.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake chocolate batter with all of the meringue added

Credit:Molly Bolton

Whisk the chocolate and cream until a smooth ganache forms.

Cover the cake:

Trim the ends of the cake if desired for a clean finish.

Transfer the cake back to the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes, or until the ganache has set.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake batter in pan

Credit:Molly Bolton

Slice and serve immediately.

Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To make ahead, prepare the cake through step 7.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake preparing the parchment for the cake

Credit:Molly Bolton

Allow to come to room temperature before unrolling and filling.

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake rolling the cake up

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake whipped cream filling in the mixing bowl

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake filling the cake with whipped cream

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake rolling up the cake with the filling inside

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake ganache after mixing

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake pouring the ganache over the cake

Credit:Molly Bolton