Dark Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll

Name: Dark Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large eggs, separated; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; Extra strawberries for topping; Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder

Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss

I absolutely love making this Dark Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll! From the rich, velvety chocolate flavor to the vibrant strawberry filling, it’s the perfect combination that never fails to impress. Whenever I have friends over or a special occasion, I whip up this dessert to share. The best part? The rolling technique creates a beautiful presentation, and I find it so satisfying to make. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, this is it!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T16:33:27.250Z

When I first made this Dark Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll, I was amazed at how simple it was to achieve such a beautiful dessert. The key is in the egg whites; whipping them until they're just right creates a light and airy texture that rolls easily. I also found that using high-quality dark chocolate makes a noticeable difference in flavor, enhancing the overall indulgence.

Another tip I would share is to let the cake cool slightly before rolling it. This helps prevent cracks, allowing the roll to maintain its stunning look. I often use fresh strawberries, which not only provide a vibrant color but also a delicious contrast to the rich chocolate, making every bite memorable.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry filling
Elegant presentation that's perfect for gatherings
A delightful balance of sweetness and tartness

Mastering the Rolling Technique

Rolling the cake while it’s warm is crucial to prevent cracking. When you first roll the cake with the kitchen towel, do it gently but firmly, ensuring it retains its shape. Letting it cool in this rolled form allows the cake to set into a convenient shape for filling. If you find your cake has cracked slightly after unrolling, don’t fret; simply use the filling as a glue to hold it together during assembly.

Ensure the towel you use is covered with a light dusting of powdered sugar to prevent sticking. This technique creates a beautiful spiral for presentation and makes slicing easy. When you unroll it, keep the towel on the cake until you’re ready to fill it; this precaution helps keep it from drying out.

Choosing Quality Ingredients

Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. Look for chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa content; it adds depth to your roll and enhances the overall richness. If you don’t have dark chocolate on hand, semi-sweet chocolate can also work, but the flavor will be sweeter and less intense. Always melt chocolate gently to avoid burning; using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler on low heat works well.

For the filling, fresh strawberries are a must for that vibrant flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute them with raspberries or blueberries, or even use a mixed berry blend. Frozen berries also work but should be thawed and drained of excess moisture to prevent a soggy filling.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before starting:

For the Chocolate Cake:

4 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup melted dark chocolate

For the Filling:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

For Garnish:

Extra strawberries for topping
Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder

Make sure to have everything ready to go for a smooth baking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Swiss roll:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the egg yolks and granulated sugar until creamy. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then fold it into the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold in the melted dark chocolate.

Whip the Egg Whites

In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter until no white streaks remain.

Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched. Transfer to a cool surface, then peel off the parchment paper.

Roll the Cake

While the cake is still warm, place it on a kitchen towel, then roll it up tightly and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Filling

Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.

Assemble the Swiss Roll

Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and then roll it back up carefully. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Once chilled, slice the Swiss roll and serve it adorned with extra strawberries and chocolate shavings.

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content. You can also experiment with different fillings, like raspberries or whipped mascarpone.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Dark Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. You can prepare the cake a day in advance, allowing it to rest overnight in the refrigerator after it has been filled and rolled. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

If you want to make the filling ahead as well, you can whip the cream a few hours in advance but be aware that it can deflate. Consider using stabilized whipped cream by adding a teaspoon of gelatin to retain its fluffy texture longer. This helps ensure your roll maintains its charming look until serving.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To revive the flavor and texture just before serving, consider dusting the roll with a little extra cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an added touch. You can also slice the roll into individual portions and place them on dessert plates for an elegant display.

For an added touch, serve with a side of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream paired with the rich chocolate roll and tart strawberries creates a delightful contrast that's sure to impress your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

→ What kind of chocolate should I use?

I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor, ideally 60% cocoa or higher.

→ How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

For the best texture, fresh strawberries are preferred, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if necessary.