The Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe is a festive dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with fluffy cream filling and a luscious chocolate ganache, making it a showstopper for holiday gatherings. This delightful yule log-inspired treat brings together the perfect balance of moist sponge, sweet whipped cream, and velvety chocolate glaze, all wrapped into a stunning rolled presentation that feels both elegant and cozy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun project, this recipe guarantees a beautiful centerpiece on your Christmas table along with unforgettable flavors.

Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in crafting the moist cake, airy filling, and smooth ganache that make this dessert so memorable.

4 large eggs (room temperature): Eggs provide structure and help create a light, fluffy sponge cake base.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balance sweetness and tenderize the cake crumb.
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and cocoa.
1 cup heavy cream (for filling): Whipped to fluffy perfection for a smooth, creamy filling.
2 tbsp powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the whipped cream filling subtly and beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into a luscious ganache with the cream.
1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache): Creates a silky, glossy chocolate coating that mimics bark texture.

How to Make Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a jelly roll pan with parchment paper—this will ensure the cake doesn’t stick and rolls smoothly. Beat the room-temperature eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy; this aeration is key for a light sponge. Sift in the cocoa powder and salt, folding gently to maintain all that lovely air. Spread the batter evenly on the pan, then bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cake springs back when touched—this tells you it’s perfectly baked but still pliable.

Step 2: Roll While Warm

As soon as the cake comes out, dust a clean kitchen towel with cocoa powder. Flip the warm cake onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Then, immediately roll the cake up with the towel inside, mimicking a log shape. This step is essential for training the cake to roll without cracking later when filled. Let it cool completely while rolled—it’s magic that makes this Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe work flawlessly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Once the cake is cooled, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you see stiff peaks. This silky whipped cream is the light, sweet contrast that complements the chocolate perfectly. Gently unroll the cake and spread the whipped filling evenly over the surface, then roll the cake back up tight and chill it for about 30 minutes to let the filling set and flavors meld.

Step 4: Make the Ganache and Decorate

Heat the heavy cream until it’s steaming, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir gently until the chocolate melts completely and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Spread this luscious ganache over the chilled cake roll, coating it like textured bark. Use a fork to create rustic lines that mimic a real yule log. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look, and garnish with fresh berries or edible holly leaves for festive charm. Now your Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe looks as fabulous as it tastes!

How to Serve Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe

Garnishes

A beautiful garnish can take your Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe from delightful to dazzling. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives that perfect frosted, wintry appearance, while fresh berries add pops of vibrant color and a subtle tartness that balances the rich chocolate. Edible holly leaves or sprigs of mint bring a traditional Christmas feel, making every slice a festive feast for the eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement without overpowering it. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the creaminess, while a cup of hot espresso or spiced mulled wine adds warmth and gives that holiday vibe a perfect finish. The Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe stands well on its own but these sides make the experience even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by placing the roll on a wooden board to emphasize its rustic charm or a festive plate with holly motifs to keep the Christmas spirit alive. Slice it into even rounds and arrange them in a circle or staggered pile for an inviting look. You can also pipe extra whipped cream rosettes alongside or scatter edible gold stars for some sparkle. Serving this Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe is as much about presentation as it is about enjoying its incredible flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to settle even further. The filling remains luscious and the cake moist, making each slice just as good as when freshly made.

Freezing

This chocolate roll freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results. The texture and taste remain wonderfully preserved, so you can relish your Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

While the Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer a softer ganache experience. However, avoid overheating as it may melt the filling excessively. This delicate warming enhances the flavors but still preserves its integrity.

FAQs

Can I make the cake base a day ahead?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day before assembling the roll. Store it wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it moist and pliable for rolling without cracking.

What’s the best way to prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm around a towel dusted with cocoa powder is the secret. This “training” of the cake helps it bend easily once filled, reducing the chance of cracks.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making ganache?

While store-bought frosting might work in a pinch, the ganache adds a silky texture and rich chocolate flavor that complements the cake and filling beautifully, so it’s worth making from scratch.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the filling?

For the best whipped cream texture, heavy cream is ideal. However, you can use whipping cream as a substitute, but be aware it may not whip up quite as stiffly.

How long does it take to make this Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe from start to finish?

Total prep and bake time usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes, including chilling. It’s well worth the time for such an impressive and delicious dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making and sharing this Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe during the holidays. It’s the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy sweetness wrapped into an elegant, festive shape that’s sure to wow your family and friends. I promise, once you try this yule log, it will become a cherished tradition in your Christmas dessert lineup. So get your apron on and create some joyful, delicious memories!

Chocolate Christmas Roll Recipe