Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines rich, chocolaty dough with a sweet and tangy strawberry cream cheese topping. The rolls are soft and…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines rich, chocolaty dough with a sweet and tangy strawberry cream cheese topping. The rolls are soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of chocolate flavor, while the frosting adds a fresh, fruity twist that makes every bite special.
I love making these rolls for a weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack. The strawberry cream cheese frosting is my favorite part—it’s creamy and smooth, with a little bit of natural strawberry sweetness that balances out the chocolate perfectly. Whenever I bring these to get-togethers, they always disappear quickly, which tells me I’m not the only one who loves them!
One tip I have is to enjoy these rolls warm, right after they come out of the oven, so the frosting melts slightly into the chocolate rolls, making them even more delicious. They’re great on their own but also make a wonderful pairing with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. These chocolate rolls are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: They give the cake its structure and lightness. Separating yolks and whites helps create a fluffy texture. Use fresh eggs for the best rise.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa provides rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer, try Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste but slightly less acidity.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the frosting creamy and tangy. For a lighter option, try mascarpone, which is milder and less tangy.
Strawberries: Fresh or pureed strawberries add natural sweetness and color to the frosting. If out of season, frozen berries thawed and drained work well.
How Do You Roll the Cake Without Cracking?
Rolling a sponge cake can be tricky because it’s delicate. Here’s how to do it with ease:
- Roll the cake warm, right after baking, while it’s still flexible.
- Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Peel off the parchment carefully to avoid tearing.
- Roll gently but firmly starting from the short edge.
- Let it cool completely in this rolled shape—this helps it keep form and prevents cracks when you fill it later.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 15×10-inch jelly roll pan – its low sides help the cake bake evenly and roll easily.
- Parchment paper – stops the cake from sticking and makes flipping smooth.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need separate ones for yolks and whites to beat them just right.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes beating egg whites to stiff peaks much easier.
- Clean kitchen towel – dusted with powdered sugar, it helps roll the cake without sticking or cracking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries in the frosting for a tart twist that pairs well with chocolate.
- Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Mix chopped toasted nuts like almonds or pecans into the frosting for crunch.
- Use orange zest in the frosting for a fresh citrus note that brightens the roll.
How to Make Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chocolate Cake Roll:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped or pureed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes of active prep and baking time. Then, you’ll need at least 1 hour to chill the rolled cake with frosting before serving. So, plan for roughly 1 hour 30 minutes total to make and chill this tasty chocolate roll.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until thick and pale, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the yolks gently until combined.
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the chocolate batter in three parts, keeping the air in the mix.
Pour the batter evenly into the pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
2. Roll the Cake:
While the cake is still warm, flip it onto a powdered sugar-dusted clean kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment paper. Starting at the short edge, roll the cake and towel up tightly into a spiral. Let the roll cool completely to hold its shape.
3. Prepare the Frosting:
Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Fold in the finely chopped or pureed strawberries and vanilla until evenly mixed.
4. Assemble and Chill:
Unroll the cooled cake gently and spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Roll the cake back up without the towel and place it on a serving plate. Decorate the top with fresh sliced strawberries. Chill the roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. This helps the frosting set and flavors to meld.
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Frosting?
Yes, frozen strawberries work fine! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess juice before chopping or pureeing to avoid a runny frosting.
How Do I Store Leftover Chocolate Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, let the roll come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Can I Make the Cake Roll Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake and roll the cake a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in the towel or plastic wrap. Prepare the frosting and assemble right before serving for the freshest taste.
What Should I Do If My Cake Cracks When Rolling?
If your cake cracks, don’t worry! Spread the frosting over the cracks once unrolled, which will help hide them. Rolling while the cake is warm really helps prevent cracking next time.