I went to Chicago last week to visit family and to celebrate my granddaughter’s 23rd and my great-grandson’s second birthdays. It’s tradition that the birthday person can select any birthday meal and my granddaughter chose meatloaf, mashed potatoes and Caesar salad…is there anything better when it’s homemade? My contribution was the requested dessert – TURTLE CHEESECAKE from the Cheesecake Factory. It was a chocolate extravaganza, almost like eating a candy bar, so sweet and heavy that I couldn’t consume even a quarter of a slice (especially after such a wonderful dinner. I loved the flavor but it was just too rich for me. This cake truly deserves the title “Death by Chocolate.” After all that dense chocolate I thought my sweet tooth was satisfied for Valentine’s Day, but I kept thinking about chocolate and finally gave in and made a CHOCOLATE CREAM ROLL.
I have tried many recipes for chocolate cake rolls and there always seems to be some problem with them…heavy, cracks when rolled, too dry, crumbly…on it goes. I found this recipe on the KING ARTHUR FLOUR website and it has become one of my favorites. It isn’t a fussy batter and is relatively easy to handle. If it does crack a little bit the whipped cream acts like glue and you can just hold it with your hands as you roll up the cake. Place the roll seam side down on a serving tray, gently press together any cracks, and frost with ganache. I hadn’t intended to post this recipe so didn’t take any pictures of the rolling process, but it is the same as what I did in my post about making a STRAWBERRY WHIPPED CREAM ROLL. Its a very easy dessert to make and I think it’s so pretty on the platter and a slice is beautiful on a plate when garnished with a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint. You can make many variations of this basic roll just by flavoring the cream filling with coffee or peppermint for example. I add fruit during berry season and occasionally fill the cake with ice cream and add a drizzle of caramel and chopped pecans. If you haven’t made a cake roll I hope you will try it. The cake is very forgiving and the frosting covers up any little mishaps. It always gets nods of approval in my house and I’m sure it will in yours.
- BATTER
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup (5¼ ounces) sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup (2⅝ ounces) flour
- ⅓ cup (1 ounce) Dutch-process cocoa
- 1¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup (1¾ ounces) vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) buttermilk
- FILLING
- 1 cup (8 ounces) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup (3 ounces) finely grated dark chocolate
- CHOCOLATE GLAZE
- ½ cup (4 ounces) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (1 3/8 ounces) corn syrup, light or dark
- 1 cup (6 ounces) chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, or chocolate chips
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick vegetable oil spray.
- TO PREPARE THE CAKE: In a large bowl, beat the eggs until thick and pale, then beat in the sugar, salt and vanilla. Sift together the flour, cocoa and baking powder, and fold gently into the egg mixture. Whisk together the oil and buttermilk, and fold in just until combined. Spread the batter onto the pan and smooth with a spatula. Bake the cake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the top springs back when pressed gently.
- Remove it from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes, then loosen the edges with knife. Turn out onto a tea towel lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar, roll up loosely (starting with a short end), and let cool completely.
- TO PREPARE THE FILLING: Stir together sugar and cream in a large bowl. Whip on high speed until soft peaks form, and fold in the grated chocolate. Refrigerate until needed.
- To prepare the glaze: Gently heat all of the ingredients until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken slightly.
- TO FINISH THE CAKE: Unroll the cake and spread with filling. Re-roll, and place seam-side down on serving plate. Trim edges for a clean appearance. Drizzle with chocolate glaze, using spoon or a squeeze bottle. If the glaze gets too thick for a squeeze bottle, gently reheat the glaze-filled bottle by setting it in hot water.
This post is linked to the fabulous FOODIE FRIDAY at Rattlebridge Farm.
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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
You still have to pick me up off the floor when I read a 23 yr old grandchild..
You belie this fact So much..
What a lucky family:)
The roll looks wonderful:)
Monique recently posted..Weekend Snippets~well.. Saturday:)
Hahaha…thanks, Monique. It’s my 2 year old great-grandson who makes me realize my age. At least I’m young at heart.
Cathy recently posted..Chocolate Cream Roll
I’m another one who can’t believe you are a great-grandmother!
Those desserts put me in sugar overload just looking at them!
I am always very impressed with your cream rolls….this one is over the top! Looks so delicious and moist!
Jeannie recently posted..Cereal Butter Prawns
Thanks, Jeannie. It’s one dessert that I know everybody will love no matter what flavor I make.
Cathy recently posted..Chocolate Cream Roll
My daughter is getting ready to celebrate her 23rd too. this would be a great cake for her and her friends to enjoy. I know it has me salivating.
Karen Harris recently posted..Tasting Colorado by Michele Morris: Buffalo Redeye Stew and Cookbook Giveaway
Hi Karen – I like to make this a day ahead because the cake softens just a little bit and takes on the most delicate texture. It’s making me hungry just thinking about it.
Cathy recently posted..Chocolate Cream Roll
On my last visit to the Cheesecake Factory (for food, not cheesecake), a young couple sat down beside us. Each ordered a lovely slice of cheesecake and quickly consumed it. I thought they were there for dessert. No! They next ordered dinner!! Actually, I think they have their priorities straight!! This chocolate roll looks more to my taste than cheesecake. Glad you had a good time in the Windy City which is very windy today.
Best,
Bonnie
Bonnie recently posted..Chicken and Mushroom Miso Soup
What a great trip, Cathy! That cheesecake gave me a toothache, just looking at it. Your chocolate roll looks like a Hostess Ho-Ho, on steroids. However, I have no doubt that yours is much better. King Arthur Flours never seem to fail. I made my first pumpkin roll (never posted it), and wondered to myself why I was so intimidated to do so. So easy! Aloha from Maui! Deb
Foodiewife recently posted..Easy Broiled Lobster!
Aloha, Debby. It sound like you are having a great time in Hawaii. Hahaha…the cheesecake made my teeth hurt too. Don’t know what we would do without KAF.
Cathy recently posted..Chocolate Cream Roll
In a few days I will be heading to the States for my semi annual run for King Arthur Flour. The roll would be more my speed to satisfy my chocolate cravings.
bellini recently posted..Cheese Fondue with Fresh Basil and Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbed Crostini for Meatless Mondays
Love rolled cakes… they always look so fancy and a lot of trouble. I haven’t made one in ages.
Karen recently posted..Peas and Carrots Soup
Wow says the chocoholic.
Larry recently posted..Comment Responding
Yummy! Not sure I could pull that off!
Virtually Homemade – Liz recently posted..Winter Vegetable Stew with Edamame
This looks like a giant Hostess HoHo! I am down!
Your stuffed rolled cake looks splendid, amazing & wonderfully tasty too!
You are 1 creative baker!
Oh Cathy, this cream roll looks so good. I wish I could eat a slice right now with my coffee. How about, on your next trip, you plan in a stop at Denver, you can use my kitchen and bake it for Karen (Harris) and I. Yes, I like that idea a lot!!
Kirsten@ My Kitchen in the Rockies recently posted..Tomato-Curry Soup Recipe & Tasting Colorado Cookbook Giveaway
The chocolate roll looks scrumptious, but I was more overwhelmed by the idea of your having a 23-year-old granddaughter. I’m still waiting…
Jennie @ The Dish Room Diaries recently posted..Grandma Lill’s Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs
I think your cream roll was probably better than the turtle cheesecake. Those things are just to rich no matter when you ate your last meal.
Linda recently posted..Walking the Dog
The King Arthur site always has the best recipes—your chocolate roll is so much better than that cheesecake!
Sue/the view from great island recently posted..Sicilian Citrus Salad: Day #3 of All Citrus Week
Count me as one other that can’t believe you are a great grandmother Cathy.
Wow. Look at all of that gooey chocolate goodness on that beautiful chocolate cream roll.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Checking In
I love it Cathy! Very similar to G-Mom-B’s Jelly Roll but in chocolate! I saved this to try-thanks:@)
Wow, Cathy, I have no words but, “drool”!
I have never been successful with a rolled cake. This one looks worth a try. Yummm!
Marilyn recently posted..Playing
Cathy this looks delicious, I pinned it to try later when I have company to help me eat it so I’m not tempted to eat it all myself!!
Oh my word! Heavenly…all of it!!!! That chocolate roll looks amazing!!!
xo Kris
Oh wow, could it get any better than this? That frosting dripping down the cake is a killer.
Oh my gosh….this looks incredible! I have always been afraid to try making one of these cakes. Thanks for the recipe. I wish I had a piece now:)
Raina recently posted..Chili
Beautiful Cathy! I love how moist, decadent and delicious it looks!
The Café Sucré Farine recently posted..Lemony Sugar Cookies w/ Lemon Cream Cheese Icing
Moist, creamy and soft…Cathy, that’s a perfect cream roll!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs
Gorgeous!!! I’ve been in the mood for something just like this, Cathy! You read my mind! I always use the chocolate cake roll recipe from The Cake Bible but will definitely try this one next. Beautiful!
Jamie recently posted..Assyrian Spinach Pies
I loved making your strawberry cake roll and I know this one would be delicious. Yes, I too am floored that you are a great-grandmother. How fortunate for you to be able to enjoy these wonderful children as young as you are. Susan
Susan recently posted..Stenciling the time away
I’ve never eaten a piece of the Turtle Cheesecake, and after your description, I better not.
Your chocolate roll looks fabulous! I’ve made a pumpkin roll, but not chocolate or strawberry. Will have to try that.
(I’m a great grandmother too! Scary, isn’t it?)
Barbara recently posted..Risotto Pudding Cake
This looks fabulous! I really must try this recipe, and soon!
You know you must have been a child bride to account for having a 23 year old granddaughter…and 2 year old great grand! It is lovely that you are so young and vibrant and can enjoy them!xo
Linda recently posted..Alton’s Buttermilk Biscuits
Oh my Cathy, it sounds heavenly and looks divine! I love King Arthur’s recipes, too. I need to try this one for sure.
Kitty recently posted..Sweet ‘n Spicy Popcorn
that is a positively sinful dessert, it looks SOOO delicious!!
teresa recently posted..Banana Chocolate Chip Baked "Donut Holes"
I love this dessert! Definitely one of my favorites!
Erin @ Making Memories recently posted..German Chocolate Cheesecake
Mmmm that roll looks absolutely delicious, what a wonderful dessert!
Maria recently posted..Homemade Cheez-Its
It looks decadent , delicious, & so pretty too.
Pam recently posted..Asian-Glazed Chicken Thighs
I love this recipe. I call them wow recipes, not too labor intensive, but a wow from the guests.
This would be enjoyed very much in our household! I’m trying to recall when you are going to Paris again…soon?
oh me oh my, that looks so sinful!
Yummy! I am completely loving your blog. I will try hard not to overwhelm your e-mail with comments
I love making cake rolls, so can’t wait to try this one.
Kirstin recently posted..Easy Sandwich Rolls, recipe link
I would prefer your cake roll over a heavy, candy-like dessert any day! I agree with Monique – I can’t imagine that you’re a great-grandmother!! You must have been a child bride
Susan recently posted..Easy Chocolatey Bundt Cake