Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Japanese Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Japanese Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 36 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky Japanese chocolate cake roll whispers elegance with its delicate sponge and rich chocolate cream. Graceful layers melt smoothly across your palate, delivering a perfect balance of sweet comfort and refined Japanese pastry craft.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 egg whites
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 45 grams cake flour
  • 50 grams granulated sugar (for cake batter)
  • 50 grams granulated sugar (for egg whites)
  • 120 grams semi-sweet chocolate
  • 290 milliliters (9.8 fluid ounces) whipping cream 33%

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) whole fat milk
  • 40 milliliters (1.35 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
  • 5 teaspoons Dutch processed cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry and Stabilizing Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (for cake batter)
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (for egg whites)
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare an 8 x 12″ rectangular cake pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Warm milk and cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until powder completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  3. Heat oven to 325°F, positioning rack in the center.
  4. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: sugar, baking soda, first portion of cream of tartar, salt, and sifted cake flour.
  5. Create a central well in the dry ingredients. Pour in egg yolks, oil, vanilla extract, and cooled chocolate milk mixture.
  6. Gently mix until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
  7. In a separate clean bowl, whip egg whites starting at low speed until frothy. Add remaining cream of tartar.
  8. Gradually increase mixer speed, incorporating sugar incrementally while whites become opaque.
  9. Continue whipping until meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks.
  10. Delicately fold one-third of meringue into chocolate batter to lighten, then incorporate remaining meringue using gentle folding technique.
  11. Secure parchment paper to pan edges with small batter dabs to prevent movement.
  12. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with an angled spatula.
  13. Tap pan against counter to eliminate large air bubbles.
  14. Bake for 14-16 minutes until cake springs back when touched and skewer emerges clean.
  15. Allow cake to rest in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.
  16. Remove parchment paper, peeling away surface skin carefully.
  17. Cover cake with fresh parchment paper and roll while still warm to prevent cracking.
  18. For chocolate cream, melt chocolate pieces with cream over medium heat until smooth.
  19. Chill chocolate cream mixture, stirring periodically to ensure even cooling.
  20. Whip chilled chocolate cream to medium-stiff consistency, being cautious not to overbeat.
  21. Unroll cake carefully and spread chocolate cream in an even layer.
  22. Reroll cake gently using parchment paper as support, adding extra cream along initial fold to prevent cracking.
  23. Trim cake edges before transferring to serving plate.

Notes

  • Master the art of rolling a delicate chiffon cake without cracking by keeping the cake warm and using parchment paper as a helpful guide.
  • Chilling the mixing bowl and beaters ensures a perfectly whipped chocolate cream with ideal texture and stability.
  • Remove the cake’s skin carefully to achieve a beautiful, exposed crumb surface that looks professional and appetizing.
  • Work quickly and gently when unrolling and re-rolling the cake to prevent structural damage and maintain its soft, pillowy texture.
  • Avoid overheating chocolate and cream to preserve smooth, silky consistency and prevent separation during preparation.
  • Temperature control is crucial throughout the baking process, from mixing ingredients to cooling and assembling the cake roll.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 308
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 72 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg