Silky Chocolate Custard Roll Recipe

This indulgent Chocolate Custard Roll showcases classic French pastry techniques, with a silky chocolate cream nestled in delicate, airy sponge cake. Perfect for chocolate lovers, each slice of this luxurious dessert is rich and elegant, designed to impress any sophisticated palate. Whether for a holiday gathering or a special celebration, this dessert will surely be the star of the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of a soft, fluffy sponge cake and rich, velvety chocolate custard buttercream creates a harmonious balance of texture and flavor. The addition of dark chocolate and cocoa powder infuses the dessert with deep, indulgent chocolate flavor, while the smoothness of the custard adds a luxurious touch. This dessert looks sophisticated and tastes divine, making it perfect for any special occasion or a treat to enjoy with loved ones.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For the custard buttercream:

  • 10 egg yolks

  • 240 grams (about 10) egg whites

  • 1 ½ cups (340 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 300 grams granulated sugar

  • ¾ cups (150 grams) granulated sugar

  • 120 grams all-purpose flour

  • 40 grams cocoa powder

  • ⅓ cup (55 grams) chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips

  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) whole milk

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Workspace: Organize and sanitize all equipment for crafting the custard buttercream.

2. Create the Custard Base:
   In a saucepan, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is silky and smooth. Add the whole milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let the custard cool completely.

3. Butter Preparation:
   Whip the room-temperature butter until it turns pale and voluminous. Be sure to scrape the bowl periodically to ensure even incorporation of the butter.

4. Combine Custard and Butter:
   Gradually fold the cooled custard into the whipped butter in two careful additions, being gentle to maintain the mixture’s structure.

5. Cake Batter Creation:
   Whip the egg whites into a glossy meringue by gradually adding the remaining sugar. Once stiff peaks form, gently fold in the sifted flour and cocoa powder, ensuring the mixture stays airy and light.

6. Baking Process:
   Spread the batter evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

7. Rolling Technique:
   Once the cake has cooled, spread the custard buttercream evenly across the surface, leaving a small border. Carefully roll the cake tightly, ensuring the seam is at the bottom.

8. Final Decoration:
   Chill the rolled cake in the refrigerator. After chilling, apply a smooth layer of reserved custard buttercream on top. Trim the edges, and drizzle the cake with chocolate ganache for an elegant finish.

9. Presentation:
   Optionally, pipe decorative buttercream flowers on top or embellish with chocolate pearls for added flair. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 9 servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Custard: Try infusing the custard with coffee, orange zest, or hazelnut for a different twist.

• Nutty Chocolate Roll: Add crushed hazelnuts or almonds to the buttercream filling for added texture.

• White Chocolate: Substitute the dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter, milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: If desired, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard and cake separately and assemble them the day before. Just store everything in the fridge and assemble when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze the chocolate custard roll?

Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the ganache or final decorations. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to substitute the dark chocolate with milk chocolate or white chocolate depending on your preference. The flavor will change, but it will still be delicious.

4. What should I do if my custard is too runny?

If the custard is too runny, you can cook it a little longer on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Let it cool completely before incorporating it into the butter.

5. How do I make sure the meringue is perfect?

Whip the egg whites gradually, ensuring that no yolk gets into the whites, and beat until stiff peaks form. This will help create the light, airy texture for the cake.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is gluten-free if necessary.

7. Can I decorate with whipped cream instead of buttercream?

Yes, you can use whipped cream, but it will not have the same richness and structure as buttercream. It’s better to serve immediately if using whipped cream as it can deflate over time.

8. How can I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling it?

Be sure to let the cake cool completely before rolling. When rolling, do so gently, and you can use a kitchen towel underneath to help with the process.

9. How do I make a smooth ganache?

Heat the cream until it just begins to steam, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

10. Can I make this recipe in individual servings?

Yes, you can cut the cake into smaller portions after rolling, creating individual servings of the chocolate custard roll.

Conclusion

This Silky Chocolate Custard Roll is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves rich, decadent chocolate. It combines a delicate sponge with a luxurious custard filling, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky shell. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this dessert is sure to delight everyone at the table!