• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll

cake· dessert· Valentine's Day
January 20, 2020

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll – Chocolate cake is spread with raspberry buttercream and rolled up into a beautiful cake roll

Chocolate cake spread with raspberry buttercream and rolled into a beautiful cake roll

I tried to make it all month without baking anything sweet but I just couldn’t do it. Three weeks isn’t bad, though!! I finally broke with this cake roll. It’s just the treat for your Valentine’s Day baking needs, thanks to the beautiful pink raspberry buttercream. But can easily be adapted to work for any time of the year.

Before we get into the specifics of this cake roll, let’s answer some of the questions I’m sure you’re asking right now…

What is a cake roll?

A cake roll is just what it sounds like – a sheet cake rolled up into a log and sliced. The concept is simple but the execution doesn’t seem like it would be. How the heck do we get the cake to roll up like that without breaking into pieces?

Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips and raspberries Closeup on a plate with a Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll Top view of the Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips and raspberries

How is a cake roll made?

The most important part about making a cake roll is rolling the cake up. But how exactly is that done? While the cake is still hot, it is rolled up into a kitchen towel and kept there to cool. As it cools, it sets it’s shape.

Once the shape is set, the cake is unrolled and the buttercream is added. The cake is rolled back up and voila! It’s ready for serving!

Spreading raspberry spread on the chocolate cake before being rolled up Chocolate cake after being spread with raspberry cream

Raspberry Buttercream

The buttercream recipe is so special because it not only has tons of sweet raspberry flavor but the buttercream stays smooth and creamy with the use of an awesome trick I learned. But before I tell you what it is, let me teach you a little about the basics of buttercream.

Buttercream is loaded with fat – this is what gives it the creamy texture we all love. But something you have to remember about fat is that it does not mix well with water or liquid of any kind. So we can’t just add juice or foods with lots of juice (e.g. fruit) to buttercream because that will cause the butter fat to separate from the rest of the mixture.

In order to avoid this disaster but keep the natural flavor of the raspberries, we use a raspberry powder made from real freeze-dried raspberries. To make the powder, you simply pulse the raspberries in a food processor.

Measuring cup of freeze dried raspberries Mixer blade in a bowl of raspberry cream

Tips & Tricks

  1. You must cool the cake completely before spreading on the buttercream. Otherwise, the heat from the cake will melt it and it will ooze out of the cake and make a horrible mess.
  2. I finish my cake roll with fresh whipped cream but you can use chocolate ganache instead, if you want a stronger chocolate presence.
  3. The buttercream firms up when chilled so, if you store the finished cake in the fridge overnight, you must let it get back to room temperature before serving.
Print Recipe

Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll

Chocolate cake is spread with raspberry buttercream and rolled up into a beautiful cake roll
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time:2 hrs
Total Time2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

For the chocolate cake:
  • 4 large eggs separated
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon strong black coffee
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup natural unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
For the raspberry buttercream:
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter softened
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup freeze-dried raspberries
For the whipped cream:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

For the cake:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12x17 rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Add a sheet of parchment paper and spray that with nonstick spray too. We need to make sure the cake doesn't stick to the pan.
  • Separate eggs and place egg whites in a large bowl for a stand mixer. Whip egg whites and sugar together until stiff peaks form. Place into another bowl and set aside. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt to the same bowl. Whisk together. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, add egg yolks and brown sugar together and whisk until smooth and light, about 2 minutes. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and coffee and whisk to combine. Pour egg mixture over flour mixture. Mix together just until combined.
  • Add 1/3 of whipped egg whites to mixture and gently fold together. Add next 1/3 of mixture and fold together. Finally, add the last 1/3 mixture and fold together. Pour mixture into prepared baking sheet. Spread into one even layer. Bake in preheated oven until cake bounces back when you touch it, about 10-12 minutes.
  • While the cake bakes, lay a thin kitchen towel on the counter. Sprinkle with a thin layer of cocoa powder on it. When the cake is finished baking, flip cake over onto the powdered towel. Gently roll the cake up into the towel. Place it into the refrigerator to chill until completely cool, about 1 hour.
For the raspberry buttercream:
  • Add freeze-dried raspberries to a food processor and pulse until a powder forms. Set aside.
  • Add butter to bowl of a stand mixer, whip until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and raspberry powder together and mix for another minute.
  • Unroll the cooled cake and add buttercream in one smooth layer. Roll cake back up and finish with the seam side down. Place onto serving plate. Top with fresh whipped cream, raspberries, and chocolate chips.
For the whipped cream:
  • Add cream, sugar, and vanilla to a bowl fitted for a stand mixer. Beat with whisk attachment on medium high until stiff peaks form. *You can prepare this ahead of time and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

Note: the buttercream gets firm when cooled so only refrigerator if storing overnight. If enjoying the cake the same day, store the cake at room temperature
Cake recipe adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction

More recipes you’ll love:

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse

Spoonful of Chocolate Raspberry Mousse

Chocolate Berry Cups

Chocolate cup filled with blueberries, raspberries and blackberries drizzled with chocolate

Raspberry Hot Chocolate

Cup of Raspberry Hot Chocolate topped with whole raspberries and marshmallows

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

45 Comments

« Turkey Apple Melt
Triple Chocolate Skillet Cookie »

Comments

  1. Tammy says

    February 7, 2021 at 4:36 pm

    Oh my goodness this is one of the most beautiful roll cakes I’ve seen! What a lovely combination of flavors and so beautiful for Valentine’s Day! I wish I could sneak a slice through my screen 🙂

    Reply
  2. Alex says

    February 7, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    I just love that you used freeze-dried raspberries! They add so much flavor and the color is gorgeous. This is one impressive looking cake roll, too! So classy. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Ramona says

    February 7, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    I have been wanting to make a swiss roll cake for so long and this recipe looks super delicious! raspberry is my fav flavour for this type of cake and I am super excited to make this. Thank you for sharing this recipe, I cant wait to try to out!

    Reply
  4. Erin says

    February 7, 2021 at 1:33 pm

    Wow, such perfect rolling! I’ve never made a cake roll because I’m afraid I’d ruin it somehow. But this makes it look doable! Can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
  5. Leslie says

    February 7, 2021 at 10:45 am

    Wow, what a rich, decadent dessert recipe! I love the raspberry and chocolate flavors together. So perfect!

    Reply
  6. Beth says

    February 6, 2021 at 8:31 pm

    What a luscious cake! I wondered how you got the raspberry flavor without making the buttercream mushy — how clever that you made a powder from freeze-dried raspberries. Roll cake, here I come!

    Reply
  7. Paula Montenegro says

    February 6, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    It’s beautiful to look at and so delicious with that thick layer of filling! The combination is perfect and I love the simple decoration on top. Can’t wait to make it as soon as I see fresh raspberries around here!

    Reply
  8. Kathryn says

    February 5, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    This looks so delicious and beautiful! I want to make this for Valentine’s Day and I’m so excited. Your recipe and step-by step instruction are so helpful. Thank you!

    Reply
  9. Amy Liu Dong says

    February 5, 2021 at 12:32 pm

    This is my kind of cake, strawberry cakes are definitely my thing. They’re my favorite, this recipe will instantly go to my list, can’t wait to make this at home and be mesmerized.

    Reply
  10. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    February 3, 2021 at 11:33 pm

    Oh my heavens does this look luscious and PERFECT for Valentine’s day! And I am loving the tips about using freeze-dried raspberry powder too! Adding the ingredients to my list to make this weekend!

    Reply
  11. Mahnoor Khurram says

    February 3, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    Aaah, I need this cake roll RIGHT NOW!

    Reply
  12. Tisha says

    February 2, 2021 at 5:31 pm

    MMM This sounds amazing and a perfect treat for Valentines day!

    Reply
  13. rika says

    February 2, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    This is the perfect Valentine’s day cake! It looks beautiful and everyone can easily make the recipe because it’s not too complicated.

    Reply
  14. Beth says

    February 2, 2021 at 3:10 pm

    My family is going to love this recipe! Can’t wait to give this a try! Looks so pretty and yummy!

    Reply
  15. Beth Sachs says

    February 2, 2021 at 2:58 pm

    Such a pretty cake, I just love the pink raspberry filling. I’ll be trying this with my kids at the weekend.

    Reply
  16. Lilly says

    February 2, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    These cake rolls are so delicious. The raspberry buttercream is absolutely delightful!

    Reply
  17. Heather Perine says

    February 2, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    Ooh I love chocolate and raspberry together! Thanks for the tip on how to roll the cake. So pretty 🙂 can’t wait to try!

    Reply
  18. Kushigalu says

    February 2, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    How beautiful and prettY are these rolls. Would be perfect for valentines day. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  19. Monica says

    February 2, 2021 at 2:51 am

    This looks amazing and so delicious! I want to try this out

    Reply
  20. Jenna says

    February 1, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    This cake is absolutely gorgeous! Perfect for valentines day 🙂

    Reply
  21. Amber Myers says

    February 1, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    Oh yum, this looks so delicious! I would love to have this for dessert one night.

    Reply
  22. Mimi says

    February 1, 2021 at 1:08 pm

    Cake rolls are my signature dessert but I usually make them with nutella, I need to try your recipe tho it looks delicious

    Reply
  23. Jennifer Banz says

    January 27, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    Chocolate and raspberry are one of my favorite flavor combos. I love the use of the freeze dried raspberries.

    Reply
  24. Tammy says

    January 26, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    Sharon your roll cake is so beautiful! Perfect for Valentine’s Day <3 I wish I had a slice of this beauty tonight the chocolate and raspberry combo is perfection.

    Reply
  25. Kathryn says

    January 26, 2020 at 3:43 pm

    I’ve actually never made a roll cake before but now I’m going to have to do it so I can try this one! Love the color of that raspberry buttercream!

    Reply
  26. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    January 25, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    Someone pass me a fork and a glass of milk STAT! This looks scrumptious! Such a great recipe for Valentine’s day too! I can’t wait to make this!

    Reply
  27. Veronika says

    January 24, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    I would eat the whole cake right now! It looks so scrumptious and beautiful! Definitely need it in my life!)

    Reply
  28. Pam Greer says

    January 22, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    I had no idea how you made a cake roll, it always seemed so scary. I’ve had plenty of pumpkin rolls but this chocolate raspberry is going to be perfect for Valentine’s Day!

    Reply
  29. Jacqui Debono says

    January 22, 2020 at 2:35 pm

    This is so pretty! My cake rolls usually crack, but it doesn’t matter if they are covered in cream!

    Reply
  30. Aleta says

    January 22, 2020 at 12:20 pm

    Soooo pretty!! This cake roll is absolutely gorgeous. Raspberry is my favourite flavour of all time so this cake roll stuffed with raspberry buttercream is calling my name. Looks like a perfect Valentine’s Day dessert!

    Reply
  31. Angela Campos says

    January 21, 2020 at 11:01 am

    This looks so delicious! I love the combo of the chocolate and raspberry…YUm!!!

    Reply
  32. Angela Campos says

    January 21, 2020 at 11:00 am

    This looks so amazing! I love the combo of flavors of the raspberry and chocolate…YUM!!!

    Reply
  33. Kelley says

    January 20, 2020 at 11:11 pm

    Such a beautiful dessert! Chocolate and raspberry going perfectly together.

    Reply
  34. Colleen says

    January 20, 2020 at 10:39 pm

    This is beautiful and I know that I must try. Pinning

    Reply
  35. Erika says

    January 20, 2020 at 10:33 pm

    This cake roll looks perfect. I love the raspberry.

    Reply
  36. Krissy Allori says

    January 20, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    This cake is so pretty. Not to mention it tastes like heaven on a plate. Big hit for my moms birthday.

    Reply
  37. Terri Gilson says

    January 20, 2020 at 9:04 pm

    Raspberry and chocolate are my fave and perfect for Valentine’s Day!

    Reply
  38. Hailey says

    January 20, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    I’ve always wanted to try making a cake roll but I always thought it would be too difficult. Looking at this one though with that pretty pink raspberry buttercream.. I may just have to give it a try.

    Reply
  39. Bernice Hill says

    January 20, 2020 at 5:48 pm

    Cake rolls have somehow managed to escape me this far. You make it look so easy…maybe I should give it another try?

    Reply
  40. Sarah Althouse says

    January 20, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    I love light and fluffy desserts!

    Reply
  41. Diana @ Nanny to Mommy says

    January 20, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    That looks yummy and beautiful. It might be even easy enough that this non baker might be able to re-create it.

    Reply
  42. Marta says

    January 20, 2020 at 12:22 pm

    Chocolate and raspberry are two of my absolute favorites. I can already tell this is going to be a huge hit.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Coconut Cream Cake - CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado says:
    February 20, 2020 at 3:01 am

    […] to see a note in my inbox from one of you requesting a cake recipe. I had recently posted this Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll but this particular reader was interested in a layer cake […]

    Reply
  2. Chocolate Berry Fritters - CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado says:
    February 4, 2020 at 6:30 am

    […] couple weeks ago, I started off this trend with my chocolate raspberry cake roll. Last week, I gave you this ultra-rich and gooey triple chocolate skillet cookie. Today, it’s […]

    Reply
  3. Delicious Valentine's Desserts To Share With Your Significant Other - crazyforus says:
    January 29, 2020 at 6:00 pm

    […] Full recipe here! […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

summertime favorites

glass dish with scoops of Dublin mudslide ice cream on a cloth napkin with crushed cookies on it and a dish with more ice cream next to it, shot from the front

Dublin Mudslide Ice Cream

plate of grilled hawaiian bbq chicken skewers

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Skewers

Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini on a platter topped with basil and balsamic vinaigrette, shot from a side angle

Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini (+wine pairing)

a wooden bowl of avocado cucumber salad, shot from overhead

Avocado Cucumber Salad

chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Grilled Peach Sundaes in two bowls with a plate of grilled peaches on it with a cloth napkin and granola sprinkled around it, shot from a side angle

Grilled Peach Sundaes

Breakfast
Appetizers
Entrees
Salads
Sides
Drinks
Desserts
Roundups
Holidays

Browse by Date

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

National Ice Cream Month

three Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches stacked on top of each other on parchment paper with a plate of cookies and a bowl of ice cream in the background, shot from the front

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

pineapple sorbet in a bowl with pieces of pineapple placed around it on a cloth napkin with a cutting board with cut pineapple on it, shot from a side angle

Pineapple Sorbet

shot of two scoops of rum raisin ice cream in a bowl

Rum Raisin Ice Cream

two bowls of Birthday Cake Remix Ice Cream on a cloth napkin with a spoon next to it and sprinkles around the bowls, shot from a side angle

Birthday Cake Remix Ice Cream

a glass dish of fudge brownie ice cream on a cloth napkin with chunks of chocolate and a glass dish of fiudge brownie ice cream in the background, shot from a side angle

Fudge Brownie Ice Cream

 

Chopped Strawberry Spinach Salad – Baby spinach Chopped Strawberry Spinach Salad – Baby spinach is chopped and tossed with chopped cucumbers, toasted walnuts, strawberries, chives, and a homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette.

To find this recipe, search for chopped strawberry spinach salad on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#salad #spinachsalad #saladrecipe #strawberrysalad #vinaigrette #homemadesaladdressing #springrecipes #saladlover #summersalads  #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday foodblog #delicious #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Air fryer lemon pepper wings are fried until perfe Air fryer lemon pepper wings are fried until perfectly crispy and then tossed in a zesty lemon pepper sauce.

To find this recipe, search for lemon pepper wings on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#lemonpepperwings #chickenwings #wings  #chickenwings🍗 #lemonpepper #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #airfryerchickenwings #wingswingswings #chicken #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday foodblog #delicious #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Pulled pork tacos with avocado salsa have pork sho Pulled pork tacos with avocado salsa have pork shoulder slow-cooked, pulled, and then placed in a flour tortilla, along with homemade avocado salsa and white onions.

To find this recipe, search for pulled pork tacos on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#tacos #pulledpork #porktacos #tacostacostacos #tacosarelife #porkrecipes #avocado #avocadosalsa #salsa #homemadesalsa
#yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday foodblog #delicious #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Steakhouse burgers have beef patties seasoned with Steakhouse burgers have beef patties seasoned with beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce, topped with caramelized onions and homemade aioli, and served on a sesame seed bun.

To find this recipe, search for steakhouse burgers on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#burgers #burgersofinstagram #steakhouseburgers #beefpatties #caramelizedonions #aioli #homemadesauces #burger #makeburgers #burgerrecipes
#yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday foodblog #delicious #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Chimichurri steak bites have sirloin pieces marina Chimichurri steak bites have sirloin pieces marinated, seared, and drizzled with a fresh chimichurri sauce that packs a punch of flavor.

To find this recipe, search for chimichurri steak bites on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#Chimichurri #Chimichurrisauce #steakbites #searedsteak #beefsteak #easymeals #dinnerideas #sirloinsteak #beefrecipes #beef #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday foodblog #delicious #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats

Copyright © 2022 Certified Pastry Aficionado · Web Design by Viva la Violet

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.