Pin it
There's something special about a Swiss roll that comes from how easy it is to make and how comforting it tastes. My absolute favorite has to be this Nutella-filled roll that always wows everyone at the table. This sweet treat takes me back to afternoons spent in my grandma's kitchen. I often whip it up when my kids and their friends come home from school. The soft cake and gooey chocolate center make it the perfect treat for any moment you need something sweet.
Amazing Family Recipe Tricks
Here's what you'll need for a big roll that'll feed 6 to 8 people. For the sponge cake, grab 4 room-temperature eggs, 100 g of white sugar, 100 g of sifted flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, and a tiny bit of salt. For what goes inside, you'll want 200 g of Nutella. I personally like to finish it off with a dusting of powdered sugar and some crushed hazelnuts. My little kitchen trick is to warm the Nutella slightly in a water bath so it spreads more easily.
Step-by-step Instructions
First, heat your oven to 180°C. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with sugar until they're light and fluffy. Add in your sifted flour and baking powder. Beat the egg whites with salt until they form stiff peaks, then gently fold them into your mixture. Pour the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cake should be slightly golden. Take it out and flip it onto a damp kitchen towel. Remove the paper and roll it up with the towel. Once it's cooled down, unroll it, spread Nutella on top and roll it again. For the final touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar and add hazelnuts before putting it in the fridge.
Tasty Twists I've Tried
Over the years I've played around with different versions of this roll. In summer, I love adding fresh strawberries along with the Nutella. For extra crunch, I sometimes mix in chopped hazelnuts with the filling. When I want a change, I swap out Nutella for homemade jam or chocolate ganache. My daughter loves it when I add vanilla or orange zest to the cake batter. These little personal touches really make it special.
Pin it
Eating and Storage Tips
To keep your roll nice and soft, wrap it in plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge. It'll stay good for two days, though in my house it never lasts that long. When serving, use a sharp knife to get clean, even slices. I like to serve each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can the roll cake be made the day before?
- Yes, you can make the Nutella roll cake a day ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge to retain its softness.
- → Why does my sponge crack when rolling?
- The sponge might crack if it’s overbaked or not rolled while still warm. Use a damp towel and roll it gently right after baking to avoid cracks.
- → Can I swap Nutella for something else?
- Definitely! You can use another chocolate spread, pastry cream, ganache, or even jam as alternatives.
- → How do I store the Nutella roll cake?
- Keep the roll in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Bring it out 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- → Is the sponge cake difficult to make?
- Not at all! It’s easy if you follow the steps carefully. The key is to whip the egg whites properly and fold them into the batter without losing the fluffiness.