Chocolate Birthday Cake Roll

Description:

This Chocolate Birthday Cake Roll is a beautiful and delicious dessert perfect for any birthday celebration. With a light, fluffy chocolate sponge cake and a rich, creamy filling, this rolled cake is a showstopper. The chocolate cake is soft and tender, while the filling is smooth and sweet, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Decorated with sprinkles and frosting, this cake roll is not only tasty but also a festive treat for any party.

Origin:

The concept of a “cake roll” is inspired by Swiss rolls, a classic dessert known for its rolled-up sponge cake filled with cream or other fillings. This chocolate version is a fun twist, offering a moist, chocolatey base that makes it perfect for birthday celebrations and other special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup water (or milk)

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for a chocolate filling, optional)

For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream or frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• Sprinkles (birthday-themed)
• Shaved chocolate (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan (or a 9×13-inch pan) with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
   • In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula until fully combined.
   • Add vanilla extract and water, mixing until smooth. Be careful not to deflate the batter too much.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
   • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. While it’s cooling, place a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it lightly with powdered sugar.
2. Roll the Cake:
   • Once the cake has cooled slightly, flip it onto the prepared towel, removing the parchment paper if used.
   • Starting at one short end, gently roll the cake up with the towel inside. Roll it tightly but gently to avoid cracking. Let it cool completely, wrapped in the towel, for about 30 minutes.
3. Make the Filling:
   • While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
   • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract and cocoa powder (if using) until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s smooth and fully combined.
4. Assemble the Cake Roll:
   • Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully unroll it from the towel.
   • Spread the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Be sure to go all the way to the edges so the filling is well-distributed.
   • Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Be careful as you roll to keep the filling intact.
5. Decorate and Serve:
   • Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter.
   • If desired, frost the outside of the cake with whipped cream or frosting, then decorate with sprinkles and shaved chocolate for a festive touch.
   • Slice the cake into rounds and serve chilled.

Tips for Success:

• Cake Cooling: Make sure the cake has fully cooled before unrolling. If you try to unroll it while still warm, it may crack.
• Filling Variation: If you prefer a lighter filling, you can use whipped cream instead of cream cheese or add a bit of lemon zest to give it a citrus twist.
• Cake Roll Sticking: Using parchment paper or a silicone mat on the baking pan can help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan during baking.
• Decoration Ideas: You can drizzle chocolate ganache on top or add colorful sprinkles to match your birthday theme.

Recommendations:

• Pair this Chocolate Birthday Cake Roll with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• For a birthday party, consider using colorful sprinkles, birthday candles, or themed decorations to personalize the cake.

Nutrition (per slice, assuming 10 servings):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 140mg
• Vitamin A: 15%
• Vitamin C: 0%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 6%

This Chocolate Birthday Cake Roll is a fun and festive dessert that brings a chocolatey twist to your birthday celebrations. With a creamy filling and a light, airy cake, it’s sure to delight everyone at your party. Enjoy the celebration!