Chocolate Hazelnut Roll Cake with Chocolate Glaze and Crunchy Truffle Topping

My Chocolate Hazelnut Roll Cake with Chocolate Glaze and Crunchy Truffle Topping completely changed my mind about fancy desserts. I used to think elaborate cakes were only for special occasions, but honestly, this beauty is surprisingly doable for any weekend baking session. The combination of fluffy chocolate sponge, creamy hazelnut filling, and that gorgeous glossy chocolate coating creates something truly magical that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

What Is Chocolate Hazelnut Roll Cake with Chocolate Glaze and Crunchy Truffle Topping?

This decadent roll cake features a light chocolate sponge cake rolled around a rich hazelnut cream filling. Furthermore, the entire cake gets coated in a silky chocolate glaze and topped with crunchy chocolate truffles. Additionally, it’s like a fancy Swiss roll that decided to get dressed up for a party. The texture contrast between the soft cake, smooth filling, and crunchy topping makes every bite absolutely divine.

What You’ll Need for This Amazing Roll Cake

Before we jump into the fun part, let’s gather everything for this showstopper. Moreover, most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry, which makes this recipe even more appealing.

For the Chocolate Sponge:

• Large eggs – Room temperature works best for maximum volume
• Granulated sugar – Regular white sugar is perfect, though you can substitute with caster sugar
• All-purpose flour – Sift it for the lightest texture
• Cocoa powder – Use unsweetened for the best chocolate flavor
• Baking powder – Fresh is crucial for proper rise
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance flavors

For the Hazelnut Cream Filling:

• Heavy cream – Cold cream whips up beautifully
• Hazelnut spread – Nutella works perfectly, or use any quality brand
• Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and stability
• Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla gives the best flavor

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• Dark chocolate – Choose good quality for smooth melting
• Heavy cream – Creates that glossy finish
• Butter – Adds shine and richness
• Corn syrup – Optional but helps with smoothness

For the Crunchy Truffle Topping:

• Chocolate truffles – Store-bought saves time, or make your own
• Chopped hazelnuts – Toasted for extra crunch and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

Preparing the Chocolate Sponge:

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and sugar until they’re pale and tripled in volume. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes with an electric mixer. Subsequently, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Baking and Rolling:

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, immediately turn it onto the towel. Furthermore, carefully peel away the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel while it’s still warm. This prevents cracking when you add the filling later.

Making the Hazelnut Cream:

While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, soften the hazelnut spread slightly, then fold it into the whipped cream. Additionally, be gentle to maintain the light texture. The filling should be smooth and spreadable.

Assembling Your Chocolate Hazelnut Roll Cake:

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the hazelnut cream evenly, leaving a small border. Then, roll it back up without the towel this time. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps everything set properly.

Creating the Chocolate Glaze:

Heat the cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Finally, add butter and corn syrup for that professional finish. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before pouring over your Chocolate Hazelnut Roll Cake with Chocolate Glaze and Crunchy Truffle Topping.

Final Assembly:

Place the chilled roll on a serving plate and pour the glaze over the top. Subsequently, while the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the chopped truffles and toasted hazelnuts on top. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set everything perfectly.

Perfect Serving Ideas

This stunning dessert deserves to be presented beautifully. Slice it with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat portions. Furthermore, serve it chilled with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, a drizzle of raspberry sauce creates a lovely color contrast. The rich flavors pair wonderfully with coffee or a glass of dessert wine for special occasions.

Pro Tips for Roll Cake Success

• Don’t overbake the sponge – A dry cake will crack when rolled, so check it early
• Roll while warm – This is crucial for preventing cracks in your finished cake
• Use room temperature eggs – They whip up much better than cold ones
• Don’t overfill – Too much filling will squeeze out the sides when rolling
• Chill thoroughly – This helps everything hold its shape when slicing
• Toast your hazelnuts – It really brings out their flavor and adds to the crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chocolate Hazelnut Roll Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this cake actually improves after sitting overnight. You can make it up to two days ahead, but add the truffle topping just before serving to maintain the crunch. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

What if my cake cracks when I roll it?

Don’t panic! Small cracks are totally normal and will be hidden by the glaze. However, if you get major cracks, you can patch them with extra filling. The chocolate coating will cover most imperfections beautifully.

Can I substitute the hazelnut filling?

Definitely! You can use peanut butter, almond butter, or even just plain chocolate cream. Furthermore, fresh fruit like strawberries work wonderfully too. Just make sure any substitute has a similar consistency to spread easily.

How should I store leftover cake?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Moreover, the flavors actually meld together beautifully over time. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

This Chocolate Hazelnut Roll Cake with Chocolate Glaze and Crunchy Truffle Topping looks incredibly impressive but is surprisingly manageable. The combination of textures and flavors creates something really special that works for everything from birthday parties to dinner parties. Plus, you can customize it with different fillings and toppings to suit your preferences. It’s become my signature dessert because it never fails to wow guests.

My Recipe Development Journey

I’ll be honest, my first attempt at this cake was a bit of a disaster! The sponge cracked terribly, and the glaze was too thick. However, after several tries, I figured out the key timing elements. The breakthrough came when I realized how important the rolling technique is. Now I’ve perfected this recipe, and you can find more of my tested dessert creations on my Pinterest page, where I share all my baking adventures and tips.