As I sat down with a piece of the Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll, I couldn’t help but marvel at how something so delightful could be so easy to make. Moist chocolate cake mingles beautifully with creamy caramel buttercream, all wrapped in a glossy chocolate ganache that is simply stunning. This indulgent dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a quick prep for busy bakers looking to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss. Plus, with variations like the salted caramel twist or mocha flavor, you can personalize your creation to suit any taste. Ready to whip up this show-stopping cake roll and wow your friends and family? Let’s dive in! Why is This Cake Roll a Must-Try? Indulgence Awaits: The Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll is a treat that elevates any dessert table, combining rich chocolate with decadent caramel in a twist on classic flavors. Quick and Easy: Using a boxed cake mix saves time without sacrificing taste. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a stunning dessert! Versatile: Experiment with variations like Salted Caramel or Mocha Flavor, ensuring every bite is unique to your liking. Impressive Presentation: With its elegant rolled shape and glossy ganache, this cake roll is sure to be the star at any gathering; it’s perfect for both casual dinners and special celebrations. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing for a birthday or simply want to indulge, this recipe fits the bill, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends! If you’re looking for more delightful recipes, check out my Garlic Butter Rolls to accompany your sweet treat. Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll Ingredients For the Cake • Eggs – Provide structure and moisture; substitute with egg replacer for a vegan version. • Chocolate Cake Mix – The base of the cake for convenience; any brand or flavor works (e.g., Devil’s Food). • Water – Hydrates the cake mix; can be replaced with coffee for added depth of flavor. • Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and richness; melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce can be used for a lighter option. • Powdered Sugar – For dusting the cake and sweetening the buttercream; opt for corn starch-free powdered sugar for a non-GMO choice. For the Caramel Buttercream • Unsalted Butter – Creates a creamy texture; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version. • Caramel Sauce – Provides sweetness and rich flavor; use homemade or store-bought for ease. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the buttercream; sift it for a smooth texture. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor; you can swap it for almond extract for a different taste. For the Ganache • Heavy Whipping Cream – For a rich ganache; use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. • Chocolate Chips – Delivers chocolate flavor; semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best, or use white chocolate for a lighter twist. • Chopped Toasted Pecans – Adds a crunchy texture and flavor; omit for a nut-free version or replace with chocolate curls. Now that you have all your ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to creating this delightful Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring it fits snugly, and lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking. Having everything ready sets you up for success as you prepare to create your delightful Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll. Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, crack your eggs and beat them until frothy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the chocolate cake mix, water, and vegetable oil to the bowl, mixing until smooth and well-combined. The batter should be glossy—this indicates it’s ready for the next step. Step 3: Bake the Cake Pour the smooth batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it with a spatula if necessary. Place it in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overbake; the goal is a soft, moist cake. Step 4: Roll the Cake While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it generously with powdered sugar. Once you remove the baked cake from the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake onto the prepared towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll it up with the towel, starting from one short end. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled position. Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Buttercream As the cake cools, it’s time to whip up the caramel buttercream. In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until it’s fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually blend in the caramel sauce, followed by the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious buttercream is the perfect filling for your Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll. Step 6: Unroll and Fill the Cake Once the cake has completely cooled, gently unroll it from the kitchen towel. Spread the caramel buttercream evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. This will ensure the filling doesn’t ooze out when you re-roll. Roll the cake up tightly from one end while keeping the filling in place, and transfer it seam-side down onto a serving platter. Step 7: Make the Ganache To create the glossy ganache that tops this dessert, heat the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl, allowing it to sit for a few moments before stirring. Mix until smooth and shiny. Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it thickens a bit before the next step. Step 8: Frost the Cake Pour the cooled chocolate ganache over the rolled cake, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even coating. Don’t forget to let the ganache drizzle down the sides for a beautiful finish. As a delicious touch, sprinkle the top with the chopped toasted pecans, which will add a lovely crunch and visual appeal to your Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll. Step 9: Chill and Serve Place the beautifully decorated cake roll in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes. This chilling time will help the ganache firm up and make slicing easier. Once set, slice the cake into serving pieces and serve. For an extra indulgent touch, consider drizzling additional caramel over the top before serving. What to Serve with Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll Create a delightful dining experience by pairing this indulgent cake with complementary sides that enhance its rich flavors. Fresh Berries: Their tartness contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, adding a refreshing bite. A small bowl of raspberries or strawberries will elevate your dessert presentation. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, it provides a delightful contrast to the cake’s rich texture, melting slightly as it’s served warm. Coffee: A steaming cup of aromatic coffee brings out the chocolate notes, making each bite even more satisfying. Opt for a dark roast for an extra boost. Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: These cookies not only complement the chocolate but also add a crunchy texture, creating a fun and casual dessert platter. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can balance the rich flavors, providing a fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with each slice. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For a touch of elegance, serve these alongside the cake roll. The addition of fresh fruit makes for a beautiful and delicious pairing. Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll Variations Feel free to make this delightful dessert your own with some easy, fun variations! Salted Caramel Twist: Use salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt flakes for an extra flavor boost that balances sweetness beautifully. Adding a hint of salty goodness enhances the rich caramel and chocolate experience. Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans; consider using crushed pretzels or chocolate curls as a topping for crunch without nuts. This keeps it inclusive for everyone, while still adding texture and fun. Mocha Flavor: Introduce a teaspoon of espresso powder into the cake mix for a coffee-infused twist that adds depth to your chocolate. It’s especially appealing for coffee lovers who want to elevate their cake roll. Boozy Version: Drizzle a splash of bourbon or coffee liqueur into the ganache for a rich, adult twist that makes every bite indulgent. This adds a sophisticated edge, perfect for a dinner party dessert. White Chocolate Topping: Swap out the dark chocolate chips in the ganache with white or milk chocolate for a sweeter finish with a lovely contrast. The creamy flavors will create a luscious experience, satisfying those with a sweeter tooth. Fruit-Infused: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries with the caramel buttercream for a burst of freshness that brightens every slice. This twist brings a vibrant touch and looks stunning in presentation! Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the ganache for a delightful surprise that warms the palate. It’s a playful way to introduce a little heat alongside the sweetness. Zesty Citrus: Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest into the caramel for a subtle citrus flavor that contrasts beautifully with chocolate. This refreshing twist can elevate your cake roll to a whole new level of indulgence! How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll Fridge: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. This helps maintain the cake’s moistness and the buttercream’s creamy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before glazing. Reheating: If you prefer a warm dessert, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the melted chocolatey goodness! Room Temperature: The Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll is best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to ensure freshness. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Caramel Cake Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the chocolate cake up to 24 hours in advance and store it rolled in the kitchen towel at room temperature to keep it moist. Additionally, the caramel buttercream can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days—just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture. When ready to assemble, unroll the cooled cake, spread the chilled buttercream, and re-roll it. Finally, prepare the ganache right before serving for the freshest flavor. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll Gentle Handling: Take care when rolling and unrolling the cake. If it’s too stiff or overbaked, it may crack. Cool Completely: Make sure the cake cools fully before adding the buttercream; this prevents melting and slipping. Use Quality Chocolate: For the ganache, semi-sweet or dark chocolate ensures a deeper flavor; don’t skimp on quality. Dusting with Powdered Sugar: Generously dust the towel with powdered sugar before rolling to avoid sticking—this keeps the cake intact. Chill for Easier Cutting: Refrigerate the cake roll for about 30 minutes after glazing; this helps with clean, beautiful slices. Explore Variations: Don’t hesitate to personalize your Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll with unique twists like Salted Caramel or Mocha Flavor! Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chocolate cake mix? Absolutely! When selecting a chocolate cake mix, look for one that is rich in cocoa for an indulgent flavor. Both regular and devil’s food variations work great—feel free to choose according to your personal preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try a gluten-free mix! How should I store my Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll? For optimal freshness, keep leftover slices covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re sealed tightly to maintain that delicious buttercream texture and prevent drying out. If you plan on enjoying it later, I recommend freezing it. Can I freeze the Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll? Certainly! Wrap the unglazed cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then proceed with glazing as directed. This method preserves the cake’s softness and prevents freezer burn. What if my cake cracks while rolling? The more the merrier! If your cake cracks, don’t worry. It happens to the best of us! To prevent this, ensure you’re gently handling the cake and not overbaking it; 12-15 minutes is usually perfect. If it does crack, simply use your ganache to cover any imperfections during frosting! Are there any dietary considerations for Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll? Very! This dessert can be made suitable for different dietary needs. For a vegan version, use egg replacers and vegan butter. If you have nut allergies, simply omit the pecans or replace them with chocolate curls. Always double-check labels on the caramel sauce and cake mix for allergens to ensure safety. How can I add more flavor to the cake roll? Absolutely! You can bring a personal touch by adding a few teaspoons of espresso powder to the chocolate cake mix for a mocha flavor or using salted caramel in your buttercream for a delightful twist. Don’t forget— experimenting can lead you to your new favorite variation! Indulgent Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll for Sweet Celebrations This Chocolate Caramel Cake Roll is a stunning dessert that combines moist chocolate cake, creamy caramel buttercream, and glossy chocolate ganache. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 360 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake3 large Eggs Substitute with egg replacer for a vegan version.1 box Chocolate Cake Mix Any brand or flavor works (e.g., Devil’s Food).1 cup Water Can be replaced with coffee for added depth of flavor.1/4 cup Vegetable Oil Melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce can be used.1 cup Powdered Sugar Opt for corn starch-free powdered sugar for non-GMO choice.For the Caramel Buttercream1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.1/2 cup Caramel Sauce Use homemade or store-bought for ease.2 cups Powdered Sugar Sift for a smooth texture.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Can swap for almond extract.For the Ganache1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.1 cup Chocolate Chips Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best.1/4 cup Chopped Toasted Pecans Omit for nut-free version. Equipment Jelly Roll PanMixing BowlSpatulaKitchen towelsaucepan Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Caramel Cake RollPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it.In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Gradually add the cake mix, water, and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth.Pour the batter evenly into the pan and bake for 12–15 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. After 5 minutes of cooling, transfer the cake to the towel, peel off parchment, and roll it up.Beat the unsalted butter until fluffy, then blend in caramel sauce, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.Unroll the cake and spread the caramel buttercream evenly, then re-roll tightly and place seam-side down on a platter.Heat the cream for the ganache until it simmers. Pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth, and let cool slightly.Pour ganache over the rolled cake, smoothing it out and allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle with pecans.Refrigerate the cake roll for about 30 minutes to set. Slice and serve with drizzled caramel if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg NotesFor best results, ensure the cake cools fully before adding buttercream to prevent slipping. Explore variations like Salted Caramel or Mocha Flavor to customize your cake roll! Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
