Decadent German Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a decadent treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Look no further than this indulgent German Chocolate Cake Roll! This showstopping dessert combines the iconic coconut pecan filling and luscious ganache in a stunning spiral slice that is sure to impress your guests. With its deeply chocolatey sponge that stays soft and pliable, this cake roll is a must-try for any special occasion.

Discovering my grandmother’s handwritten recipe for this German Chocolate Cake Roll was like finding a hidden treasure in an old cookbook. The simplicity of making this elegant dessert never fails to astonish my family and friends. The toasted pecans in the filling add a touch of magic, evoking sweet childhood memories of holiday baking sessions with my mom. The aroma of pecans toasting in the oven brings me back to those cherished moments every time I bake this delightful cake roll.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, Easter, or simply want to add a touch of sophistication to your brunch spread, this German Chocolate Cake Roll is the perfect centerpiece. Serve it with a steaming cup of coffee or a scoop of creamy ice cream for an extra special treat. And don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or delicate edible flowers for a festive touch. Transforming the classic German chocolate cake into a roll adds a modern twist while preserving the beloved flavors that have stood the test of time. Embrace the nostalgia and joy of sharing this delightful cake roll with your loved ones.

Quick Benefits

• Impressive Presentation: A showstopping dessert that looks elegant on any dessert platter, perfect for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
• Nostalgic Flavors: Nostalgic flavors of the classic German chocolate cake presented in a new and exciting form.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days, or frozen for later enjoyment.
• Versatile Ingredients: Can be customized with different nuts or coconut variations to suit personal preferences or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent German Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: This German Chocolate Cake Roll is a showstopper that will impress your guests at any special occasion or holiday spread.
• Nostalgic Flavors: Every bite of this cake roll delivers the nostalgic flavors of the classic German chocolate cake in a new and elegant form.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake roll is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a special birthday treat or festive brunch.
• Soft and Moist Sponge: The deeply chocolatey sponge stays soft enough to roll without cracking, ensuring a perfect spiral slice every time.
• Toasty Pecans: The toasted pecans in this dessert add a magical crunch and flavor, bringing back memories of holiday baking and making it extra special.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the coconut-pecan filling ahead of time and refrigerate, making it convenient for busy days or entertaining.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping pecans with walnuts or almonds, and using different types of chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
• Freezer Friendly: The cake roll (without ganache) freezes well, allowing you to prepare it in advance for future celebrations or unexpected guests.

Ingredients for Decadent German Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Chocolate Sponge Cake

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 25 g cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 90 g all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, room temperature

Coconut-Pecan Filling

• 240 ml evaporated milk
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup chopped pecans
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 115 g unsalted butter, cubed

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 tablespoon butter, optional
• 120 ml heavy cream
• 120 g semisweet chocolate, chopped

Finishing Touches

• Extra shredded coconut, for garnish
• Whole or halved pecans, for garnish

Pro Tips for Decadent German Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

To ensure a successful cake roll, make sure to roll the sponge while it’s still warm and flexible. Using a powdered sugar-dusted towel will prevent sticking and cracking. This technique helps maintain the cake’s integrity when shaping it into a roll.

When making the ganache, opt for semisweet chocolate for a well-balanced and decadent finish. However, feel free to substitute with milk or dark chocolate depending on your personal taste preferences. The ganache adds a luxurious touch to the cake roll, enhancing the overall flavor and presentation.

For convenience, prepare the coconut-pecan filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Remember to bring it to room temperature before spreading it onto the cake. This pro tip allows for smoother and easier assembly of the cake roll. Additionally, you can freeze the unfilled cake roll for future enjoyment, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand for special occasions.

How to Make Decadent German Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a 25 x 38 cm jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar

In a different bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and tripled in volume, for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Carefully combine vanilla and milk, then sift in dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.

Step 5: Bake Sponge

Evenly spread batter in prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched.

Step 6: Roll Cake

Invert warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Remove parchment paper and roll the cake from the short end with the towel inside. Allow the cake to cool completely while rolled.

Step 7: Prepare Coconut-Pecan Filling

In a saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in butter, vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool until spreadable.

Step 8: Fill and Roll Cake

Spread cooled cake with coconut-pecan filling, then tightly reroll and place seam-side down on serving platter.

Step 9: Prepare Ganache

Simmer heavy cream, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Optionally add butter for extra shine.

Step 10: Finish and Garnish

Drizzle ganache over rolled cake and top with shredded coconut and pecans before serving.

Storage Tips

The German Chocolate Cake Roll can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It is best to store it this way to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. When stored this way, the cake roll can last up to four days, allowing you to enjoy it over multiple servings. For easier slicing, it is recommended to serve the cake roll slightly chilled, so it’s best to store it in the fridge.

If you want to freeze the cake roll, wrap the filled and rolled cake tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake roll overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture. It’s important to apply the ganache after thawing to ensure the glossiest finish. Freezing the cake roll is a convenient option for preserving it for a longer period without compromising its taste and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for the German Chocolate Cake Roll, consider using walnuts or toasted almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor profile. You can also opt for unsweetened coconut if that’s what you have on hand, adjusting the sweetness as needed. Additionally, if evaporated milk is not available, you can create a similar richness by using a combination of half and half and regular milk.

For the ganache, while semisweet chocolate is recommended for a balanced flavor, you can choose to substitute with milk or dark chocolate based on your taste preferences. Just keep in mind that the intensity and sweetness levels may vary accordingly. Lastly, you can prepare the coconut-pecan filling ahead of time and refrigerate it, ensuring that it reaches room temperature before spreading it onto the cake. This make-ahead option can help streamline the baking process when you’re ready to assemble the cake roll.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, try serving slices of the German Chocolate Cake Roll on individual dessert plates dusted with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder. Garnish each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of coconut ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Top it off with a sprinkle of toasted coconut and a few whole pecans for an elegant finish that will wow your guests.

Another creative way to serve this German Chocolate Cake Roll is to slice it into bite-sized pinwheels for a fun and elegant dessert platter. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving tray, alternating directions to create an eye-catching pattern. Drizzle the pinwheels with extra ganache and sprinkle with chopped pecans and shredded coconut for a decorative touch. This bite-sized version is perfect for serving at parties or gatherings where guests can enjoy a taste of nostalgia in a convenient and visually appealing format.

FAQs for Decadent German Chocolate Cake Roll Recipe

Can I prepare the coconut-pecan filling ahead of time?

Yes, the coconut-pecan filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cake roll.

Can I freeze the cake roll without the ganache?

Yes, the cake roll (without ganache) freezes well. Wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing with ganache and serving.

What type of chocolate is best for the ganache?

Semisweet chocolate is ideal for a balanced, rich ganache. However, you can substitute milk or dark chocolate based on your preference.

Can I use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans in the cake roll?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can easily swap them with walnuts or almonds for a different twist on the classic flavor.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for German Chocolate Cake Roll brings as much joy to your gatherings as it has to mine. The combination of rich chocolate sponge, luscious coconut-pecan filling, and decadent ganache is sure to impress your family and friends. The beauty of this cake roll lies in its simplicity, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or just a cozy weekend treat.

So, go ahead and give this German Chocolate Cake Roll a try. Let its nostalgic flavors and elegant presentation elevate your next celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simply a gathering with loved ones, this cake roll is bound to be a hit. Share the love, slice by slice, and enjoy the magic of this classic dessert in a new form.