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Chocolate Swiss Roll with Silky Mousse combines soft chocolate sponge with a creamy chocolate mousse filling.
This Chocolate Swiss Roll with Silky Mousse has a soft chocolate exterior and a smooth, fluffy filling hidden inside. A light dusting of cocoa gives each slice a lovely finishing touch.
Rolling cake takes a little nerve. Would you try this chocolate mousse version?

Why You Will Love and Enjoy This Chocolate Swiss Roll with Silky Mousse
- This Swiss Roll with Mousse gives you a soft chocolate sponge wrapped around a creamy, chocolate-filled centre. It’s a lovely homemade dessert that looks special without needing fancy decorating skills. Make it ahead, chill it, and slice it when you’re ready to serve.
- Light chocolate sponge: Soft, tender, and easy to slice when properly baked.
- Creamy chocolate mousse: A smooth filling that adds richness without making the dessert feel too heavy.
- A lovely make-ahead dessert: Prepare it in advance so you can spend less time in the kitchen when guests arrive.
Chocolate Swiss Roll with Silky Mousse
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 1 x 36 x 28 cm Swiss roll tin 1x
- Category: Cake Cupcakes Cookies and Tarts
- Method: Moderate Baking
Description
Soft chocolate sponge, fluffy chocolate mousse, and a cocoa dusting to finish.
This Chocolate Swiss Roll with Silky Mousse brings together a light chocolate sponge and a rich, creamy filling in one lovely rolled dessert. It’s a delicious choice for afternoon tea, a family gathering, or whenever you’re in the mood for a little chocolate indulgence.
Ingredients
Chocolate Sponge
- 1/2 cup cake flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting the parchment
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup castor sugar
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1/2 tsp instant coffee granules
Chocolate Mousse Filling
- 3/4 cup – 150 g semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup whipping cream, for melting with the chocolate
- 1 cup whipping cream, cold, for whipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350⁰F (180⁰C). Line a 36 x 28 cm Swiss roll tin with parchment paper, making sure the paper covers the bottom and reaches the edges.
- Sift 1/2 cup cake flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt into a bowl. Give everything a good stir with a whisk, then set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat 4 large eggs and 2/3 cup castor sugar with an electric mixer for about 4 minutes, until the mixture is pale, thick, fluffy, and noticeably increased in volume.
- Add 2 tbsp canola oil and beat briefly until incorporated. Dissolve 1/2 tsp instant coffee granules in 1 tsp hot water, let it cool slightly, and beat it into the egg mixture. This little addition helps bring out the chocolate flavour without making the cake taste strongly of coffee.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients gradually, folding them in gently with a spatula until no dry patches remain. Try not to knock too much air out of the batter, as that air helps keep the sponge light enough to roll.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Spread it evenly into the corners with a spatula, keeping the surface level so the sponge bakes evenly.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, checking towards the end. The sponge should spring back lightly when touched, and a toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean or with a few crumbs. Don’t overbake it, or the cake may crack when rolled.
- While the sponge bakes, lay a fresh sheet of parchment paper on a clean, flat surface. Make it about the same size as the baking tin and dust it generously with cocoa powder.
- Remove the baked sponge from the oven. While it’s still warm, carefully invert it onto the cocoa dusted parchment. Peel away the parchment used during baking, taking your time so you don’t tear the delicate sponge.
- Starting at one of the shorter ends, gently roll the sponge up with the fresh parchment inside. Don’t pull it too tightly. Leave it rolled up and let it cool completely at room temperature. This helps the cake keep its rolled shape before you add the filling.
- To make the chocolate mousse, place 150 g of semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips and 1/2 cup whipping cream in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and allow the chocolate mixture to cool until it’s lukewarm but still fluid. It shouldn’t be hot when added to the whipped cream, or the mousse may lose its fluffy texture.
- In a clean bowl, beat 1 cup cold whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add the cooled chocolate mixture gradually, folding or beating on low speed just until the filling is smooth and evenly combined. Stop as soon as it’s blended so you don’t overwhip it.
- Carefully unroll the cooled sponge. Don’t worry if it has a few little creases; that’s perfectly normal for a homemade Swiss roll. Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges to reduce filling spilling out as you roll.
- Gently roll the sponge back up, this time without the parchment inside. Place it seam side down on a serving plate or in a suitable container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the mousse can firm up.
- Just before serving, dust the top with extra cocoa powder. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices for neater swirls of chocolate sponge and mousse.
Notes
Prepared, tried, and tested by Gail
Additional Information, Tips and Suggestions
- Why should the eggs be at room temperature? Room temperature eggs generally whip more easily and help create the volume needed for a flexible sponge. Beat the eggs and castor sugar for about 4 minutes, until pale, thick, and fluffy.
- How do I stop the sponge from cracking? Don’t overbake it, and roll it while it’s still warm using fresh parchment. Let it cool completely in its rolled shape before unrolling it gently to add the filling. Small cracks can happen and won’t spoil the taste.
- How do I know when the sponge is baked? Begin checking at 10 minutes. The surface should spring back lightly when touched, and a toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs. An overbaked sponge is more likely to crack.
- Why add coffee to the chocolate sponge? The 1/2 tsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tsp hot water and will help deepen the chocolate flavour without making the sponge taste strongly of coffee. You can leave it out if you prefer.
- How cool should the melted chocolate mixture be? Let it cool until lukewarm but still fluid before combining it with the whipped cream. If it’s too hot, it can deflate the cream. If it becomes too cold and firm, it may create chocolate flecks in the mousse.
- How do I get a fluffy mousse filling? Whip the cold 1 cup whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Incorporate the cooled chocolate mixture gently, stopping as soon as the filling is smooth. Overmixing can make the mousse grainy or cause it to lose volume.
- What if the mousse is too soft? Chill it briefly to help it firm up before spreading. Make sure the cake has cooled completely and refrigerate the assembled roll for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate? Yes. Semi-sweet chocolate gives a balanced chocolate flavour, dark chocolate makes the filling more intense, and milk chocolate produces a sweeter result. Chocolate chips also work, although some varieties melt more thickly than baking chocolate.
- Can I substitute the canola oil? Use another neutral vegetable oil in the same amount. Avoid strongly flavoured oils that could change the taste of the sponge.
- Can I make the Swiss roll ahead? Yes. Prepare it the day before serving, cover it well, and refrigerate. Add the final cocoa dusting just before serving for a fresher appearance.
- How should leftovers be stored? Keep the filled roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the mousse contains dairy, don’t leave the dessert at room temperature for extended periods.
- Can I use a different baking tin? The specified 36 x 28 cm tin is best for the intended sponge thickness. A smaller tin produces a thicker sponge that may be harder to roll, while a larger tin creates a thinner sponge that can dry out more quickly.
- How can I get neat slices? Chill the roll thoroughly, use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade between cuts. This helps keep the chocolate sponge and mousse layers distinct.

Chocolate Swiss Roll with Silky Mousse is a delicious choice for anyone who enjoys a soft chocolate sponge and a creamy filling. The warm rolling technique, silky mousse, and simple cocoa finish make this homemade dessert both achievable and impressive. Chill it ahead, slice it neatly, and serve a chocolate treat that’s ready to take centre stage at your next gathering.

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