Name: Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 4 h 44 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 6 large eggs (room temperature); 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 150 g granulated sugar (divided into 100g + 50g); 50 g milk (dairy or non-dairy); 50 g oil (e.g., canola oil); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 110 g cake flour; 2 tablespoons espresso powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 400 g whipping cream (cold); 40 g powdered sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Imagine indulging in a light, airy dessert that perfectly marries the bold richness of coffee with the delicate tenderness of a sponge cake. This Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe is exactly that—a heavenly treat that combines a tender coffee chiffon cake rolled with a luxuriously smooth coffee whipped cream. Whether you’re an avid coffee lover or just in the mood for a stunning dessert to impress, this Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. It’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, with each bite offering a beautiful swirl of flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the eggs creating a fluffy cake base, espresso powder infusing rich coffee flavor, or whipped cream adding that creamy finish. These essentials come together to ensure every mouthful is a delight.

6 large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and lightness for the chiffon cake.
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites for perfect meringue.
150 g granulated sugar (divided 100g + 50g): Sweetens and balances the coffee’s slight bitterness.
50 g milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture and enriches the batter.
50 g oil (canola or neutral oil): Keeps the cake tender and moist.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
110 g cake flour: Ensures a light, soft cake texture.
2 tablespoons espresso powder: The star ingredient that infuses that deep coffee aroma and flavor.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently for the perfect crumb.
400 g whipping cream (cold): Key to making light, fluffy coffee whipped cream filling.
40 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
1 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder: Intensifies the coffee flavor in the cream filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic hint to the whipped cream.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12×17 inch baking tray with parchment paper just on the bottom — this keeps your cake from sticking without interfering with the fluffy texture. Separate the eggs carefully, reserving the yolks and whites in separate bowls to prepare for the classic chiffon cake approach.

Step 2: Creating the Egg White Meringue

Whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar on low-medium speed until they reach that beautiful cappuccino-like froth. Gradually add 100g of sugar, spoon by spoon, mixing well to build shiny, stiff peaks. This meringue is the secret to the cake’s ethereal lift and softness.

Step 3: Mixing the Egg Yolk Batter

In the yolk bowl, mix the remaining 50g sugar with the egg yolks until blended. Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, then mix gently. Sift cake flour, espresso powder, and baking powder into this mixture to combine the dry ingredients smoothly without deflating the batter.

Step 4: Folding and Baking

Fold one-third of the egg white meringue into the yolk batter carefully, making sure to scrape every corner to avoid lumps. Once incorporated, fold in the remaining meringue gently until the batter appears uniform without streaks. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.

Bake for 13–14 minutes until edges are lightly browned and the cake surface is puffed. This brief bake time ensures your cake stays tender, not dry.

Step 5: Cooling and Pre-Rolling

Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes before carefully releasing it from the pan onto a wire rack. Peel off the parchment from the bottom and then place fresh parchment paper on top. While still warm, roll the cake gently with the paper, shaping it into a log. This pre-rolling cracks the cake lightly and prevents breaking later.

Step 6: Preparing the Coffee Whipped Cream

Whip the cold whipping cream with powdered sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This coffee whipped cream is the luscious filling that transforms this Swiss roll into a coffee lover’s dream.

Step 7: Assembling and Rolling

Unroll the cooled cake carefully and spread the whipped cream evenly, leaving about 1 inch free at the edge. Roll the cake back up, this time onto a sheet of plastic wrap for neatness, trimming any excess cream at the seam. Seal the ends with leftover cream, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the cream to set perfectly.

Step 8: Serving

Before serving, slice off ½ inch from both ends to reveal the enticing swirl inside. Cut the roll into slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for ideal portion sizes that showcase the beautiful spiral design and creamy filling.

How to Serve Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of finely ground espresso beans on top adds extra visual appeal and an intensified coffee aroma. Fresh coffee beans or edible gold leaf can elevate the look for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream. A small cup of black coffee or an espresso completes the experience, enhancing the coffee notes in the cake while balancing the richness of the cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on elegant plates adorned with chocolate shavings or delicate latte art designs alongside. You can also layer slices with fresh berries or drizzle with a coffee-infused chocolate sauce for an impressive dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Coffee Swiss Roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. It will maintain its moistness and flavor for up to 3 days and still taste as delightful as the day it was made.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the roll wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to savor the whipped cream filling at its best. Avoid reheating as it can cause the cream to melt and alter the delicate cake texture.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

While instant coffee can be a substitute, espresso powder is preferred because it dissolves quickly and provides a more intense, authentic coffee flavor that the Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe relies on.

Is it necessary to separate the eggs for this recipe?

Yes, separating the eggs is crucial to create the stable meringue that gives the cake its height and airiness, which is central to the texture of this Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe depends on eggs and dairy cream for structure and texture, so making it vegan would require significant substitutions and may change the delicate nature of the cake considerably.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm, as described in the pre-rolling step, gently stretches the cake and prevents cracks when you roll it after adding the cream filling.

Can I add flavored liqueurs to the whipped cream?

Absolutely! Adding a splash of coffee liqueur or amaretto to the whipped cream can add a delightful adult twist to the Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe, enhancing the depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Swiss Roll Recipe is such a joyous way to combine your love for coffee and cake in one elegant dessert. It’s a fun project that rewards your patience with slices of soft, aromatic cake and creamy coffee filling that everyone will adore. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite homemade coffee treat!