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My go-to dessert for wowing friends without spending forever in the kitchen is this chocolate Swiss roll. Everyone thinks you've been baking all day when they see the stunning mix of dark chocolate cake and bright strawberry filling - the colors and flavors work magic together.
The first time I made this roll was for my sister's birthday after she couldn't find her favorite bakery treat since going vegan. When she took her first bite, her face lit up and she couldn't believe it wasn't made with traditional ingredients - she was completely fooled!
What You'll Need
- Oat flour: Creates that soft, tender bite while keeping everything wheat-free
- Cassava flour: Helps everything stick together so your cake won't split when you roll it up
- Aquafaba: Beaten with sugar, this gives your cake the fluffiness you'd normally get from eggs
- Freeze dried strawberries: Pack serious flavor punch without making your frosting runny
- Coconut cream: Adds that luxurious mouthfeel to your frosting and ganache with no dairy needed
Making Your Roll
- Set Everything Up:
- Cover your pan with parchment and grease both surfaces well. Getting organized before mixing helps your batter stay fluffy since it won't sit around waiting.
- Combine Dry Stuff:
- Stir all dry items together in their own bowl. Don't skip this - it stops flour lumps and makes sure your raising agents work evenly throughout.
- Beat The Aquafaba:
- Whip it with sugar until it gets airy and light. This creates the backbone of your cake, just like egg whites would. Take your time here - good air bubbles mean a bouncy cake.
- Mix With Care:
- Use a big spatula and gentle movements when putting wet and dry parts together. Push too hard and you'll get a tough cake that breaks when rolled, even with gluten-free ingredients.
- Shape It Hot:
- The most important part is rolling your cake while it's still warm. It needs to cool in its final shape, so dust it with cocoa right after baking and wrap it in a towel. Being patient now saves you from cracks later.
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The game-changer in this recipe is definitely the freeze dried strawberries. I found them after trying fresh puree several times, which always ruined my buttercream. They pack so much flavor that you get pure strawberry taste without messing up your frosting texture.
How To Present It
Put this roll at the center of your dessert spread and watch eyes light up. For something extra fancy, place slices on cold plates with a few fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The contrast between the cool filling and room-temp cake feels amazing in your mouth.
If you're keeping things casual, just serve slices with hot drinks. The deep chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with strong coffee, while the sweet strawberry cream balances any bitterness.
Fixing Common Problems
If your cake splits while rolling, it's probably too dry. The applesauce and yogurt are key for keeping it flexible. Make sure they're not cold when you mix them in - room temperature ingredients help everything bake evenly.
If your buttercream seems runny, pop the filled roll in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before adding the ganache. This firms everything up and stops the filling from oozing out when you cut it.
Changing With The Seasons
Though we call for freeze dried strawberries, any freeze dried fruit works great. Try raspberries for a tangy pink filling or blueberries for a subtle purple color with gentle flavor.
In autumn, try making a spiced filling with cinnamon and nutmeg, or even go for pumpkin spice using pumpkin powder. The chocolate base goes with almost any flavor combo you can dream up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the trick to rolling it without breaking?
Let the cake cool slightly and roll it using a soft towel to shape it gently without cracks forming.
- → Can I swap out vegan parts for regular ingredients?
Sure, just replace vegan butter with normal butter and swap coconut cream for regular heavy cream.
- → Why is this gluten-free?
It uses oat flour and cassava flour instead of wheat, making it perfect for gluten-free needs.
- → What’s the best way to store it?
Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for three months.
- → Can I try a different frosting inside?
Of course! A vegan cream cheese frosting is a yummy swap for strawberry buttercream.