Serves 8 and ready in just 37 minutes (25 prep, 12 cook), the St. Nicholas Chocolate Roll Cake delivers a perfect blend of soft cocoa sponge, silky chocolate cream, and glossy dark ganache. Its light texture and rich flavor make it an elegant choice for festive gatherings. Once chilled, the roll slices beautifully, revealing a smooth spiral of cream and cake. Best enjoyed fresh, it stays moist and flavorful for up to three days when stored covered in the refrigerator.
The Secret to a Flawless St. Nicholas Chocolate Roll Cake
A festive dessert that combines tradition, elegance, and pure chocolate indulgence
The St. Nicholas Chocolate Roll Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of warmth, nostalgia, and the comforting aroma of cocoa that fills the kitchen as winter begins. Its soft, sponge-like texture wrapped around a smooth, velvety chocolate cream creates a perfect harmony of taste and aesthetics. This festive roll has long been a highlight of early December tables, especially on St. Nicholas Day, when sweets and small treats symbolize generosity and joy. Preparing it at home transforms a simple chocolate sponge into a centerpiece of seasonal affection.
A perfect roll cake begins with a light cocoa sponge, achieved by carefully balancing eggs, sugar, and flour to form a delicate foam that stays moist yet flexible. The filling—a silky blend of whipped cream, dark chocolate, and a touch of butter—brings luxurious richness, while the outer coating of ganache adds shine and smoothness. A dash of vanilla enhances the sweetness without overpowering the chocolate, and a hint of espresso or rum adds depth for an adult twist. Once rolled and chilled, each slice reveals an elegant spiral that reflects craftsmanship and festive flair.
The history behind the St. Nicholas Chocolate Roll
The roll cake traces its roots to 19th-century Europe, when festive yule logs (Bûche de Noël) became a Christmas tradition. Over time, local adaptations emerged—lighter, smaller, and easier to prepare. The St. Nicholas version became especially popular in Central and Eastern Europe, where the December 6 celebration honors the saint known for kindness and giving. Families started baking chocolate rolls filled with cream or fruit, decorating them with powdered sugar or nuts to resemble snow-covered logs. This dessert has since evolved into a modern classic: easy to customize, delightful to serve, and universally loved.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Festive presentation – Its elegant swirl and glossy chocolate finish make it the star of any holiday table.
- Simple yet impressive – The sponge and cream filling are easy to make but look professionally crafted.
- Flexible flavors – Add nuts, liqueur, or fruit preserves for endless variations.
- Perfect for gifting – Wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon, it makes a heartfelt homemade present.
- Make-ahead convenience – It tastes even better the next day, once flavors fully set.
Ingredient synergy and texture
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating balance. Eggs give structure and elasticity, flour provides stability, and cocoa powder offers the deep chocolate tone. Sugar ensures moisture retention, while melted butter adds tenderness without heaviness. The filling combines whipped cream and melted chocolate, delivering contrast between airiness and density. For additional depth, crushed hazelnuts or orange zest can be folded in. The magic lies in the contrast: airy sponge and luscious cream, rolled together into a soft, cloud-like spiral.
Creative variations for chocolate enthusiasts
- Hazelnut praline roll – Add crushed hazelnuts or a layer of praline paste for crunch.
- White chocolate & raspberry twist – Substitute dark chocolate with white and add a thin layer of raspberry jam.
- Chestnut cream fusion – Use sweetened chestnut purée for a velvety seasonal flavor.
- Coffee mocha roll – Mix espresso into the cream for a balanced bitterness that enhances chocolate.
- Mini rolls – Slice the sponge into smaller pieces before rolling for bite-sized treats perfect for serving with coffee.
Storage and make-ahead preparation
This roll keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. To preserve its moisture, cover it with baking paper and a light wrap of foil. It can also be frozen for up to a month—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. If preparing ahead, roll and chill the sponge with the filling one day in advance, then glaze with ganache before serving to ensure the surface remains shiny and fresh.
Related St. Nicholas recipes worth exploring
For more festive inspiration, explore our seasonal creations perfect for early December mornings and cozy evenings:
Discover How to prepare a perfect St. Nicholas breakfast and warm up your day with Heavenly St. Nicholas Cookies with Hazelnuts and Chocolate — both designed to bring the spirit of giving straight to your kitchen.
The art of balance: temperature, timing, and texture
Achieving a flawless roll depends on precise timing and attention. The batter must be spread evenly before baking to maintain consistent thickness, ensuring the sponge remains pliable for rolling. Immediately after baking, it should be rolled while still warm using parchment paper to prevent cracks. Cooling it rolled allows the sponge to “memorize” its shape. When filled and rerolled, the final dessert stays smooth and intact. Refrigeration then stabilizes the cream and enhances the flavor contrast between the sponge and the filling.
Decorating and serving ideas
A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or festive toppings such as candied orange peel and gold flakes make it irresistible. For a St. Nicholas touch, add small chocolate figurines or marzipan decorations. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a warm chocolate sauce for an unforgettable dessert moment.
This St. Nicholas Chocolate Roll Cake captures the essence of winter festivities—rich yet balanced, elegant yet comforting. Each bite tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship, making it the perfect treat to honor the season of kindness and celebration.
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- Prepare the sponge:
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F). Line a 30 × 40 cm (12 × 16 inch) baking tray with parchment paper.
In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg mixture. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. - Bake the sponge:
Spread the batter evenly on the tray and bake for 10–12 minutes until the surface springs back when touched. Remove from the oven, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and roll the sponge (with parchment paper) while warm to prevent cracking. Let it cool rolled up. - Prepare the filling:
Melt dark chocolate over a water bath and let it cool slightly. Whip the cream until soft peaks form, then fold in the melted chocolate until you get a smooth, creamy texture. Chill for 10 minutes. - Assemble the roll:
Unroll the cooled sponge gently. Spread the chocolate cream filling evenly, leaving a 2 cm (¾ inch) border. Carefully roll it back up, tightening slightly to keep its shape. Place it seam side down on a serving plate. - Prepare the ganache:
Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let stand for 2 minutes and stir until glossy and smooth. Let it cool for 5 minutes before pouring over the roll. - Decorate:
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and chopped hazelnuts (for decoration). Optionally, add candied orange peel or gold leaf for a festive touch. Chill for 1 hour before serving for best slicing texture.
FAQ questionWhat makes the sponge flexible enough to roll without cracking?
A rollable sponge depends on properly whipped eggs and sugar (pale, ribbony foam), a gentle fold of the dry mix to keep air, and baking just until set so it stays moist. Roll the cake while warm in parchment to “train” its shape; this memory roll prevents fractures when you later add the filling.
FAQ questionHow do I keep the filling light but stable?
Whip cold cream to soft peaks, then fold in slightly cooled melted dark chocolate. The chocolate sets as it chills, creating a silky yet sliceable texture. Avoid overwhipping (which causes graininess) and chill the filled roll for at least 60 minutes to lock in structure.
FAQ questionWhy did my sponge deflate or turn rubbery?
Common causes are overmixing (knocking out air), too much flour, or overbaking. Sift dry ingredients, fold with a wide spatula using minimal strokes, and bake until the surface springs back lightly. Pull the tray the moment it’s done; residual heat can dry the crumb.
FAQ questionCan I make it ahead for St. Nicholas Day?
Yes—assemble the roll a day in advance and refrigerate, then add the ganache glaze a few hours before serving for a fresh sheen. The cake keeps up to 3 days covered and chilled; flavors mellow and deepen overnight, yielding cleaner slices.
FAQ questionWhat flavor twists work best without compromising texture?
Add a thin layer of raspberry jam, fold in finely chopped hazelnuts, or perfume the cream with espresso or orange zest. Keep additions fine and evenly distributed so the sponge still rolls smoothly and the spiral remains neat and defined.
FAQ questionHow do I get professional-looking slices?
Chill the finished roll until firm, then use a long serrated knife and gentle sawing motions. Wipe the blade between cuts. For ultra-clean edges, briefly chill after glazing so the ganache sets and doesn’t smear, yielding picture-perfect spirals.
Years of working with European pastries have shown that the beauty of a perfect roll cake lies in its balance between texture and flavor. Experience with countless festive desserts helped refine every detail—from the lightness of the sponge to the silkiness of the filling. Understanding how temperature and timing affect the final texture makes this St. Nicholas Chocolate Roll Cake consistently soft, rich, and easy to master at home.
PEKIS – professional chef and recipe developer with over 25 years of experience in cooking and baking, specialized in European and international cuisine.
The St. Nicholas Chocolate Roll Cake captures the essence of winter celebration in every detail. Its balance of light cocoa sponge, creamy chocolate filling, and shiny ganache creates an indulgence that feels both festive and timeless. Each slice reveals a smooth spiral that reflects skill, care, and a touch of holiday magic.
This dessert embodies the art of precision baking, where texture and temperature align to form a perfect roll. The sponge must stay tender yet elastic, the cream light yet rich, and the ganache glossy yet firm enough to slice beautifully. Every layer contributes to a harmonious experience that delights both taste and sight.
Preparing it connects tradition with creativity. Whether made for a family gathering, a seasonal gift, or a quiet December evening, it brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. Its ability to stay fresh for several days makes it not only delicious but practical—ideal for advance preparation during busy festive days.
In the end, this roll cake isn’t just about technique; it’s about warmth, generosity, and sharing. The combination of chocolate, cream, and craftsmanship transforms simple ingredients into something memorable. One slice is enough to remind anyone why homemade desserts remain the heart of every celebration.
Allergens present in the recipe
- Eggs
- Milk (cream, butter, chocolate)
- Gluten (flour)
- Nuts (hazelnuts)
Allergen-free and gluten-free alternatives
- Replace flour with gluten-free baking mix or almond flour for a lighter texture.
- Use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based cream (e.g., coconut or oat cream) to eliminate milk allergens.
- Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) for an egg-free version.
- Omit hazelnuts or substitute with pumpkin seeds or toasted sunflower seeds for nut-free preparation.
- Vitamin A: 160 µg – supports vision and immune function
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.25 mg – aids metabolism and energy production
- Vitamin D: 0.6 µg – contributes to calcium absorption
- Calcium: 65 mg – essential for bones and teeth
- Iron: 2.1 mg – supports oxygen transport in blood
- Magnesium: 45 mg – important for muscle and nerve function
- Zinc: 1.2 mg – supports immune response
- Flavonoids: 200 mg – from dark chocolate, protect cells from oxidative stress
- Polyphenols: 150 mg – enhance cardiovascular health
- Vitamin E: 1.8 mg – helps maintain skin and cell integrity
- Selenium: 7 µg – contributes to antioxidant defense and thyroid health
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