Light, chocolaty, and elegantly rolled, the Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake is a refined take on the classic roulade. With a soft sponge and silky chocolate filling, this dessert looks impressive yet is simple to prepare with the right technique. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests with a bakery-style finish.

What is Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake?

Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate Swiss roll cake is a light cocoa sponge cake rolled around a rich chocolate filling, typically ganache or whipped cream. Baked in a thin sheet, the sponge is rolled while warm and later filled, creating beautiful spirals when sliced.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

Gordon Ramsay Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Light and airy cocoa sponge – Rolls easily without cracking
Silky chocolate filling – Creamy, rich, and not overly sweet

Elegant spiral presentation – Perfect for special occasions
No fancy tools required – Just a jelly roll pan and parchment paper
Customizable filling – Switch to cream, berries, or nut butter

Quick bake time – Cooks in just 10–12 minutes

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

For the chocolate sponge:

4 large eggs, room temperature
100g (½ cup) granulated sugar

30g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
50g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the filling (chocolate ganache):

150g dark chocolate (60–70%), chopped

150ml heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra gloss)

For dusting and decorating:

Powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings

Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Preheat oven: Set to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Make the sponge batter: In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar together for 4–5 minutes until pale, thick, and doubled in volume.

Sift and fold: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add vanilla. Gently fold with a spatula to retain air.
Bake the sponge: Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until springy to the touch.
Roll while warm: Place a sheet of parchment over the cake and invert onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment, then roll the cake (with the towel inside) gently from the short end. Let cool completely in the rolled shape.

Make the ganache filling: Heat the cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Add butter for extra shine and let cool to a spreading consistency.
Unroll and fill: Carefully unroll the sponge, spread with ganache, then re-roll without the towel.
Decorate and serve: Trim the ends, dust with powdered sugar or cocoa, and garnish with chocolate shavings or berries if desired. Chill briefly before slicing.

Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Cake Swiss recipe

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Whipped cream or crème fraîche – Adds a light contrast
Fresh raspberries or strawberries – Cuts through the richness
Espresso or coffee – Deepens the chocolate flavor

Vanilla ice cream – For a cooling side
Chocolate sauce or fruit compote – Drizzle over slices
Mint leaves – For color and a fresh note

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Whip eggs and sugar thoroughly – This gives the sponge its lift
Fold gently – Retain air for a soft, flexible cake
Roll while warm – Prevents cracks and breaks

Use parchment and towel combo – Helps shape the roll
Cool fully before filling – Avoid melting the ganache
Trim ends for a clean finish – Makes slices look sharp

Chill slightly before slicing – Sets the shape for neater cuts

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Fill with whipped cream and strawberries – A lighter version
Add orange zest to ganache – For a citrus twist

Swirl in Nutella or peanut butter – For added richness
Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts inside – Adds texture
Roll with mocha cream – For a coffee-chocolate combo

Use white chocolate filling – For contrast in color and flavor

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

Refrigerate covered – Keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freeze unfilled sponge – Wrap tightly, freeze up to 1 month

Thaw in fridge overnight before using – To preserve texture

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature

To soften chilled slices: Let sit out 20 minutes before serving

Avoid microwaving: May affect the texture and cause the filling to melt

Nutrition Value (per slice, based on 10 servings):

Calories: 320
Fat: 21g

Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 5g

Sodium: 85mg

FAQs

Why does my Swiss roll crack when I roll it?

Swiss rolls crack when the sponge is overbaked or cooled before rolling. Always roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable using a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper.

Can I make a chocolate Swiss roll cake in advance?

Yes, the sponge can be baked and rolled (unfilled) a day in advance. Once filled and re-rolled, the finished cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How do I keep my chocolate Swiss roll moist?

Do not overbake the sponge and make sure to store the rolled cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to retain moisture.

Can I freeze a Swiss roll cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfilled or filled Swiss roll. Wrap it tightly in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate Swiss roll cake is a masterclass in texture and presentation. With its soft sponge, rich filling, and elegant swirl, it’s a dessert that delivers flavor and finesse.