Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll

A festive, chocolatey sponge cake rolled around a creamy peppermint ganache, perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a decadent, show-stopping dessert. Soft, fluffy, and rich with minty chocolate flavor, this Swiss roll is both elegant and fun to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, airy chocolate sponge perfect for rolling
• Smooth peppermint chocolate ganache filling
• Festive and elegant — ideal for holidays or special occasions
• Easy to slice into beautiful individual portions
• Can be decorated with chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, or powdered sugar

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake

• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Peppermint Ganache Filling

• 8 oz (≈225 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Optional: crushed candy canes for texture and garnish

For Finishing / Decoration

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Extra ganache drizzle or chocolate shavings (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
2. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale.
4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into egg mixture until just combined.
6. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.

2. Bake the Sponge Cake

• Bake for 12–15 minutes or until cake springs back lightly when touched.
• While warm, loosen edges with a knife.

3. Roll the Cake

1. Place a clean kitchen towel on a work surface and dust with powdered sugar.
2. Invert cake onto towel, remove parchment.
3. Starting at a short edge, roll the cake with the towel inside.
4. Allow cake to cool completely rolled up — this prevents cracking.

4. Prepare Peppermint Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. Stir in peppermint extract.
4. Let ganache cool slightly to thicken before spreading.

5. Assemble the Swiss Roll

1. Carefully unroll the cooled cake.
2. Spread ganache evenly over the surface.
3. Roll cake back up (without towel) gently.
4. Place seam-side-down on a serving platter.

6. Decorate & Serve

• Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle extra ganache, or sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
• Slice with a sharp knife into 1–2 inch portions.
• Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

You Must Know

• Cake must cool completely before adding ganache — warm cake will melt filling.
• Rolling the cake while warm (initial roll with towel) prevents cracks.
• Use good quality chocolate for best flavor and smooth texture.
• Peppermint extract is strong — start with ½ teaspoon, adjust to taste.

Pro Tips & Variations

• For a more decadent roll, add a layer of whipped cream under the ganache.
• Swap peppermint for orange extract for a chocolate-orange variation.
• Decorate with mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts for added texture.
• Dust lightly with cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a richer look.

Serving & Storage

• Best served within 2–3 days at room temperature.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Can be frozen — wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; thaw before slicing.
• Perfect for holiday dessert tables or as a gift for friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes — ganache can be prepared in advance; assemble the roll and store in the fridge overnight.

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but reduce sugar slightly in the sponge if desired.

→ How do I prevent cracks in the cake?
Roll while warm with a towel, cool completely before adding filling.

→ Can kids help decorate?
Absolutely — crushed candies and chocolate drizzle make it fun and safe for children.

Enjoy your festive, minty, chocolatey Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll — a holiday treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful! 🎄🍫🌿

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