Homemade Little Debbie Swiss Rolls Recipe

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Making a homemade version of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls isn’t just a fun baking project; it’s a way to elevate the flavors you love while adding that personal touch.

How to make Little Debbie Swiss Rolls

Little Debbie Swiss Rolls are chocolate snack cakes made of soft chocolate sponge cake rolled around a sweet, creamy filling and covered in a smooth chocolate-flavored coating.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

• ⅔ cup (85g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Filling:

• ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Sponge Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan (or baking sheet) with parchment paper. Grease the parchment lightly for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is pale, thick, and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to keep the batter airy.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out using a spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
6. As soon as the cake is out of the oven, turn it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar (this prevents sticking) and gently peel off the parchment paper.
7. Using the towel, roll the cake up carefully into a spiral while it’s warm. Let it cool completely in this rolled position—it will help maintain its shape later.

Step 2: Making the Cream Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more heavy cream, if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Swiss Rolls

1. Once the cake is cooled, gently unroll it and spread an even layer of cream filling across the surface. Don’t overfill—you want just enough to create that perfect swirl.
2. Roll the cake back up tightly and cut off any uneven ends. Slice the roll into smaller portions, about 3-4 inches each.

Step 4: Coating the Rolls with Chocolate

1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring until smooth. (Alternatively, use a double boiler for melting.)
2. Dip each roll into the melted chocolate to coat evenly, using a fork for easy handling. Place on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray to drip off excess chocolate.
3. Let the chocolate set completely before serving. You can refrigerate them briefly to speed up the process.

Tips for Perfect Swiss Rolls

• Work quickly with the sponge cake: Rolling the cake while it’s warm helps prevent cracking, so have your towel ready as soon as it comes out of the oven.
• Consistency matters: Your cream filling should be smooth but not runny. A thick and fluffy texture will ensure a neat swirl.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This will help your batter and filling mix evenly.
• Chill for cleaner cuts: If you struggle to slice the rolls neatly, refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes before cutting to make the texture firmer.
• Experiment with flavors: You can add a hint of coffee to the chocolate coating or swap the vanilla filling for a chocolate or caramel version for a fun twist!

What to serve with

While Little Debbie Swiss Rolls are delicious enough to stand alone, pairing them with something complementary can elevate the experience even further!

Hot Drinks:

• Coffee: A robust cup of black coffee or a lightly sweetened latte balances the sweetness of the Little Debbie Swiss Rolls perfectly. You can also try a mocha for an indulgent chocolate pairing.
• Tea: Pair with black tea (like Earl Grey or English Breakfast) for a classic combo, or opt for mint tea to brighten up the richness of the chocolate.
• Hot Chocolate: Double up on the chocolate for true decadence! Enhance this with a dollop of whipped cream on the drink for an extra treat.

Cold Drinks:

• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: The refreshing bitterness of iced coffee cuts through the creamy filling and sweet chocolate coating.
• Milk: This classic pairing never goes out of style! A cold glass of milk balances the richness and makes for a wonderfully nostalgic experience.
• Milkshakes: Customize a vanilla or chocolate milkshake for a fun pairing and even consider blending some Swiss Rolls into your milkshake for a creative twist.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls opens up the opportunity to tailor the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

1. Chocolate Sponge Cake Substitutes

All-Purpose Flour:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, substitute with whole wheat flour, but you may need to add a splash more liquid due to its denser nature.

Cocoa Powder:

• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: Offers a smoother, more mellow chocolate flavor compared to natural cocoa powder.
• Carob Powder: Use as a cocoa substitute for a slightly earthy, natural sweetness.

Baking Powder:

• Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: In a pinch, you can make your own baking powder with 1 part baking soda to 2 parts cream of tartar.

Granulated Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar: Provides a lower-glycemic, caramel-like sweetness.
• Stevia or Erythritol: Use these for a sugar-free option, but adjust quantities as they can be sweeter than traditional sugar.

Eggs:

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg; let it sit to thicken as an egg substitute for vegans or those allergic to eggs.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Use ¼ cup per egg for a heart-healthy substitute; this may impart a slight apple flavor.

2. Cream Filling Substitutes

Unsalted Butter:

• Vegan Butter or Margarine: Replace with a plant-based spread for a vegan version.
• Coconut Oil: Use in the same quantity; it imparts a subtle coconut flavor and is solid at room temperature, similar to butter.

Powdered Sugar:

• Homemade Powdered Sugar: Blend granulated sugar and a bit of cornstarch in a high-powered blender until fine if you’re out of powdered sugar.
• Sugar-Free Confectioners’ Sugar: Use this for a lower-calorie, sugar-free filling.

Heavy Cream:

• Coconut Cream: Use thick, chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative; it’s rich and adds a tropical hint.
• Soy or Almond Milk: Substitute for heavy cream when mixed with a thickening agent (like a cornstarch slurry) for a lighter option.

3. Chocolate Coating Substitutes

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:

• Dark Chocolate: Use for a richer, less sweet coating; ideal for those who prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Milk Chocolate: Opt for a sweeter and creamier result. Adjust sugar in other components to balance taste if needed.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips: Perfect for a plant-based alternative; ensure they’re free from milk products.

Vegetable Oil:

• Coconut Oil: Substituting with coconut oil can add a hint of coconut flavor while helping the chocolate set nicely.
• Butter: Small amounts can be used for a richer taste, although it may alter the setting slightly (use caution for those with lactose intolerance if using dairy butter).

Final Thoughts

Once your homemade Little Debbie Swiss Rolls are complete, share them with friends and family—or keep them as your own little indulgence.

More Little Debbie Recipes:

• Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Donuts Recipe
• Copycat Little Debbie Red Velvet Honey Bun Recipe
• Copycat Little Debbie Football Brownies Recipe
• Copycat Little Debbie Banana Pudding Pie Recipe