Decadent Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Recipe

Get ready to wow your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert this holiday season – the Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cake. This decadent treat features a luscious chocolate cake filled with a creamy peppermint buttercream, coated in a rich chocolate ganache, and topped with crushed candy canes. The chocolate-mint combo is a timeless favorite that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas without being too over-the-top.

Swiss roll cakes may seem intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is simpler than it looks. The secret lies in the high egg ratio, which gives the cake its flexibility and ensures a flawless roll every time. I’ve seen even the most hesitant bakers, like my friend Jessica, conquer their fears and create stunning Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cakes that have become the talk of the town. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s bake up some holiday magic together!

Quick Benefits

• Impressive Presentation: Swiss roll cakes look complicated but are actually easy to make, impressing guests at any occasion.
• Bright Holiday Flavors: The chocolate-peppermint combination screams Christmas without being overly festive.
• Boosts Baking Confidence: Perfecting this recipe can make even the most novice bakers feel like pros, gaining baking confidence and admiration from friends and family.
• Flexible Texture: The high egg ratio creates a flexible, tender cake that rolls beautifully, ensuring a flawless presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: The visually stunning spiral design of this Swiss roll cake will impress any guest, making it the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings or parties.
• Classic Flavor Combination: The timeless blend of chocolate and peppermint creates a festive and delicious taste that immediately evokes the holiday season.
• Boosts Baking Confidence: Even those who claim they can’t bake, like Jessica, have successfully recreated this cake, leading to newfound baking confidence and admiration from friends and family.
• Flexible Texture: The high egg ratio in the recipe creates a tender and flexible cake that rolls easily without cracking, ensuring a flawless presentation every time.
• Memorable Reactions: Every time this peppermint chocolate Swiss roll cake is served, it elicits enthusiastic reactions and ensures that the host becomes known for this signature holiday dessert.

Ingredients for Decadent Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Recipe

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 large eggs

For the Peppermint Buttercream

• 4 cups confectioners sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Toppings

• 1 cup crushed peppermint candy
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

How to Make Decadent Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 15×12 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Cream together butter and sugar with a stand mixer or hand mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition until combined.

Step 5: Add the Extracts

Combine the vanilla and peppermint extracts until mixed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing until well combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Spread the cake batter evenly on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cake springs back to touch.

Step 8: Roll While Warm

Remove the cake from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Roll the warm cake into a log shape with parchment paper inside. Let it cool completely rolled up to set its shape.

Step 9: Make the Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, confectioners sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.

Step 10: Fill the Cake

Unroll the cooled cake and evenly spread the peppermint buttercream. Roll the cake without the parchment paper and chill in the fridge while preparing the ganache.

Step 11: Make the Ganache

Heat heavy whipping cream in a small pot over medium heat until it just starts to bubble. Place chocolate chips in a medium glass bowl. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Cover with Ganache

Remove the chilled rolled cake from the refrigerator and transfer it onto a wire rack. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the edges.

Step 13: Add the Toppings

While the ganache is still wet, evenly sprinkle crushed peppermint candy and mini chocolate chips on top.

Step 14: Let It Set and Serve

Allow the ganache to fully set before cutting into thick slices. Serve and enjoy this festive dessert.

Storage Tips

Once the Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cake is finished, it should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Place the cake on a long serving platter and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. The ganache and buttercream filling will stay intact and maintain their flavors when stored properly in the fridge. When ready to serve, take the cake out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes beforehand to allow it to come to room temperature slightly, enhancing the texture and flavors.

To store any leftover slices of the Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cake, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it maintains its freshness and taste. When serving leftover slices, you can briefly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the buttercream filling slightly. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this festive dessert throughout the holiday season with proper storage and handling.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cake recipe, you could consider using alternative flavor extracts if you don’t have peppermint on hand. For example, you could swap the peppermint extract for almond extract or orange extract to create a different flavor profile. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious Swiss roll cake with a unique twist based on your flavor preferences or ingredient availability.

Additionally, if you prefer a different type of chocolate, you can experiment with using different chocolate varieties in the ganache or cake batter. For a richer flavor, you could try using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder taste, you could opt for milk chocolate. Adjusting the chocolate type can personalize the cake to suit your taste preferences while still maintaining the overall chocolatey goodness of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve slices of the Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cake on a bed of crushed peppermint candy, creating a festive and colorful base. This not only adds a pop of flavor but also enhances the holiday theme of the dessert. Pair each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of peppermint ice cream to elevate the experience even further.

To create individual dessert servings, cut the Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cake into smaller pieces and place them in decorative cupcake liners. Top each mini cake with a drizzle of extra ganache, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, and a small piece of candy cane for a delightful and bite-sized treat. These individual portions are perfect for holiday parties or gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a taste of the season in a convenient and elegant way.

FAQs for Decadent Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Recipe

Question?

Why does the recipe call for eight eggs?

Answer:

The high egg ratio in this recipe is crucial for creating a flexible and tender cake that rolls beautifully. Cutting down the number of eggs can result in a cake that is too rigid and prone to cracking when rolled.

Question:

Why is it important to use a sharp serrated knife to slice the cake?

Answer:

Using a sharp serrated knife helps to cleanly cut through the cake without squishing or tearing the delicate layers. Wiping the blade clean between cuts also ensures neat slices that show off the pretty spiral design of the cake.

Question:

Can I make the peppermint ganache in advance?

Answer:

Yes, you can make the peppermint ganache ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it in short intervals in the microwave or over a double boiler until it reaches a pourable consistency before using it to coat the cake.

Conclusion

I hope this post has inspired you to give this Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cake a try for your next holiday gathering. Don’t be intimidated by the rolling technique – just remember to do it while the cake is still warm, and you’ll have a beautiful spiral every time. The combination of chocolate, peppermint, and ganache in this cake is a crowd-pleaser, and the festive look makes it a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Peppermint Ganache Swiss Roll Cake is sure to impress your friends and family. Embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and beautiful to share with your loved ones. Happy baking, and have a wonderful time indulging in this delightful treat!