If you love chocolate, then you will know what a chocolate roll is. For most of us, it is probably one of our earliest childhood memories. We would buy chocolate rolls from the school canteen or the grocery store near our house. It might be the most basic form of chocolate cake, but no matter where you get it from, a chocolate roll will never disappoint. It’s the best thing to enjoy when you’re at school with your friends, or even when you have guests over at home.
The History of Chocolate Roll
The chocolate roll is a variety of the Swiss Roll family – a cake baking technique that requires the cake to be rolled with a type of cream or jam in between to create a beautiful contrast of swirls. The cake is said to be originated from Central Europe in the mid-1800s. Initially, it was made by spreading jelly on top of a sponge cake. A published journal called Northern Farmer documents one of the earliest Swiss roll recipes entitled “To Make Jelly Cake”. According to the journal, one would have to quickly spread hot jelly on a sponge cake that is fresh out the oven, roll it with a cloth and cut it into slices once it cools down.
The Swiss Roll only got its name in 1872, and soon after, British cookbooks started using the name exclusively. Previously, the cake was also called Paris roll, Jelly Cake (1852), Rolled Jelly Cake (1876) and jelly rolls cotelettes.
Chocolate Rolls in Different Countries
Hong Kong is famous for its Chocolate Swiss Roll and Swiss Roll that is made with a combination of egg and chocolate and filled with cream. It’s typically pre-packed and prepared fresh daily at different local bakeries.
In Japan, the chocolate rolls are often called roll cake. The Japanese sometimes add fresh fruits and carefully place them in between the cream section to produce a pleasing-looking chocolate roll. You can also find unique flavours like Matcha Rolls and Matcha Chocolate Rolls in Japan.
In Sri Lanka, chocolate rolls are often made with chocolate sponge cake and chocolate cream, focusing less on the visualisation of the cake but more on the taste of the cake instead.
In Venezuela and Puerto Rico, chocolate rolls are also made with a chocolate truffle in between the cream. Some bakeries would also replace the cream with sweetened milk or dulce de leche to add sweetness to the dessert.
In Brazil, a swiss roll cake is called a rocambole whereas in countries like Denmark and Sweden you will have to ask for a choklad roulade if you want the chocolate roll.
Where to get the best Chocolate Rolls in Malaysia
Take a trip to Deli2go & Costa Coffee, a bakery and coffee store located in various Shell Petrol Stations and grab your Chocolate Roll for just under RM4. Meanwhile, you can fill up your car tank and recharge with freshly brewed coffee.
Those of you in Ipoh should also try the Chocolate Roll from the Chocolates that are selling for RM10 per box. If you’re not in the mood to make the drive, log on to foodpanda and order your favourite chocolate roll from our extensive selections of bakeries.