Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting are a sweet treat that brings together fluffy, chocolatey dough and smooth, fruity frosting. The rolls are soft and rich, while the strawberry…

By Riley • February 15, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

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Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting are a sweet treat that brings together fluffy, chocolatey dough and smooth, fruity frosting. The rolls are soft and rich, while the strawberry cream cheese frosting adds a fresh and tangy touch that balances the chocolate perfectly. They’re like a little burst of happiness in every bite.

I love making these rolls when I want to impress friends or just treat myself to something special. There’s something about the way the frosting melts into the warm rolls that makes it hard to stop at just one. If you’re a fan of chocolate with a twist, this combo will definitely hit the spot.

My favorite way to serve them is fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s the kind of snack that brings people together and always starts good conversations. Plus, you can easily make the frosting a day ahead to save time, which is always a plus on busy mornings or lazy weekends.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Eggs: Eggs give this sponge cake its light texture. Make sure they’re fresh and at room temperature for better volume when beaten.

Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives rich chocolate flavor. You can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste, but lower your baking powder slightly.

Cream Cheese: It makes the frosting smooth and tangy. If you’re avoiding dairy, try vegan cream cheese alternatives, but the frosting may be less thick.

Strawberries: Fresh pureed strawberries or preserves work great for natural fruit flavor. If fresh aren’t available, use good-quality strawberry jam without seeds for a smooth frosting.

How Do You Roll the Cake Without Cracking?

Rolling the warm cake carefully is key to avoid cracks. Make sure to:

• Roll the cake right after baking with the towel inside. The towel stops it from sticking and helps shape it.
• Roll it gently, not too tight, to prevent breaking the cake’s surface.
• Let the rolled cake cool completely before unrolling and adding frosting.
• When re-rolling with filling, roll slowly and softly to keep it tight but avoid cracks.

Taking these steps will give you a smooth, tender roll perfect for slicing.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer – helps whip the eggs until fluffy for a light sponge cake.
• 10×15 inch jelly roll pan – perfect size to bake the thin cake sheet you’ll roll.
• Parchment paper – stops the cake from sticking and makes rolling easier.
• Clean kitchen towel – dusted with powdered sugar, it helps roll the warm cake smoothly.
• Mixing bowls – you’ll need a few to keep dry and wet ingredients separate for easy mixing.
• Spatula – useful for folding dry ingredients gently and spreading frosting evenly.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the batter to enhance chocolate depth without a strong coffee taste.
• Swap strawberry preserves with raspberry jam or fresh raspberries for a tart twist that pairs well with chocolate.
• Stir mini chocolate chips into the frosting for a fun texture and extra chocolate bites.
• Mix a teaspoon of almond extract into the frosting for a nutty flavor that complements strawberries nicely.

How to Make Chocolate Rolls with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup strawberry preserves or fresh pureed strawberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries, halved

How Much Time Will You Need?

This whole recipe takes about 20 minutes of active preparation and 12-15 minutes baking time. Then, you’ll need about 1 hour chilling the roll before serving. So, plan for roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish including cooling and chilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to stop the cake from sticking.

2. Make the Chocolate Sponge Cake Batter:

In a large bowl, beat 4 eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for 4-5 minutes until the eggs get thick and pale. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar as you keep beating until everything is well mixed.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, sift together 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. This removes lumps and helps them mix evenly.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Be gentle to keep the air in the batter so your cake stays light. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and combine carefully.

5. Bake the Sponge Cake:

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cake springs back when you press it lightly.

6. Roll the Cake:

While the cake is still warm, flip it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting at one short edge, roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let the cake cool completely in this rolled shape.

7. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar while beating until fluffy. Stir in 1/3 cup strawberry preserves or pureed strawberries and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully mixed.

8. Fill the Cake:

Unroll the cooled cake gently and spread a nice even layer of the strawberry cream cheese frosting over the entire surface.

9. Roll the Cake with Filling:

Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel. Make it tight but gentle to avoid cracking the sponge.

10. Decorate and Chill:

Spread some more strawberry frosting on top of the roll. Arrange halved fresh strawberries on the top for decoration. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar if you like.

11. Serve:

Place the roll in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious chocolate rolls with creamy strawberry frosting!

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Frosting?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This helps keep the frosting from becoming too runny.

How Should I Store Leftover Chocolate Rolls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Slice as needed and let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving for best flavor.

Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can bake and roll the cake the day before, then prepare and spread the frosting just before serving. Keep the cake wrapped in the fridge until ready to fill.

What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Preserves?

You can use raspberry jam, fresh pureed raspberries, or even a mixed berry preserves to give a different fruity twist while keeping the same texture.