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Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

A show-stopping dessert blending tender chocolate sponge with a gooey coconut-pecan filling and a glossy chocolate drizzle.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Sponge Cake
  • 4 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coconut-Pecan Filling
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted lightly
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 large egg yolks, whisked
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Drizzle
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup (for shine), optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper.
  2. Lay a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar.
Make the Chocolate Sponge Batter
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until pale and slightly thick, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the oil and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture.
Beat the Whites
  1. With clean beaters, beat the egg whites and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form.
  2. Fold one-third of the egg whites into the yolk batter, then carefully fold in the remaining whites.
Bake the Sponge
  1. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  2. Immediately invert the cake onto the sugared towel and roll it up to cool.
Make the Coconut-Pecan Filling
  1. Combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until thickened.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla. Let cool.
Unroll, Fill, and Re-Roll
  1. Unroll the cooled sponge and spread the filling evenly.
  2. Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel and transfer seam-side down to a serving platter.
Make the Chocolate Drizzle
  1. Place chocolate and corn syrup in a bowl. Heat the cream and pour over chocolate until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over the roll and let it set.
Chill and Slice
  1. Chill the roll for 1-2 hours. Slice with a sharp serrated knife.

Notes

Don’t skip rolling the cake while it cools; it prevents cracks. For lighter options, consider reducing brown sugar or using gluten-free flour.