Sink your fork into a slice of Boston Cream Cake Roll and you’ll be met with a whorl of airy sponge, silky vanilla custard, and that unforgettable sheen of chocolate ganache. This homemade version of the legendary Boston cream pie transforms the bakery favorite into a show-stopping rolled cake, giving you all the classic flavors in every delightful swirl. Each bite feels like a little celebration, making it as wonderful for birthdays and special gatherings as it is for a cozy afternoon treat at home.

Boston Cream Cake Roll Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a great Boston Cream Cake Roll lies in its simplicity; every ingredient has a job, whether it’s creating a fluffy sponge, velvety custard, or that rich chocolate finish. These pantry-friendly staples turn into something magical when brought together, so let’s shine a little spotlight on what you’ll need.

Eggs: Whip them well for a light, flexible cake that rolls smoothly without cracking.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps aerate the eggs for a soft, tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out both the cake and the custard with that cozy, classic flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the sponge’s structure; make sure to sift for a smooth batter.
Baking Powder: Adds just enough lift to keep the sponge cloud-like and springy.
Salt: Enhances all other flavors, balancing out the sweetness wonderfully.
Milk (for cake and custard): Brings moisture to the cake and creates a luscious custard filling.
Sugar (for custard): Sweetens the cream filling for that true Boston cream experience.
Cornstarch: Thickens the custard, so it slices beautifully without oozing.
Egg Yolks: Make the pastry cream ultra-rich and give it that signature pale yellow color.
Butter: Adds a little extra silkiness to the custard and a touch of flavor depth.
Heavy Cream: Essential for a glossy ganache that sets to the perfect sliceable consistency.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt into the cream for a ganache that’s rich but not overly sweet.

How to Make Boston Cream Cake Roll

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan, line it with parchment paper, and give it a gentle spritz of nonstick spray or a rub with butter. This small step makes rolling up your cake a total breeze later, and helps avoid heartache over any sticking.

Step 2: Whip the Sponge Cake Batter

Crack those eggs into your mixing bowl and set your timer for 5 minutes. You want to beat them until the mixture is pale, thick, and has almost tripled in volume. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar and vanilla, letting it dissolve for an extra-smooth batter. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt directly over the eggs and gently fold them in. Add the milk last, just until things are fully combined—this keeps the texture dreamy and light.

Step 3: Bake the Sponge Cake

Pour that creamy batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly to every corner. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the top springs back when you touch it. Keep a close eye—overbaked cake is tricky to roll!

Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm

Lay a clean kitchen towel on your counter and dust it with powdered sugar (like making a snowy runway!). Invert the hot cake out onto the towel and gently peel off the parchment. Starting from the short end, roll the cake up with the towel inside. This step sets the “memory” of the roll and keeps the sponge from breaking later. Let it cool completely while you get the creamy filling ready.

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Cream Filling

For the custard, gently heat the milk in a saucepan until it’s steamy but not boiling. Meanwhile, whisk the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks together in a bowl. Slowly pour in a bit of the hot milk, whisking constantly—this prevents the yolks from scrambling. Pour everything back into the pan and cook on low, stirring nonstop, until it thickens like pudding. Off the heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Let the custard cool completely (pop a piece of plastic wrap right on the surface to avoid a skin).

Step 6: Fill and Reroll the Cake

Once both the cake and custard are cool, gently unroll the cake. Spread the vanilla cream filling evenly over the surface, stopping just shy of the edges. Slowly roll the cake back up (this time without the towel inside). If any filling squishes out, just swipe it up and sneak a little taste!

Step 7: Make That Shiny Ganache

Heat the heavy cream until it’s just about to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for two minutes—this is key for meltiness. Stir until smooth and glossy. Place your cake roll on a rack set over parchment, then pour the ganache over, letting it cascade down the sides. Use a spatula to help cover every inch if needed.

Step 8: Chill, Slice, and Enjoy!

Transfer your ganache-glazed roll to a platter and refrigerate until the chocolate is set—at least 1 hour. Slice with a sharp knife for those picture-perfect spirals, then get ready for the oohs and aahs when you reveal the beautiful Boston Cream Cake Roll at your table.

How to Serve Boston Cream Cake Roll

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream takes your Boston Cream Cake Roll from delicious to truly irresistible. For special occasions, edible flowers or chocolate shavings look stunning without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

This dessert absolutely shines on its own, but if you want to round out the plate, serve it with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The tartness of fruit balances the sweetness, turning every bite into a refreshing treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy platter, slice the Boston Cream Cake Roll into individual rounds and arrange them in a circle or even lay them on their sides to show off the spiral. Mini cake rolls or slicing at an angle can feel extra elegant—perfect for tea parties or dessert buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Boston Cream Cake Roll slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to three days. The sponge does a great job holding onto its tenderness with the cream inside.

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? You can freeze the entire cake roll before adding ganache (or even after, if you don’t mind a slightly matte finish). Wrap it well in several layers of plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

There’s no real need to reheat, but if you love a slightly warm slice (especially to soften the chocolate), gently microwave an individual piece for 10–15 seconds. Just be careful—the custard can get hot quickly, so short bursts are best.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought custard instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought vanilla custard can work. Just make sure it’s thick enough to spread and slice, or stir in a little extra cornstarch slurry and gently heat to thicken.

My cake cracked when rolling—what can I do?

This happens to the best of us! If the crack is small, the chocolate ganache will hide it beautifully. For extra insurance next time, make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable, and don’t overbake the sponge.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The finished Boston Cream Cake Roll might be a touch more delicate but will taste just as amazing.

How far in advance can I assemble the cake?

You can assemble the Boston Cream Cake Roll up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually meld beautifully, and chilling helps the ganache set for clean slices. Just be sure to cover it so the sponge doesn’t dry out.

What’s the best way to slice the cake cleanly?

Use a long, sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. For truly restaurant-worthy slices, run the knife under hot water and dry it before slicing—a warm blade glides through the ganache and custard effortlessly!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings joy to both baking and eating, don’t hesitate to give this Boston Cream Cake Roll a try. The recipe’s swirl of flavors and textures is guaranteed to impress, and you’ll absolutely love every bite—especially when shared with friends and family. Happy rolling!

Boston Cream Cake Roll Recipe