Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll: A Sweet Slice of Heaven

Tired of serving the same desserts at your gatherings? Looking for something that combines classic flavors with a show-stopping presentation? A Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll might be exactly what you need to elevate your dessert game!

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish! As someone who’s spent years perfecting the art of dessert-making, I can promise you that this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll delivers that perfect balance of rich chocolate, nutty pecans, and a hint of bourbon flavor that creates an unforgettable taste experience. The spiral design doesn’t just look impressive—it ensures every bite contains the perfect ratio of cake to filling.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through selecting quality ingredients, mastering the rolling technique, and adding those special touches that transform a simple dessert into a masterpiece. From prep tips to serving suggestions, I’ve got you covered for creating this showstopper dessert that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds!

Why This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll Recipe Works

• Uses simple pantry staples elevated with premium chocolate and pecans
• Can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
• Combines the beloved flavors of chocolate, pecans, and bourbon in one elegant dessert
• Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or when you want to impress guests
• Offers a beautiful presentation without requiring professional baking skills

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll

Best Chocolate for This Recipe

For a truly decadent Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content. This provides the perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give your cake that deep, intense color and flavor that makes this dessert stand out.

Pecan Selection Tips

Look for fresh, plump pecans with a golden-brown color. Pre-toasting them slightly before adding to your recipe enhances their nutty flavor profile. For convenience, you can purchase pecan pieces, but chopping whole pecans yourself ensures freshness and allows you to control the size of the pieces.

Substitution Options

If pecans aren’t available, walnuts make an excellent substitute in this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll. For a non-alcoholic version, use 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract mixed with a tablespoon of maple syrup to mimic the complexity bourbon brings to the recipe.

Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll

Cake Prep Essentials

Before beginning your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll, ensure your eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume when beaten. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Have a clean kitchen towel ready, dusted with cocoa powder, for rolling the cake while warm.

Key Ingredients

• For the chocolate cake:

  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

• For the pecan filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
  • 1½ cups toasted pecans, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the chocolate ganache:

  • 6 oz high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon

Preparation Notes

Toast the pecans at 325°F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. Allow them to cool completely before chopping and incorporating into the filling. For the most flavorful Swiss roll, prepare the ganache while the cake is cooling so it has time to reach the perfect spreading consistency.

Step-by-Step Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Swiss Roll

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it.
3. Separate egg whites and yolks into different bowls, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites.
4. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Baking Method for Swiss Roll Cake

1. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add half the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale and thick.
3. Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture.
4. Carefully fold in the egg whites, maintaining as much air as possible.
5. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.

Rolling Technique for Swiss Roll

1. While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with cocoa powder.
2. Invert the cake onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
3. Starting from the short end, roll the cake with the towel inside to prevent sticking.
4. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack, seam side down.

Filling and Finishing Your Swiss Roll

1. Beat heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently stir in the chopped toasted pecans and bourbon.
3. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and remove the towel.
4. Spread the filling evenly across the cake, leaving a ½-inch border.
5. Re-roll the cake without the towel and place seam side down on a serving platter.
6. Pour ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
7. Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll

Avoiding Swiss Roll Cracks

The most common issue when making a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll is cracking. Roll the cake while it’s still warm this is crucial! The heat makes the cake more flexible. Don’t overbake; a slightly underbaked cake is better than an overbaked one for rolling purposes. Use a light touch when spreading the filling to prevent tearing.

Tool Recommendations

A proper jelly roll pan is essential for this recipe the correct dimensions ensure your cake bakes to the right thickness. A good offset spatula helps spread the batter and filling evenly. Invest in a fine-mesh sieve for dusting cocoa powder evenly on your kitchen towel and finished cake.

Storage & Serving

Your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. For make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the unfilled cake roll for up to a month just thaw, fill, and finish before serving.

Looking for more dessert inspiration? Check out my collection of holiday treats on Pinterest you’ll find everything from simple cookies to elegant showstoppers!

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll

Seasonal Twists

Transform your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll with seasonal ingredients! For fall, add a tablespoon of pumpkin spice to the cake batter. During summer, incorporate fresh berries into the filling for a fruity contrast. Winter holidays call for a peppermint variation – add crushed candy canes to the filling and a drop of peppermint extract to the ganache.

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free version of this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum. Those preferring a less sweet dessert can reduce the sugar by up to 25% without affecting the cake’s structure. For dairy sensitivities, coconut cream can replace heavy cream in both the filling and ganache.

International Inspirations

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll

Elevate your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll with thoughtful accompaniments! A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast with each slice. For a coffee service, pair with a rich espresso or cappuccino to complement the chocolate notes. During holiday gatherings, serve alongside a selection of fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

For an elegant presentation, dust the finished roll with additional cocoa powder just before serving, and garnish the plate with a light drizzle of caramel sauce. If serving for a special occasion, add a small edible gold leaf to the top of each slice for a touch of luxury that will make your guests feel truly special.

FAQs about Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll

Can I make this Swiss roll without an electric mixer?
While challenging, it’s possible to make this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll by hand. Use a large balloon whisk and prepare for a good arm workout when beating the eggs to proper volume. The results may not be quite as airy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How do I fix my Swiss roll if it cracks?
Don’t panic if your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll cracks! Minor cracks can be covered with ganache. For more significant cracks, try positioning the roll with the crack on the bottom or transform your creation into a trifle by cutting the cake into cubes and layering with the filling and additional whipped cream.

How far in advance can I make this dessert?
The complete Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. For best results, add the ganache topping the day you plan to serve it. The unfilled cake can be made further in advance and frozen for up to a month, well-wrapped.

Conclusion

Creating a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll is more than just baking it’s crafting a moment of pure indulgence that brings people together around the table. The combination of rich chocolate, toasted pecans, and subtle bourbon notes creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Don’t be intimidated by the rolling technique! With the tips and step-by-step instructions provided, you’re well-equipped to create this impressive dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery. Remember, even if your first attempt isn’t perfect, the delicious flavors will still shine through.

I’d love to see your creations! Share your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll photos and join the thousands of home bakers who’ve enjoyed this recipe. And if you loved this dessert, be sure to explore my collection of other celebration-worthy treats on FoodyDish.com!

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll: A Sweet Slice of Heaven

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Rich chocolate sponge cake rolled with a velvety bourbon pecan cream filling, then glazed with smooth ganache this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Swiss Roll is an indulgent showstopper dessert with Southern flair.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the cake:

4 large eggs

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

For the filling:

1 cup heavy cream

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp bourbon

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted)

For the ganache:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.

2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Mix in oil and vanilla.

3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold into wet mixture until smooth.

4. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, until springy to the touch.

5. While warm, turn cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. Peel off parchment and roll up the cake (with the towel) from the short side. Let cool completely.

6. For the filling, beat heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and bourbon until thick and fluffy. Fold in chopped pecans.

7. Unroll cooled cake and spread filling evenly over it. Roll back up tightly (without the towel) and chill for 30 minutes.

8. For ganache, heat cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, add butter, and whisk until glossy.

9. Pour ganache over chilled roll and spread evenly. Garnish with extra pecans if desired.

10. Refrigerate until set, then slice and serve.

Notes

Make the cake a day ahead for easier assembly.

Replace bourbon with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.

For extra crunch, sprinkle caramelized pecans over the ganache before it sets.

• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: chocolate bourbon pecan swiss roll, bourbon chocolate cake roll, southern dessert, holiday swiss roll