This gluten free chocolate roulade doesn’t need any introduction. It’s perfect any time of year but also makes a great alternative to Christmas cake for kids. My version is also dairy free.
I made this wonderful gluten free chocolate roulade for Christmas last year, but there is nothing stopping you making it any time of the year. It is decadent and creamy, yet contains no dairy and not too much sugar.
It would make a wonderful addition to a dinner party table, or to any family meal.
I used the classic Mary Berry recipe for the cake, but filled it with a decadent chocolate chestnut filling so that it would be gluten and dairy-free.
Of course if it isn’t Christmas just roll the cake into a roulade and don’t bother about making it look like a log.
I will be making it again this year. If you make it do let me know. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Top tip! If you couldn’t be bothered to make the cake, the chocolate chestnut filling makes a wonderful indulgent ‘chocolate pot’ on its own! Put small portions into ramekins or little pots and serve chilled.
Gluten Free Chocolate Roulade (Dairy Free)
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 175 g dark chocolate - Min 70% cocoa solids; make sure it's gluten and dairy free
- 6 eggs - (medium) separated
- 175 g sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- For the filling:
- 1 packet chestnuts - (vacuum packed) I used Merchant Gourmet
- 175 ml dairy-free milk
- 50 g dark chocolate - check it's gluten and dairy free
- 1-2 tsp icing sugar - to taste
- Few drops of almond extract - optional
- For the ganache topping:
- 200 g coconut milk - (tinned) the thick part - see note below recipe
- 150 g dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare a shallow baking tin measuring 33cm x 23cm by greasing it and then lining with greaseproof paper
- Make the cake by firstly melting the dark chocolate, either in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water or in the microwave, checking and stirring every 30 seconds
- Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff and forming 'peaks'
- Place the egg yolks in a separate bowl with the sugar and whisk for around 3 minutes until pale and creamy
- Pour the cooled melted chocolate and cocoa powder into the egg yolk and sugar mix and gently stir together until combined
- Finally fold a couple of spoonfuls of egg white into the mixture until all the egg white is combined into the mixture. Don't over mix of you'll loose the air you need to create a light sponge
- Pour the cake mixture into the prepared tin and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees/160 degree fan/gas mark 4 for 20 - 25 minutes until risen and firm to touch
- While the cake is baking make the filling
- Melt the chocolate as before
- Place the chestnuts, milk, icing sugar and melted chocolate into a small food processor or blender and combine until smooth
- Set aside until the cake is cold
- Once the cake has cooked remove it from the oven, place a piece of greaseproof paper onto a work surface and sprinkle with icing sugar
- Turn the roulade out onto the baking paper and peel off the paper from the cake. While hot, use the paper to help roll the cake with the short side facing you
- Leave the cake rolled until cold
- Once the cake is cold, unroll it, spread it with your chocolate filling leaving a 2cm border all around, then re-roll the cake up
- Make the ganache by gently heating the coconut milk. Once steaming, add the dark chocolate and stir until you have a thick sauce
- Place your filled sponge on a serving board or plate. If you want to make it look like a log cut a small piece off the end diagonally then join that to the side of the roll. It doesn't need to be neat because you will hide the join with your chocolate ganache
- Cover the roulade with your chocolate ganache. I piped mine to get the effect of bark, but you can just spread it on if you prefer
- Decorate any way you like and add a sprinkling of icing sugar for the finishing touch
Notes
Nutrition (Approx)
To get the thickest part of the coconut milk, place the tin in the fridge over night. Pour off the coconut water and use in a smoothie or other recipe and use the thick part for this recipe.
If you can tolerate dairy then use double cream for the ganache and cows milk in the chocolate chestnut filling.
Julie McPherson says
I am definitely making a chocolate yule log this year. I love your idea of a chocolate chestnut cream, it looks and sounds fabulous. Commenting as BritMums Baking Round-up Editor.
Vicki Montague says
You must try this! The chestnut chocolate combo is absolutely divine!
Anne Harris says
Hello! I’d love to make this recipe for our Christmas lunch. Looks delicious! Can you freeze it?
Kind regards,
Anne
Vicki Montague says
Mmm…now you are asking something that I haven’t tested out but I’m pretty sure I did freeze the filling last year before using it. I’m sure it will be fine. I tend to freeze everything ;)!
Kate - glutenfreealchemist says
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a roulade is it? This sounds delicious. Love the use of the coconut milk in the ganache. I think the ‘classic Mary Berry’ recipe failed me terribly recently…… looks like the same recipe. You are obviously a much better baker than me!!!!
Vicki Montague says
Oh no! You’ve got me worried now. I hope it goes ok this year!
Vicki Montague says
Oh it’s amazing!!
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
Mmm gorgeous, i love the sound of the chestnut filling with chocolate. Certainly something I’m keen to try. Pinning,
Angela x
Vicki Montague says
It’s really good! Let me know if you make it!
Mandy says
This sounds gorgeous. I love chestnuts but I tend to use them in savoury dishes. I tried a gorgeous chestnut pannetone recently which was totally divine!
Vicki Montague says
Ooo I bet! That sounds amazing!
Louise Fairweather says
This looks delicious! #cookblogshare