If you’ve been craving something indulgent yet mindful, this Swiss Roll hits the sweet spot—a healthy dessert that feels utterly decadent. Light, fluffy sponge meets creamy coffee‑chocolate mousse in a roll that’s perfect for afternoon tea or a celebratory treat.
Ingredients & Quantities
Sponge Cake
4 large eggs ( 280 g total)
130 g granulated sugar
130 g plain flour
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 tbsp neutral‑flavour oil (e.g. sunflower)
Coffee‑Chocolate Mousse Filling
180 ml whipping cream
1 tbsp coffee paste
100 g dark chocolate ganache
Garnish
Extra whipped cream or ganache
Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings
This healthy dessert offers a balance of texture and flavour—airy sponge, rich coffee‑chocolate centre, and elegant presentation.
Culinary Process:
Prep the sponge: Preheat your oven to 180 °C (fan 160 °C / gas mark 4). Line a 10×12‑inch baking tray with baking parchment.
Whisk eggs and sugar: In a clean (grease‑free) bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla until pale, fluffy and doubled in volume—around 5–7 minutes using an electric whisk.
Fold in dry and wet: Gently fold in the flour using a metal spoon or spatula. Avoid over‑mixing. Drizzle in oil and fold until evenly combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the tray, smooth the top, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and sprung back to the touch.
Roll while warm: Lay a clean tea towel or baking parchment dusted with icing sugar on the counter. Invert the sponge onto it, carefully peel off the parchment layer on top, then roll the sponge (tea‑towel‑side in) while still warm. This “pre‑roll” sets the shape. Cool completely.
Prepare mousse: Whip the cream to soft peaks. Gently fold in coffee paste and cooled ganache, until smooth.
Fill & re‑roll: Unroll the sponge, spread the mousse evenly, leaving a small border. Re‑roll carefully to keep mousse inside.
Finish & garnish: Spread remaining mousse or whipped cream on top. Dust with cocoa powder or add chocolate shavings. Chill for 1 hour for structure.
Nutrition (per generous slice, 1/8 roll)
Calories: 270 kcal
Protein: 5.5 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g (added sugar 12 g)
Fat: 16 g (sat fat 7 g)
Fibre: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g
Salt: 0.1 g
Calcium: 80 mg (from cream)
This version of a Swiss Roll makes a lighter healthy dessert. Using whipped cream and dark chocolate ensures indulgence with wholesome ingredients. You could even swap for reduced‑fat cream or sugar‑neutral sweeteners to further lighten it.
Why It’s Perfect for UK Kitchens
With British home bakers increasingly seeking guilt‑free indulgences, this Swiss Roll is a winning choice. It uses pantry staples—eggs, flour, sugar, cream—available in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose. The coffee‑chocolate twist elevates the classic Swiss Roll, giving it flair for a teatime showpiece. By positioning it as a healthy dessert, you tap into a growing niche: delicious treats that don’t derail wellness goals.
Tips for Baking Brilliance
Don’t over-whisk: Fold the flour in gently to preserve sponge lightness.
Roll warm: This is key to preventing cracks.
Chill before slicing: Makes cutting neat, avoids gooey edges.
Customise cream: Swap dairy cream for coconut cream for a vegan twist in this healthy dessert.
Balance sweetness: Use 70%+ dark chocolate to reduce sugar, or swap sugar for coconut sugar in sponge.
Serving & Storing
Serve this Swiss Roll well-chilled to ensure cleaner, more precise slices and to enhance the creamy mousse’s depth of flavour. Allow it to rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving for best results. It’s ideal when enjoyed within 48 hours and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and moisture.
This healthy dessert also freezes beautifully—perfect for make-ahead occasions. Simply slice the roll into portions, wrap each piece tightly in foil or cling film, and store in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then serve chilled for a delicious, fuss-free treat.
Final Thoughts
This Swiss Roll is the perfect healthy dessert for any occasion—light enough for afternoon tea, elegant enough for parties, yet mindful with wholesome elements. By whipping up this souffle‑like sponge and coffee‑ganache mousse, you’re blending classic baking with conscious eating. Delight your guests or your family with this guilt‑free treat that proves indulgence doesn’t have to compromise wellness.