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No-Bake Christmas Chocolate Cake Roll - A Festive, Easy Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Plain tea biscuits or digestive cookies (350 g / about 12 oz)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup)
  • Powdered sugar (1 cup), plus more for dusting
  • Dark chocolate (6 oz), chopped
  • Unsalted butter (6 tbsp), softened
  • Heavy cream (3/4 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
  • Salt (a pinch)
  • Cream cheese (6 oz), softened
  • Granulated sugar (3 tbsp) or honey (2 tbsp) for the filling
  • Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional, 1/3 cup)
  • Orange zest (optional, 1 tsp)
  • Hazelnuts or almonds, finely chopped (optional, 1/3 cup)
  • Sprinkles or chocolate shavings for decoration (optional)
  • Parchment paper or plastic wrap for rolling

Method
 

  1. Prep the biscuits: Place the biscuits in a large zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until they’re fine crumbs with a few small pieces. You want texture, not dust. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  2. Make the chocolate base: In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream until steaming (do not boil). Add the chopped dark chocolate and let sit 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Whisk in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and butter until glossy.
  3. Combine: Pour the chocolate mixture over the biscuit crumbs and stir until everything is evenly coated and holds together when pressed. If it seems dry, add a tablespoon more cream; if too sticky, add a few extra crushed crumbs.
  4. Set up the rolling surface: Lay a large sheet of parchment on your counter. Spoon the chocolate mixture onto the parchment and pat into a rough rectangle about 10x12 inches and about 1/2 inch thick. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
  5. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese with the granulated sugar (or honey) until smooth and fluffy. Add a splash of vanilla. For a festive twist, fold in crushed candy canes or orange zest. Keep it spreadable, not runny.
  6. Spread the filling: Dollop the cream cheese filling over the chocolate rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides to prevent overflow. If using nuts, sprinkle them evenly now.
  7. Roll it up: Starting from the long side, use the parchment to help lift and roll the mixture into a tight log. Roll slowly, tucking as you go to avoid gaps. If any cracks form, press them together gently—this mixture is forgiving.
  8. Wrap and chill: Wrap the log firmly in the parchment, twist the ends like a candy wrapper, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. It will firm up and slice cleanly.
  9. Finish the outside: Unwrap the chilled roll. You can dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look, or make a quick chocolate glaze by melting 3 oz dark chocolate with 2 tbsp butter and spreading it over the log. Add sprinkles or chocolate shavings if you like.
  10. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry. Cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch slices. Serve slightly chilled or at cool room temperature.