Chocolate roll / Unelmatorttu / Traditional Finnish food

Chocolate roll / Unelmatorttu is a light and airy chocolate roll with buttercream frosting that is smooth and mild. This traditional Finnish food is at the top of my favorite dessert list. Paired with a cup of coffee, this Finnish chocolate cake roll / unelmatorttu goes down nice and easy.

Chocolate roll / Unelmatorttu questions

What is Finnish Unelmatorttu?

Finnish unelmatorttu or kaaretorttu translates as “dream roll”, it is a light and airy cocoa sponge cake filled with a smooth buttercream filling. Following the Finns love for setting gorgeous tables, this chocolate roll cake displays beautifully on the plate.

Is this cake Gluten Free?

The recipe for the Finnish cake is gluten free. However, you can substitute all purpose flour in place of the cornstarch used in the recipe.

Can you freeze this Chocolate roll?

Yes! This Chocolate roll cake freezes awesome and will last up to 3 months in the freezer. It is a great dessert to make ahead of time for company. When frozen the roll is easy to cut.

Will people ask for the recipe?

Yes, yes and yes. This will be one of those recipes that people ask you for. Will you share it?? That remains to be seen.

Is it difficult to make?

I would place this as an intermediate baker level. The tricky part is cooling the cake and unrolling it so it does not crack. It is however a very forgiving recipe, if the cake cracks, still spread it with the filling and roll. After being in the fridge it will stay together.

Can I use regular flour instead?

Yes you can use regular flour instead, just replace the potato flour with 1/2 cup of regular flour.

Instructions and Ingredients

Ingredients for cake

3 eggs at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup potato flour

3 TBSP cocoa

1 TSP baking powder

Ingredients for filling

3/4 cup butter room temperature

2 TSP vanilla

1 cup powdered sugar

1 egg yolk

• Line a 15 x 11 inch cookie sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
• In a medium sized bowl mix together the potato flour, cocoa and baking powder. Set aside.

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy. They should be light yellow and airy. Add the sugar and beat until thickened. Approximately 5 minutes. Let sit for a few minutes and it will thicken even more.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and carefully fold into egg mixture.

Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper on your prepared pan. Slightly spread. The batter will not totally fill the pan. Bake for 5-7 minutes. The cake will puff up while baking and sink as soon as you pull it out of the oven. This is normal.

Spread your tea towel on the counter and sprinkle it with powdered sugar. Quickly turn over your cake pan and dump the cake onto the towel. Moisten the back of the parchment paper with a damp cloth then slowly peel back the parchment paper. See the photo below. If your paper is really sticking to the cake, you can use a butter knife to hold down the cake while you peel back the paper. Starting with the long side. Roll the cake carefully up with the towel. Set aside until fully cooled.

Chocolate roll filling

Mix the room temperature butter and the powdered sugar until fluffy. Separate the egg yolk from the egg white then add the egg yolk to the butter mixture. Beat well. Add the vanilla beat well again

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the buttercream filling on top of the cake. Roll up the cake starting with the long side. You can use the towel to help roll the cake. Do this by pulling the towel slowly towards you, this will make the cake start to roll. You can guide it with your hands. Cut the roll in half and wrap in plastic wrap. Store cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Slice the cake into 3/4″ slices. Serve and enjoy.

Storing your chocolate roll

The recipe

Do I have other Finnish recipes?

Yes, I have several other Finnish recipe, both my Grandparents were from Finland. Growing up, I was surrounded by the Finnish culture and I grew to have a deep love for it. I love sharing all my favorite Finnish recipes on my blog with you. Do you have a favorite Finnish recipe? Pulla anyone??

Pulla recipe perfectly paired with coffee. The cardamom flavor is fabulous.

Lettu recipe This is a family favorite.

Kiisseli recipe Growing up this was always on the stove.

If you are a Chocolate lover, this Chocolate layer cake is superb! As always, thanks for popping in. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest updates.