Decadent Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cake Roll Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cake Roll Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Soft, decadent layers of chocolate coconut pecan cake roll beckon with irresistible charm.

Dessert lovers understand the magic of a perfectly crafted sweet treat that melts in your mouth.

This stunning cake roll combines rich chocolate, creamy coconut, and crunchy pecans into one spectacular dessert experience.

Every slice promises a delightful dance of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Delicate and impressive, the cake roll looks like a masterpiece from a professional bakery.

Skilled bakers and passionate home cooks can easily recreate this showstopping dessert with a few simple techniques.

Serve this elegant cake roll at your next gathering and watch as smiles spread across everyone’s faces.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 428 kcal

Servings: 11

Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cake Roll Ingredient Guide

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fine powder providing structure and soft texture to the delicate cake roll.
  • Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor with rich dark undertones, enhancing the cake's decadent profile.
  • Baking Powder: Leavening agent creating airy, light cake texture without dense heaviness.
  • Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer balancing sweetness and intensifying chocolate notes.
For Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Caramel-like sweetness creating rich, complex flavor profile for filling.
  • Egg Yolks: Creamy binding agent delivering luxurious thickness to filling mixture.
  • Evaporated Milk: Concentrated dairy adding silky smoothness and depth to filling.
  • Butter: Providing rich, velvety texture and enhancing overall filling consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm aromatic essence elevating filling's flavor complexity.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nutty element introducing delightful textural contrast.
  • Coconut: Tropical sweetness adding delicate, tropical dimension to filling.
For Ganache and Topping:
  • Dark Chocolate: Intense cocoa base creating smooth, glossy chocolate coating.
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious liquid ensuring silky, glossy ganache texture.
  • Butter: Providing sheen and richness to chocolate coating.
  • Toasted Coconut: Crunchy garnish delivering golden, caramelized nutty finish.

Tools You’ll Need for Cake Roll Perfection

  • Jelly Roll Pan (10×15 inch): Essential for baking the thin, even cake layer.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
  • Tea Towel: Key for rolling the cake without cracking.
  • Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing batter and different components.
  • Saucepan: Used for cooking the filling mixture.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ganache and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer: Helps whip eggs and sugar to light, creamy consistency.
  • Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free and well-combined.
  • Spatula: Helps fold batter and spread filling evenly.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool properly after baking.

Rolling a Cake with Chocolate and Coconut

  • Cake Canvas

Warm your oven to 350°F. Cover a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and dust lightly with cocoa. Whip eggs and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Gently fold dry ingredients into the creamy base, creating a silky chocolate batter.

  • Rolling Magic

Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 8 minutes until just set. Carefully flip cake onto a cocoa-dusted towel. Peel off parchment and roll cake from the short side, letting it cool into a perfect spiral.

  • Decadent Filling

In a saucepan, blend brown sugar, egg yolks, milk, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens like a luxurious custard. Fold in vanilla, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut. Chill mixture until ready to use.

  • Chocolate Embrace

Melt chocolate and butter together in a smooth dance. Pour warm cream over the mixture, whisking until glossy and rich. Unroll the cake, spread the filling generously, then re-roll. Drizzle with ganache and sprinkle toasted coconut for a stunning finale.

Tips That Sweeten the Pecan Coconut Blend

  • Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cake Roll: Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Towel Technique: Roll the warm cake in a cocoa-dusted towel immediately after baking to prevent cracking and create a perfect spiral shape. This method helps the cake memorize its rolled form.
  • Filling Flexibility: Swap pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty crunch. Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling for an adult-friendly twist that enhances the rich flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake roll a day in advance and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
  • Decorative Drizzle: For a professional bakery look, use white chocolate drizzle alongside the dark chocolate ganache. Sprinkle extra toasted coconut or finely chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
  • Temperature Tricks: Let the cake roll cool completely before filling to prevent melting. Chill the filled roll for at least an hour to help it set and make slicing easier and neater.

Presenting the Cake Roll at Any Occasion

  • Elegant Dessert Centerpiece: Slice this decadent cake roll on a beautiful white platter, garnishing with extra toasted coconut and whole pecans for a stunning presentation that screams gourmet.
  • Festive Party Showstopper: Create individual dessert plates by cutting precise slices, then adding a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the chocolate coconut cake roll for a luxurious contrast.
  • Romantic Date Night Treat: Plate the cake roll with a light dusting of powdered sugar, drizzle some extra chocolate ganache around the edges, and pair with a glass of rich port wine for an intimate dessert experience.
  • Brunch Decadence: Serve thin slices on small dessert plates with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, transforming this cake roll into an elegant mid-morning sweet indulgence.

How to Store and Slice Cake Rolls Neatly

  • Cake Roll Refreshment Strategy
  • Chill the cake roll in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment helps maintain its delicate texture and prevents filling from spoiling.
  • Smart Slice Storage
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or wax paper before placing in a sealed container. This technique prevents moisture loss and keeps each piece fresh and moist for quick grab-and-go enjoyment.
  • Freezer Friendly Approach
  • Carefully wrap the entire cake roll in multiple layers of plastic wrap, then add a protective aluminum foil layer. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor restoration and texture preservation.
  • Make-Ahead Magic
  • Prepare the cake roll components in advance to streamline your baking process. The cake base and filling can be made separately up to 2 days before final assembly, saving time and reducing day-of kitchen stress.
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Decadent Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cake Roll Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cake Roll Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Delectable chocolate coconut pecan cake roll showcases rich layers of chocolate sponge wrapped around creamy coconut filling. Nutty pecans and smooth chocolate create a delightful dessert perfect for special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 8 oz (226 g) dark chocolate (70%), finely chopped
  • ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated or caster sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (135 g) toasted shredded coconut
  • ½ cup (50 g) toasted and chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (50 g) toasted shredded coconut, for decoration
  • ⅔ cup (80 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
  • 8 oz (240 ml) evaporated milk
  • 8 oz (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp (14 g) softened butter
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, generously greasing the surface.
  2. Towel Setup: Dust a clean tea towel with cocoa powder, creating a textured surface for cake transfer.
  3. Batter Creation: Whip eggs, sugar, and vanilla until pale and fluffy, then gently fold in sifted flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt to maintain airy texture.
  4. Baking Process: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 7-9 minutes until cake springs back when touched.
  5. Cake Cooling: Immediately invert hot cake onto cocoa-dusted towel, peel off parchment, and roll from short end while warm, allowing to cool in cylindrical shape.
  6. Filling Development: Combine brown sugar, egg yolks, evaporated milk, and butter in a saucepan, stirring continuously over medium heat until thickened to custard consistency.
  7. Filling Enhancement: Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut, then chill to enhance spreadability.
  8. Ganache Preparation: Melt chocolate and butter in a heat-resistant bowl, then pour simmering cream over mixture and whisk until smooth and glossy.
  9. Assembly: Unroll cooled cake, spread chilled filling across surface, carefully re-roll to encase filling completely.
  10. Finishing Touches: Drizzle ganache over cake, allowing it to cascade down sides, and sprinkle with toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Precise Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is accurately set at 350°F for even baking and consistent cake texture.
  • Towel Technique: Dust the towel with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and create a non-slip surface when rolling the cake.
  • Filling Consistency Check: Stir the filling constantly and watch for a thick, custard-like texture to guarantee perfect spreadability.
  • Ganache Glossiness: Whisk chocolate and cream thoroughly to achieve a smooth, shiny finish that elevates the cake’s visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 428
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 133 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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