This easy cake roll recipe starts with a chocolate cake mix! The chocolate cake roll is filled with a smooth caramel buttercream and topped with chocolate ganache and pecans, mimicking the flavor of chocolate turtle candy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with foil and spray with baking spray containing flour.
Beat eggs in a large bowl on high speed for about 5 minutes, until thick and pale yellow. Add cake mix, water, and oil. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape down sides of the bowl as needed. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 11-14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Do not overbake. Remove from oven and carefully run a knife around the edges if the foil did not cover the entire cake.
Lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Turn the hot cake upside down onto the towel and carefully remove the foil. While hot, roll the cake up tightly inside the towel, starting from a short end. Cool completely on a wire rack while rolled up, about 1 hour.
3 large eggs
Making the Filling and Ganache
Make the caramel buttercream: Cream the softened butter and caramel sauce until combined and slightly chunky. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
3 large eggs
Make the chocolate ganache: Combine heavy whipping cream and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed to melt all chips.
3 large eggs
Assembling the Roll
Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the caramel buttercream evenly over the entire surface of the cake. Reroll the cake neatly.
3 large eggs
Place the re-rolled cake on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet to catch drips. Drizzle the chocolate ganache evenly over the top of the cake roll. Immediately sprinkle with the toasted pecans.
3 large eggs
Chill the cake loosely covered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Store leftovers loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
For best results when rolling, ensure the cake is still warm when you roll it in the towel, but make sure it's completely cooled before adding the filling.