Swiss Roll Lush Cake

Okay, dessert lovers, buckle up—because this Swiss Roll Lush Cake is about to blow your mind. Imagine layers of chocolatey, creamy, dreamy goodness all stacked together into one show-stopping dessert. You’ve got those nostalgic little Swiss rolls (yes, the ones you couldn’t wait to find in your lunchbox as a kid) sliced and layered with silky pudding and fluffy whipped cream. It’s decadent, fun, and ridiculously easy to make.

This is the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite, look at you with wide eyes, and say, “Oh my gosh… what IS this?!” Trust me, you’re going to love serving this one at family gatherings, birthdays, potlucks—or, let’s be real, just a random Tuesday night when you’re craving something sweet and spectacular.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic and Fun

This dessert is built on Swiss rolls, giving it that playful throwback vibe that both kids and adults adore.

Easy to Assemble

No baking required. Just slice, layer, chill, and you’ve got a masterpiece on your hands.

Creamy and Decadent

The pudding and whipped cream layers add that lush, melt-in-your-mouth texture that balances the chocolatey richness of the cake rolls.

Crowd-Pleasing

It feeds a crowd and always gets people talking. You’ll be the dessert hero wherever you bring it.

Make-Ahead Friendly

The cake gets even better after chilling, so you can prep it the day before and keep dessert stress-free.

Recipe Origin

This lush cake is inspired by classic layered desserts—think icebox cakes and pudding lush desserts—that became popular in the mid-20th century. The twist here? Using Swiss rolls as the base instead of cookies or graham crackers. It adds a whimsical touch and brings that nostalgic, lunchbox-favorite energy right to the dessert table.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk (for the pudding layer)
• Spatula for spreading
• Sharp knife (to slice the Swiss rolls evenly)
• 9×13-inch dish for layering

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Chill the rolls before slicing. Slightly firm Swiss rolls cut more cleanly and hold their shape better.
• Don’t skimp on the chill time. Give it at least 4 hours—or overnight—for the layers to set beautifully.
• Use cold milk. It helps the pudding thicken properly without lumps.
• Layer generously. Spread each layer fully to the edges for that perfect slice with distinct layers.
• Top it off. Add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of fudge sauce before serving for extra flair.

Ingredients in Swiss Roll Lush Cake

(Note: full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card above.)

Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix

Creates that silky, chocolatey filling that’s rich but not too heavy.

Whole Milk

Cold milk helps the pudding whip up thick and creamy.

Cool Whip

Adds that fluffy, dreamy texture. Half is used in the pudding layer, and half for the topping.

Swiss Rolls (or Swiss Cake Rolls)

Our star ingredient! These little cakes are sliced and layered to form the base and sides of the lush. Chocolate sponge wrapped around creamy filling—it’s a built-in crowd pleaser.

Instructions

Make the Pudding Layer

In a mixing bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened. Fold in half of the Cool Whip to create a light, creamy filling.

Slice the Swiss Rolls

Using a sharp knife, cut each Swiss roll into about 5 slices. They should look like little pinwheels of chocolate cake and cream.

Layer the Base

Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish with Swiss roll slices, covering the entire base in a single layer.

Add the Pudding Mixture

Spread the pudding-and-Cool Whip mixture evenly over the Swiss roll base. Smooth it out with a spatula.

Top with Whipped Layer

Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top to create a fluffy final layer.

Chill the Dessert

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.

Garnish and Serve

Top with chocolate curls, sprinkles, or drizzle with chocolate syrup before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approx. 300–350
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Swiss Roll Lush Cake

• Chilled and Fancy: Serve straight from the fridge with chocolate shavings or fresh berries.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cookies-and-cream ice cream takes this over the top.
• As a Party Dessert: Slice into neat squares and serve on small plates for gatherings.
• With Coffee: Perfectly pairs with a cup of strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before—it only gets better as the rolls soften and the flavors meld.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream layers can separate.

Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter Twist: Add a layer of peanut butter or peanut butter chips for a Reese’s vibe.
• Mint Chocolate: Use mint chocolate pudding and garnish with crushed mint candies.
• Strawberry Delight: Swap chocolate pudding for strawberry pudding and garnish with fresh strawberries.
• Oreo Crunch: Add crushed Oreos between layers for extra crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Finish with caramel sauce for a sweet, buttery twist.

Additional Tips

• Use a Serrated Knife: It helps slice Swiss rolls without squishing them.
• Whipped Cream Alternative: You can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher flavor.
• Decorate Last-Minute: Add garnishes right before serving for the prettiest presentation.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade Swiss rolls?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade rolls will make this dessert extra special.

Q2: Can I use different flavors of Swiss rolls?
A2: Yes! Strawberry or vanilla cream-filled rolls add fun twists.

Q3: Can I make this without Cool Whip?
A3: Yes, swap with whipped heavy cream (stabilized if possible).

Q4: Can I add fruit layers?
A4: Definitely—bananas, strawberries, or raspberries work beautifully.

Q5: Do I need to grease the pan?
A5: Nope, no baking here—just layer directly into the dish.

Q6: Can I serve it right away?
A6: It’s best after at least 4 hours of chilling, so the rolls soften.

Q7: What’s the best garnish?
A7: Chocolate curls, sprinkles, or a fudge drizzle are all fantastic.

Q8: How far ahead can I make it?
A8: Up to 24 hours ahead works perfectly.

Q9: Can kids help with this recipe?
A9: Yes! It’s fun, no-bake, and kid-friendly—perfect for little helpers.

Q10: How long will it last?
A10: Up to 4 days in the fridge, covered tightly.

Conclusion

Swiss Roll Lush Cake is one of those desserts that makes you feel like a kid again while still impressing the grown-ups. It’s playful, rich, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Every bite is a swirl of chocolate, cream, and nostalgia—and the best part? You don’t even have to turn on the oven.

So go ahead, stock up on those little Swiss rolls, grab some pudding mix, and whip this beauty up. Trust me—this is one dessert that disappears fast, so you might want to snag yourself a piece before it’s gone.

Follow along making the ultimate lush Swiss roll cake: