The Nutella roll is one of those desserts that never get boring and never go out of style — perfect for breakfast, snack time and any moment of the day. It takes very little to prepare, yet it always surprises with its softness and simplicity. It is the classic homemade grandma’s cake that recalls the snacks of our childhood when just a few ingredients and a bit of love were enough to put something special on the table.
This is the grandma’s recipe for the soft Nutella swiss roll, made with a light and elastic sponge cake base, perfect for rolling without breaking. This feature is exactly what makes it similar to the famous swiss roll, a rolled dessert loved worldwide for its soft texture and creamy center.
This specific sponge cake base for a sweet roll is different from the classic sponge cake and also from the roll base I usually use: this one, a bit more caloric, remains more moist and flexible, allowing you to obtain a Nutella roll that doesn’t break, even on the first try. That’s the secret to a perfect result.
Inside, Nutella wraps every slice with its creaminess, while chopped hazelnuts add a crunchy note that makes this dessert even more irresistible. You can also replace the filling with a good homemade hazelnut spread or a homemade pistachio spread. The contrast between fluffy and creamy wins you over at the first bite.
This is an easy homemade Nutella roll recipe, ideal even for those with little kitchen experience. In a few steps you get a dessert that’s beautiful to look at and delicious to taste, perfect for any occasion.
If you love simple and genuine desserts, I also recommend trying other sponge cake recipes or soft roll variations, such as the tiramisu roll, the strawberry mimosa roll or the strawberry roll with ricotta cream. Let’s go to the kitchen now and prepare this tasty breakfast, and remember that if you want to stay updated on new recipes you can follow my Facebook page and my Instagram profile.
Take a look:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Cooking time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 10
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients to make the soft Nutella swiss roll
- 5 eggs
- 4 oz granulated sugar (70+20)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (baking powder for cakes — about half a teaspoon)
- 7/8 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 12 oz hazelnut spread (homemade, Nutella or similar)
- to taste toasted chopped hazelnuts (toasted)
Tools
- Stand mixer
- Baking pan 18 x 14 in
- Oven
- Bowl
Steps to make the Soft Nutella Swiss Roll
To make the sweet Nutella roll, separate the eggs carefully, placing the yolks and the whites in two different bowls.
Pour the sugar into the yolks and start working them with a whisk or a fork until you obtain a homogeneous mixture; set aside for a few minutes. Meanwhile, pour the egg whites into the bowl of the stand mixer (or into a large bowl if you are using electric beaters), ready to be whipped.
Whip the egg whites and as soon as they start to become white and foamy, add the sugar and vanilla extract. Transfer the whipped whites to a large bowl and, in the stand mixer’s bowl, add the yolks and sugar. Beat until you obtain a dense and homogeneous cream.
Fold the beaten yolks into the whipped egg whites, incorporating them gently with a spatula or whisk.
Sift the flour together with the baking powder directly into the batter, distributing it evenly.
Fold in the flour with a spatula, mixing gently from the bottom up until you obtain a soft, lump-free mixture.
In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and vegetable oil and mix to blend them.
Add a small portion of the batter to the milk-and-oil mixture, mixing well to lighten it.
Pour the milk-and-oil mixture back into the batter and fold gently with the spatula until you reach a smooth, soft and uniform consistency.
Mix with slow movements from the bottom up, until the batter is creamy, light and lump-free.
Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper, spreading it evenly.
Gently level the surface with a spatula, trying to obtain a uniform layer ready for baking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 356°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the surface is slightly golden.
Remove the sponge cake from the oven and immediately invert it onto a sheet of parchment paper. Gently peel off the baking paper. Let it cool slightly to keep it soft. If necessary, trim the edges lightly to achieve a more regular shape.
Make light cuts on the surface (without cutting through): this will help the roll to curl without breaking.
Using the parchment paper, gently roll the base starting from the short side, guiding the batter without squeezing it.
Continue to roll evenly, keeping the roll compact but soft, until fully closed.
Continue to roll evenly, keeping the roll compact but soft, until fully closed.Let the roll rest for a few minutes so it stabilizes and becomes easier to slice.
Transfer to a serving plate and decorate the surface with Nutella, spreading it in a thin layer for a final indulgent touch.
Storage notes and tips
The soft Nutella roll stays soft for 2-3 days if well wrapped in parchment paper or stored in an airtight container.
You can keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place, especially during the colder months.
If it’s hot, it’s better to store it in the refrigerator, taking it out a few minutes before serving so it returns soft and fragrant as if just made.
To get a Nutella roll that doesn’t break, it’s important to follow a few key steps:
the sponge cake must remain soft, so do not overbake it
the egg whites must be well whipped to give structure to the batter
work the batter gently, without deflating it
A small precaution can really make the difference in the final result.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Why does the Nutella roll break?The roll breaks when the sponge cake is overbaked or not elastic enough. To avoid this, it is important not to extend the baking time and to roll the base while it is still slightly warm. Overworking the batter can also compromise the structure.
Can the Nutella roll be prepared in advance?
The soft Nutella roll can be prepared in advance; the trick is to handle it gently so it doesn’t break.
