This no bake swiss roll cake turns a box of chocolate cream filled cake rolls into a rich, layered dessert in about 15 minutes. The rolls are lined up in a dish, covered with creamy chocolate pudding and whipped topping, then finished with chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
Because nothing is baked, the dish is ideal for beginners, busy hosts, and kids who want to help. It cuts into nine neat squares, travels well to potlucks, and eats like an icebox cake with a chocolate shop twist.
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Why This No Bake Swiss Roll Cake Recipe Works
The rolls already include a chocolate sponge exterior and a sweet cream filling, so there is no need to make a cake, a frosting, or a filling from scratch. As the rolls rest under the pudding, they soften into a fudgy, tender layer.
The contrast of textures does the rest. Silky pudding sits above soft cake, whipped topping adds airiness, and crunchy walnuts and chocolate chips give a satisfying finish on top.
Ingredients for No Bake Swiss Roll Cake
- 10 chocolate cream filled swiss rolls (about 1 box)
- 1 cup prepared instant chocolate pudding (half of a 3.9 ounce package whisked with 1 cup cold milk)
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
Swiss rolls. Fresh rolls have the softest texture. Unwrap all ten and line them up in a glass dish so they fit together snugly with no gaps.
Chocolate pudding. Instant pudding needs cold milk and a full two minutes of whisking. Let it stand for a few minutes to thicken before spreading.
Whipped topping. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Cold, fully thawed topping spreads smoothly and does not tear the pudding underneath.
Toppings. Mini chips and chopped walnuts add crunch. Toast the walnuts for five minutes in a dry skillet for a deeper nutty flavor.
How to Make No Bake Swiss Roll Cake
1. Line the dish. Unwrap the rolls and arrange them side by side in a 9×9 inch glass baking dish, forming one even layer.
2. Make the pudding. Whisk the pudding mix with the cold milk for 2 minutes and let it stand for 3 minutes until thick.
3. Spread the pudding. Spoon the pudding over the rolls and smooth it with a silicone spatula, covering them completely.
4. Add the whipped topping. Dollop the whipped topping over the pudding and spread gently to the edges.
5. Sprinkle the toppings. Scatter the chocolate chips and walnuts evenly across the top.
6. Chill. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until the pudding is set and the rolls have softened, then cut into 9 squares.
How to Serve No Bake Swiss Roll Cake
Serve cold, cut into squares, with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. This dessert looks great beside fudgy chocolate chunk brownies and layered banana pudding at a family gathering, and it pairs well with cherry pecan cheesecake lush and creamy strawberry swirl cake on a bigger dessert table.
How to Store and Reheat No Bake Swiss Roll Cake
Cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 3 days, and return leftovers to the fridge within two hours of serving. The rolls get softer each day, so the squares are neatest on day one or two. Freezing is not recommended because the pudding turns watery when it thaws.
Tips and Variations for No Bake Swiss Roll Cake
Chill longer. One hour is enough to slice, but a few extra hours give a softer, more cake-like layer.
Use cold milk. Warm milk keeps the pudding from thickening properly.
Cover every gap. Fill any spaces between the rolls with pudding so each square has even coverage.
Add fruit. Sliced strawberries or raspberries on top add freshness against the chocolate.
Store it safely. Purdue Extension offers guidance on storing leftovers that applies to pudding and whipped topping desserts.
Swap the pudding. Vanilla or cheesecake pudding gives a lighter flavor.
Try a drizzle. Warm chocolate syrup over the top before serving makes it feel extra special.
Use nut-free toppings. Leave out the walnuts and add more chocolate chips or crushed cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions About No Bake Swiss Roll Cake
Can I make no bake swiss roll cake the day before?
Yes. Make it up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. The extra time makes the rolls softer.
How long does no bake swiss roll cake last?
It keeps for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different size dish for no bake swiss roll cake?
A 9×9 inch dish fits ten rolls. An 8×8 dish works if you use about eight rolls and trim them to fit.
Can I use homemade pudding?
Instant pudding is easiest, but homemade pudding works if it has cooled completely before you spread it.
Can I freeze it?
It is better not to, since the pudding and whipped topping turn watery after thawing.
No Bake Swiss Roll Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 chocolate cream filled swiss rolls about 1 box
- 1 cup prepared instant chocolate pudding half of a 3.9 ounce package whisked with 1 cup cold milk
- 8 oz whipped topping thawed
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
Cooking
- Arrange. Place the unwrapped rolls side by side in a 9×9 inch dish.
- Pudding. Whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, let thicken 3 minutes, then spread over the rolls.
- Top. Spread the whipped topping over the pudding and sprinkle with chips and walnuts.
- Chill. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before cutting into 9 squares.
