Low Carb Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Roll: A Guilt-Free Indulgence for All Occasions
There’s something truly special about sharing food with family and friends, especially when it comes to a dessert that feels as indulgent as it is comforting. Picture this: a cozy Sunday afternoon, a pot of coffee brewing, and the aroma of chocolate wafting through the house. That’s the setting I imagine whenever I make my Low Carb Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Roll. It’s a dessert that not only brings my family together but also manages to tickle the taste buds without tipping the carb scales. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just treat your loved ones (and yourself) to something decadent, this recipe is a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Low Carb Delight
One of the most appealing aspects of this cake roll is its ability to deliver the classic flavors of tiramisu without the carb overload. Traditional tiramisu is laden with sugar and carbohydrates, often making it off-limits for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. This cake roll, however, uses ingredients like coconut flour and monk fruit sweetener to keep carbs in check while still providing that desired sweetness. It makes indulging feel a little less guilty and a lot more enjoyable.
Simple Ingredients
You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry, which means fewer trips to the store and more time enjoying your creation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Ingredients such as dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and mascarpone cheese are staples that lend both flavor and texture. The use of ingredients like instant espresso powder and coffee extract ensures that the signature tiramisu taste is not lost in this low-carb version.
Family-Friendly
This dessert is truly a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the chocolatey goodness, and adults appreciate the sophisticated espresso notes. It’s a win-win for family gatherings. The cake roll is not overly sweet, making it suitable for a variety of palates, and the presentation is elegant enough to make it a centerpiece at family dinners or parties.
Make-Ahead Marvel
One of the most convenient aspects of this cake roll is that it can be made in advance, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining or a busy weeknight treat. Preparing the cake roll ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a richer taste. Plus, having dessert ready to go means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
Comfort Food Vibes
With its rich chocolate and creamy mascarpone filling, this dessert feels like a warm hug in cake form. The combination of flavors and textures—soft cake, creamy filling, and smooth ganache—creates a truly comforting experience. It’s a dessert that evokes nostalgia and warmth, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 148 per slice
Low Carb Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Roll Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ounce 85% dark chocolate or sugar-free chocolate
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp psyllium husk
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup monk fruit allulose confectioners sweetener
- 1 tsp chocolate liquid stevia or chocolate liquid monk fruit
Coffee Syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp strong, cooled coffee
- 1/2 tsp coffee extract
- 1/2 tsp chocolate liquid stevia or chocolate liquid monk fruit
Mascarpone Filling
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese or cream cheese
- 2 tbsp cooled coffee
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp chocolate liquid stevia or chocolate liquid monk fruit
- 1/2 tsp coffee extract or vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Chocolate Ganache
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp coffee extract
- 1/2 tsp chocolate liquid stevia or chocolate liquid monk fruit
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Chop the chocolate into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand. This will help it incorporate smoothly into the batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In the processor, blend coconut flour, cocoa powder, psyllium husk, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. The combination of these dry ingredients forms the base structure of the cake.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a stand mixer or large bowl, whisk together the eggs, espresso powder, sweetener, and chocolate liquid stevia until smooth. The eggs provide moisture and structure, while the espresso enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until fully incorporated. This step ensures a smooth batter, free of lumps.
- Bake: Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. The cake should be firm to the touch but not overbaked.
- Cool and Roll: Once baked, sprinkle cocoa powder over the cake, cover with a towel, and flip. Roll the warm cake using a clean towel and let it cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the classic roll shape without cracking.
Coffee Syrup
- Mix: In a bowl, whisk together water, coffee, coffee extract, and stevia. This syrup adds moisture and enhances the coffee flavor.
- Brush: Use a pastry brush to spread the syrup evenly over the unrolled cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface for consistent flavor.
Mascarpone Filling
- Blend: In a mixer, blend mascarpone, coffee, cocoa powder, stevia, and extract until smooth. The mascarpone adds creaminess, while the coffee and cocoa deepen the flavor.
- Spread: Evenly spread the filling over the cake and roll it back up. Wrap in parchment and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
Ganache
- Simmer cream: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until it’s just simmering. Be careful not to boil.
- Whisk: Remove from heat, add cocoa powder, coffee extract, and stevia, whisking until smooth. The ganache should be glossy and thick.
- Cover: Pour ganache over the chilled cake roll and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight for best results.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor or a sharp knife for chopping chocolate
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer for blending ingredients
- Large baking sheet for baking the cake
- Parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate rolling
- Pastry brush for applying the coffee syrup
- Saucepan for making the ganache
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
85% Dark Chocolate or Sugar-Free Chocolate
This ingredient adds rich, authentic chocolate flavor without excess sugar. Dark chocolate is known for its antioxidant properties and can enhance mood with its flavonoids.
Coconut Flour
Low in carbs and high in fiber, coconut flour helps keep this dessert keto-friendly. It also adds a subtle nutty flavor and absorbs moisture well, which is ideal for baking.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk acts as a binder, providing structure similar to gluten. It’s an excellent source of soluble fiber, improving the texture of gluten-free recipes.
Monk Fruit Allulose Sweetener
Monk fruit sweetener keeps the sweetness without the carbs, perfect for low-carb diets. It doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it a diabetic-friendly option.
Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone offers a creamy texture with a mild flavor that complements the coffee and chocolate. It’s lower in carbs compared to other cheeses, making it perfect for keto recipes.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Low Carb Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Roll pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the chocolate flavors, making each bite more decadent. For a complete dessert experience, serve with fresh berries or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream. The acidity of berries cuts through the richness of the cake, offering a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Refrigerate
Cover the cake roll with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. This will maintain its moisture and flavor.
Freeze
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic and freeze them. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving. Freezing individual slices allows for easy portion control and quick dessert options.
Cooking and sharing meals is one of the purest forms of love we can offer our families. This Low Carb Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Roll is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to bring everyone together around the table for moments filled with laughter and warmth. Remember, great recipes are meant to be shared, so don’t keep this one to yourself! And if you’re looking for more comfort food inspiration, check out my Classic Lasagna or Homemade Meatballs for more family favorites. Happy cooking, my friends!
By embracing recipes like this one, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: delicious, satisfying desserts that align with your dietary goals. This cake roll proves that low-carb doesn’t have to mean low-flavor, and that indulgence can be both delightful and mindful. So next time you’re planning a family gathering or a cozy night in, remember this recipe as your go-to for a sweet, guilt-free treat.
Low Carb Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Roll
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and grease. Set aside.
- Chop the chocolate by hand or in a food processor until fine crumbs.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients into the food processor and blend until combined.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl using an electric mixer, add the eggs and remaining ingredients for the cake and blend until combined.
- Slowly pour in the dry ingredients into the wet and blend until all incorporated.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove immediately and add a sprinkle of cocoa powder over the cake.
- Cover with a clean linen towel. Place another baking sheet pan the same size on top and flip over.
- Immediately and carefully remove the parchment paper on this side. Sprinkle with more cocoa powder and another clean towel or use more parchment.
- Roll up, starting at the short side, while the cake is still warm. Let cake cool completely before proceeding.
- Once cooled, unroll carefully. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the syrup ingredients and use a pastry brush to cover the cake with the keto syrup.
- Make the mascarpone cream filling in a stand mixer or separate bowl using a hand mixer, blend on high until smooth and spread this creamy mascarpone filling evenly over the entire cake.
- Roll cake back up, cover with parchment and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Heat the heavy cream in a sauce pan over low heat or you can use a double boiler pan, until just gently simmering, do not boil. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust sweetener if needed.
- Cover cake with ganache and refrigerate. Use parchment over both rolled ends but leave the ganache on top uncovered in the fridge.
- Allow to chill for 3 hours or overnight before serving.