What’s the ultimate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth? This decadent chocolate roll packed with M&M’s and topped with candy is a game changer. Made with rich chocolate and colorful candy pieces, this easy homemade treat is perfect for a family favorite weeknight dessert. Save this idea for a quick indulgence anytime.

a chocolate roll with m & m’s in the middle and candy on top

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate, the crunch of candy, and the pop of color from M&M’s, all rolled into one delightful treat. This chocolate roll with M&M’s in the middle and candy on top is not just a feast for the eyes, but a symphony of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little creativity and fun to their dessert repertoire.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of chocolate, M&M’s, and candy provides a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, while the ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this dessert is relatively simple to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and no special equipment.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family, without requiring hours of slaving away in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include a package of chocolate cake mix, a can of chocolate frosting, a bag of M&M’s, and a variety of candies such as sprinkles, chopped peanut butter cups, or chopped candy bars. You’ll also need some heavy cream and powdered sugar to make a whipped cream topping. If you want to get creative, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a different flavor, such as vanilla or red velvet, or use different types of candy to change up the flavor and texture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a large jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions and pour it into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Step 2: While the cake is baking, prepare the whipped cream topping by whipping heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Once the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: Once the cake is cool, spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top of the cake, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle a layer of M&M’s over the frosting, followed by a layer of chopped candy.
4. Step 4: To assemble the roll, start at one of the long edges and roll the cake up tightly, using the parchment paper to help guide the roll. Once the cake is rolled, place it on a serving plate and top with the whipped cream topping and additional candy, if desired.

Handy Tips

• To ensure that the cake rolls evenly, make sure to cool it completely before assembling the roll. You can also use a little bit of frosting to “glue” the edge of the cake as you roll it, to help it hold its shape.
• If you find that your cake is too crumbly or fragile to roll, you can try adding a little bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the frosting to help hold it together.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with the types of candy you use – the more colorful and varied, the better!

Heat Control

When baking the cake, make sure to keep an eye on the temperature and timing to ensure that it’s cooked through but not overcooked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the edges should be lightly golden brown. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and underbake slightly, as the cake will continue to cook a little bit after it’s removed from the oven.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dessert comes from the M&M’s and chopped candy, which provide a nice textural contrast to the soft and fluffy cake. To enhance the crunch factor, you can try adding some chopped nuts or cookie crumbs to the frosting or whipped cream topping. Alternatively, you can use different types of candy that have a harder or chewier texture, such as peanut butter cups or caramel candies.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To get a smooth and even layer of frosting, try using an offset spatula to spread it over the cake. This will help you get into the corners and edges, and create a smooth and even surface.
• If you’re having trouble getting the cake to roll evenly, try using a little bit of parchment paper to help guide the roll. You can also use a cake turntable or rotating serving plate to make it easier to assemble and decorate the cake.
• To add an extra touch of professionalism to your dessert, try using a pastry bag and tip to pipe on some decorative borders or designs. You can also use a little bit of melted chocolate to attach some sprinkles or other decorations to the top of the cake.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. If you’re freezing the cake, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• If you’re not serving the cake immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the frosting.
• To keep the whipped cream topping fresh, make sure to store it in the refrigerator and use it within a day or two. You can also freeze the whipped cream for up to 2 months, but it’s best to use it fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dessert is perfect for gift-giving, especially during the holidays or for special occasions. To package the cake, try using a large piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap to wrap it tightly, and then placing it in a decorative tin or box. You can also add some decorative ribbons or bows to the top of the cake, or include a gift card or note with a personal message. Alternatively, you can slice the cake and package it in individual servings, using small pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap to wrap each slice.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a little bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake mix for a unique and interesting flavor.
• Creative toppings: Use different types of candy, such as chopped peanut butter cups, M&M’s, or sprinkles, to create a unique and colorful topping.
• Ingredient swaps: Try using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version of the cake. You can also use different types of flour, such as gluten-free or whole wheat flour, to create a cake that’s suitable for special diets.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cake is too dense or dry, try adding a little bit more oil or butter to the mix. If the cake is too crumbly or fragile, try adding a little bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the frosting.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a certain ingredient, try using a substitute. For example, you can use different types of candy or nuts to create a unique and interesting flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the cake is overcooked, it will be dry and crumbly. If the cake is undercooked, it will be soft and soggy. Make sure to check the cake frequently while it’s baking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Is it gluten-free? No, the cake contains gluten. However, you can try using gluten-free flour to create a gluten-free version of the cake.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, and use a larger pan to accommodate the increased amount of batter.

Conclusion

This chocolate roll with M&M’s in the middle and candy on top is a fun and creative dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and decadent flavor, colorful and festive appearance, and ease of preparation, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to add a little creativity and fun to your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy!