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Chocolate Crepe Roll (1)

Chocolate Crepe Roll (No-Bake Chocolate Towel Cake)

This Asian-style chocolate towel cake is made with tender cocoa crepes, smooth cream, and a panna-cotta-like chocolate jelly center. A beautiful, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Mousse Filling

  • 10 g gelatin sheets
  • 8 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 300 g whole milk
  • 100 g heavy cream / whipping cream 30-36% fat
  • 20 g granulated sugar

For the Chocolate Crepes

  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 30 g granulated sugar
  • 300 g whole milk
  • 100 g cake flour
  • 8 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 15 g corn oil or other neutral vegetable oil

For the Whipped Cream Layer

  • 200 g heavy cream / whipping cream 30-36% fat, cold
  • 20 g granulated sugar

For Assembly & Serving

  • Extra cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 5 minutes until completely softened, with no hard center. Remove them from the water and gently squeeze out excess moisture.
  • Take the eggs out of the refrigerator ahead of time so they come to room temperature, which helps everything blend more smoothly.

Make the Chocolate Milk Jelly

  • In a small saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir continuously until smooth.
  • Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not let it boil. Once it reaches this stage, remove it from the heat immediately.
  • Add the softened gelatin sheets to the hot mixture and stir quickly until fully dissolved.
  • Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a rectangular container. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until fully set.

Make the Cocoa Crepes

  • In a large bowl, crack in the eggs and add the granulated sugar. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved — there's no need to whip or aerate the eggs.
  • Add the milk and corn oil, whisking until fully combined.
  • Sift in the cake flour and cocoa powder, then whisk until no dry flour remains.
  • Strain the batter through a fine sieve twice to achieve a smooth, lump-free crepe batter.
  • Heat a non-stick pan over low heat. When the pan is just warm, pour in about 50 g of batter and quickly swirl the pan to spread it evenly across the bottom.
  • Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to lift. Gently lift the crepe with a silicone spatula, flip it over, and cook for another 10 seconds.
  • Remove and place on a cooling rack. Repeat until all the batter is used, making about 8–10 crepes. Allow all crepes to cool completely before assembly.

Whip the Cream

  • Pour the heavy cream into a clean, dry bowl and add the granulated sugar.
  • Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip until clear lines form and soft peaks appear. The cream should hold its shape but remain smooth and pliable.
  • Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag and set aside.

Assemble the Crepe Roll

  • Place one crepe on a flat surface. Pipe an even layer of whipped cream over the crepe.
  • Fold the left and right sides inward to cover the cream.
  • Remove the chilled chocolate milk jelly from the container and cut it into long strips. Place one strip at one end of the crepe.
  • Starting from that end, roll the crepe tightly into a towel shape. Place seam-side down to hold its shape.
  • Dust the surface with cocoa powder. Slice and serve.
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