Raspberry Pistachio Swiss Roll with White Chocolate Cream – An Elegant Showstopper Dessert

Few desserts feel as effortlessly elegant as a swiss roll cake. Light, airy sponge wrapped around a luscious filling creates a dessert that looks impressive yet feels delicate and refined. This Raspberry Pistachio Swiss Roll with White Chocolate Cream is a stunning example of how classic baking techniques and modern flavor pairings can come together to create something truly unforgettable.

With its soft vanilla sponge, tangy raspberry filling, nutty pistachio crunch, and silky white chocolate cream, this dessert delivers balance in every bite. It’s sweet but not cloying, rich yet light, and visually striking without being overcomplicated. Whether served at a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or special celebration, this swiss roll always earns compliments.


Why Raspberry and Pistachio Are a Perfect Match

Raspberries bring brightness, acidity, and a pop of vibrant color that cuts through rich creams and buttery cakes. Pistachios, on the other hand, add warmth, nuttiness, and a subtle earthiness that elevates desserts beyond simple sweetness.

When paired together, raspberry and pistachio create contrast and harmony at the same time. The tart fruit enhances the natural sweetness of white chocolate, while the pistachios add texture and depth. This flavor combination feels both classic and sophisticated, making it ideal for an elegant rolled cake.


What Makes a Swiss Roll Truly Perfect

A great swiss roll should be:

  • Light and flexible, never dry or brittle
  • Rolled while warm to prevent cracking
  • Filled with balanced flavors and smooth textures
  • Visually clean with a defined swirl

This recipe is designed to achieve all of that with simple, reliable steps. Even if you’re new to rolled cakes, you’ll find this method approachable and forgiving.


Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

  • Large eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Finely ground pistachios
  • Salt

For the Filling

  • White chocolate
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Raspberry preserves or fresh raspberry compote

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh raspberries
  • Chopped pistachios
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. Beat eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and ground pistachios.
  5. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and springy.
  7. Turn cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar.
  8. Carefully roll cake (with towel) from short end and let cool completely.
  9. Melt white chocolate and allow to cool slightly.
  10. Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  11. Fold melted white chocolate into whipped cream until smooth.
  12. Unroll cake gently and spread raspberry filling evenly.
  13. Spread white chocolate cream over raspberry layer.
  14. Re-roll cake tightly without the towel.
  15. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for a Crack-Free Swiss Roll

Roll while warm
Rolling the cake immediately after baking trains it into shape and prevents cracking later.

Don’t overbake
A dry sponge won’t roll smoothly. Remove the cake as soon as it springs back lightly.

Use gentle pressure
When spreading fillings, avoid pressing too hard or the cake may tear.


Elegant Variations to Try

Chocolate Pistachio Roll
Add cocoa powder to the sponge for a deeper, richer flavor.

Lemon Raspberry Version
Swap white chocolate cream for lemon mascarpone filling.

Strawberry Pistachio Swiss Roll
Replace raspberries with strawberry preserves or fresh strawberry compote.

Rose Pistachio Roll
Add a hint of rose water to the cream for a Middle Eastern-inspired twist.


Serving Suggestions

This swiss roll shines when served simply. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh raspberries and pistachios for a refined finish. Pair it with:

  • Earl Grey or green tea
  • Espresso or cappuccino
  • Sparkling wine or champagne for celebrations

Its light texture makes it perfect after rich meals.


Make-Ahead & Storage

This cake can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making it ideal for entertaining. Store wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Slice just before serving for clean edges and the best presentation.

Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.


Raspberry Pistachio Swiss Roll with White Chocolate Cream

Light pistachio sponge cake rolled with raspberry filling and silky white chocolate cream.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 7 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Sponge Cake
  • 4 eggs room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 cup pistachios finely ground
Filling
  • 4 oz white chocolate melted
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup raspberry preserves

Equipment

  • Jelly roll pan
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
  2. Fold in dry ingredients and pistachios gently.
  3. Bake in lined pan until just set.
  4. Roll cake in towel while warm and cool completely.
  5. Whip cream and fold in melted white chocolate.
  6. Fill cake with raspberry and cream, then re-roll.

Notes

Chill before slicing for clean spirals.

Why This Dessert Feels Special

There’s something magical about cutting into a swiss roll and revealing a perfect swirl. It feels celebratory without being heavy, elegant without being intimidating. This Raspberry Pistachio Swiss Roll with White Chocolate Cream is the kind of dessert that feels handcrafted and thoughtful—exactly the kind of treat people remember long after the table is cleared.

If you’re looking for a dessert that looks bakery-worthy yet is entirely achievable at home, this is it.