A show-stopping holiday dessert that blends bold coffee flavor with rich mascarpone cream and a delightful hazelnut crunch—all wrapped in a soft sponge cake roll. Perfect for Christmas dinner or cozy winter celebrations! ❄️✨
✨ Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
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4 large eggs
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100g granulated sugar
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100g all-purpose flour
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1 tsp instant coffee (espresso powder works great)
For the Coffee Mascarpone Cream:
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250g mascarpone cheese
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2 tbsp instant coffee (dissolved in 1 tsp hot water)
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50g powdered sugar
For the Crunchy Hazelnut Filling:
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100g crushed hazelnuts
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50g granulated sugar
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50g unsalted butter
For Decoration:
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Cocoa powder (for dusting)
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Whole hazelnuts (for garnish)
🧁 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Line a 10×15-inch baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Make the sponge cake:
Beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Gently fold in the sifted flour and instant coffee until just combined. Spread the batter evenly on the tray.
3. Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back to the touch and is lightly golden.
4. Roll and cool:
Remove from oven and roll the warm sponge (with parchment) from the short side to form a log. Let it cool completely, rolled.
5. Prepare the coffee cream:
In a bowl, combine mascarpone, dissolved coffee, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Make the hazelnut crunch:
In a small saucepan, melt butter and sugar over medium heat. Stir in crushed hazelnuts and cook until golden and caramelized (2–3 minutes). Cool completely.
7. Assemble the log:
Unroll the cake gently. Spread coffee cream evenly over the sponge, then sprinkle with the hazelnut crunch. Re-roll tightly and place seam-side down.
8. Decorate:
Dust the top with cocoa powder and add whole hazelnuts for a festive touch.
9. Chill & serve:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
🎁 Tips & Serving Ideas:
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For an extra festive flair, drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
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You can make this dessert a day ahead—it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
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Pairs beautifully with hot espresso, spiced tea, or mulled wine.
📋 Nutrition & Serving
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🕐 Total Time: ~1.5 hours (including chill time)
🔥 Calories: ~300 kcal per slice | 🍽️ Serves: 10
