Introduction
Boston Cream Roll-Ups are a playful, irresistible take on the beloved Boston cream dessert, transforming its familiar flavors into a handheld treat that is quick and easy to make. Soft bread rolled around a creamy vanilla filling and finished with a rich chocolate coating creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. This recipe is ideal when you want something sweet and comforting without committing to a full cake. I tested these roll-ups as a last-minute dessert for guests, and they were gone within minutes. What makes them especially appealing is their simplicity. With minimal ingredients and fast cooking time, Boston Cream Roll-Ups deliver the essence of the classic dessert in a format that feels modern, fun, and approachable.
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Boston Cream Roll-Ups: A Fun Twist on the Classic Boston Cream Dessert
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Boston Cream Roll-Ups are a quick and easy dessert inspired by Boston cream pie, featuring rolled bread filled with creamy vanilla pudding, cooked until golden, and topped with rich chocolate sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1 cup prepared vanilla pudding (thick)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of vanilla pudding onto each slice.
- Roll up the bread tightly and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, coating lightly.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook roll-ups seam-side down, turning until all sides are golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until warm, then stir in chocolate chips until smooth.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce over roll-ups, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use thick pudding to prevent leaking.
- Best served immediately while warm.
- Can be made with brioche for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for satisfying dessert cravings. It delivers classic Boston cream flavors without complicated baking steps. These roll-ups are great for parties, family desserts, or a fun weekend treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
White sandwich bread provides a soft, flexible base that rolls easily without cracking.
Vanilla pudding creates the creamy center, delivering the signature Boston cream flavor.
Butter adds richness and helps the roll-ups toast to a golden finish.
Granulated sugar lightly sweetens the exterior and adds subtle crunch when cooked.
Heavy cream forms the base of the chocolate topping and creates a smooth texture.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into a rich, glossy chocolate sauce.
Vanilla extract enhances both the filling and chocolate topping with warmth.
Directions
Begin by trimming the crusts from the bread and flattening each slice gently with a rolling pin. Spread an even layer of vanilla pudding over each slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the bread tightly and set aside seam-side down.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Roll each bread piece in granulated sugar, then place in the skillet. Cook, turning gently, until all sides are golden and lightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
To prepare the chocolate topping, heat the heavy cream gently until warm, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy, then add vanilla extract. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the warm roll-ups before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately eight roll-ups. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking takes around 10 minutes, making the total time about 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Boston Cream Roll-Ups are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Reheat briefly in a skillet or microwave until just warmed.
Variations and Customizations
These roll-ups are easy to customize. You can use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer filling. I tested this variation, and it resulted in a deeper, more indulgent flavor. For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or cookie crumbs over the chocolate topping.
You can also use brioche bread for a richer base or add a touch of cinnamon to the sugar coating for warmth. Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream to elevate the presentation while keeping the dessert simple and approachable.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best served fresh, but can be prepared a few hours ahead.
What type of bread works best?
Soft white sandwich bread works best for rolling.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake until golden, turning once.
Is homemade pudding required?
No, store-bought pudding works perfectly.
Can I use milk chocolate instead?
Yes, though it will be sweeter.
Do these work for kids?
Yes, they are very kid-friendly.
Can I add fruit inside?
Yes, thin banana slices work well.
How do I keep them from unrolling?
Place them seam-side down when cooking.
Can I freeze Boston Cream Roll-Ups?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What can I serve with them?
Fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream pairs well.
Conclusion
Boston Cream Roll-Ups are a creative, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers classic flavor in a fun, easy-to-make form. With their creamy filling, golden exterior, and rich chocolate drizzle, they are perfect for quick desserts, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet treat without the fuss of traditional baking.
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