Ultimate Cake Roll – The Perfect Rolled Dessert

RECIPE: Ultimate Cake Roll – The Perfect Rolled Dessert

Key Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Optional Gluten-Free

Equipment Needed

• Jelly roll pan (10×15 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Offset spatula
• Clean kitchen towel

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven & Prep

– Set oven to 350°F
– Line jelly roll pan with parchment paper
– Grease parchment lightly

2. Whip Eggs

– Separate eggs if extra volume desired
– Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick (about 5 minutes)
– Mixture should form ribbon-like trails when lifted

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

– Sift flour, baking powder, and salt
– Fold gently into egg mixture
– Do not overmix – preserve air bubbles

4. Bake the Cake

– Spread batter evenly in prepared pan
– Tap pan to remove air bubbles
– Bake 10-15 minutes until golden and springy

5. Initial Rolling

– Immediately after baking, turn cake onto towel
– Peel off parchment
– Roll cake with towel while still warm
– Let cool completely (30-45 minutes)

6. Prepare Filling

– Whip cream with powdered sugar
– Add vanilla
– Whip until soft peaks form

7. Final Assembly

– Carefully unroll cooled cake
– Spread cream filling evenly
– Roll cake gently, seam side down
– Chill for 30 minutes before serving

Crucial Tips

• Roll cake while warm to prevent cracking
• Use room temperature eggs for maximum volume
• Don’t overbake – cake should be moist
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
• Freeze up to 2 months

Variations

• Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to batter
• Lemon: Add lemon zest, use lemon curd filling
• Fruit: Add jam instead of cream filling

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing batter
• Baking too long
• Rolling cake when cold
• Spreading filling too thick

Pro Tips

• Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements
• Let ingredients reach room temperature
• Practice makes perfect!

Enjoy your perfectly rolled cake – a showstopping dessert that’s easier than it looks!