Cake rolls, also known as jelly rolls or roulades, have long been a beloved treat in many cultures. These delightful desserts offer a perfect combination of light, fluffy cake and rich, creamy fillings, all wrapped up in a visually appealing swirl. They can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions, from birthdays and holidays to casual family gatherings. This article takes a deep dive into six enticing cake roll recipes, exploring their unique flavors, ingredients, and the step-by-step process of creating these delectable treats.
1. Boston Cream Cake Roll: A Classic with a Twist
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
The Boston Cream Cake Roll is an imaginative take on the classic Boston Cream Pie, transforming it into a convenient, handheld roll. To make this cake, start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. Grease the pan and line it with parchment paper. In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Once the eggs have been beaten, add the vanilla extract.
Next, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cake should spring back when touched. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
While the cake cools, prepare the filling by whisking together heavy cream, milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard filling cool to room temperature.
Once the cake has cooled, unroll it gently, spread the custard filling evenly, and roll it back up. Finally, prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream and pouring it over the chopped semisweet chocolate. Stir until smooth and drizzle it over the cake. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
This cake is best served chilled, which enhances the richness of the custard filling and the smoothness of the chocolate ganache. The combination of creamy custard and glossy ganache creates a luxurious dessert that will impress guests at any gathering.
2. Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll: A Festive Delight
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (prepared as per package instructions)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
The Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that adds a festive touch to any celebration. To begin, prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully remove the parchment paper and roll the cake in the towel. Let it cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream and cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Once the cake has cooled, unroll it, spread the whipped cream mixture evenly, and sprinkle with chopped strawberries. Carefully roll the cake back up and refrigerate it for an hour before serving.
Serving Tips
This cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, and summer parties. The combination of light, airy cake with the sweet and tart strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors. You can garnish the roll with additional fresh strawberries or even colorful sprinkles to enhance its visual appeal.
3. Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake: A Citrusy Delight
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon curd
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Extra lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
The Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake is a refreshing and light dessert that combines the bright flavors of lemon with the richness of whipped cream. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, then add the vanilla extract and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) and gradually fold them into the egg mixture. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched. Let the cake cool slightly, then roll it up in the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely.
For the filling, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the lemon curd and vanilla extract. Once the cake has cooled, unroll it and spread the lemon cream filling evenly, then re-roll the cake.
Dust with powdered sugar and, if desired, garnish with extra lemon zest for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Tips
This lemon cake roll is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Its bright, citrusy flavor is both refreshing and indulgent. For an extra zing, you can serve it with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of additional lemon curd.
4. Chocolate Forest Caramel Layer Cake Roll: A Decadent Indulgence
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped cherries
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
The Chocolate Forest Caramel Layer Cake Roll is a dessert fit for chocolate lovers. Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In separate bowls, beat the egg yolks with sugar until thick and pale, and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Carefully fold the egg whites and dry ingredients into the yolk mixture. Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched. Once baked, invert the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar, and roll it up to cool completely.
For the filling, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, then fold in chopped cherries. Once the cake is cooled, unroll it, spread the whipped cream filling, and drizzle with caramel sauce. Re-roll the cake and chill it for an hour.
For the glaze, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream together until smooth, then pour it over the cake roll. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
Serving Tips
This cake is a rich indulgence, perfect for special occasions such as holidays or birthdays. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and cherries offers a luxurious flavor profile that will satisfy even the most discerning dessert connoisseur.
5. Carrot Cake Roll: A Spiced Delight
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
The Carrot Cake Roll is a wonderful dessert for those who appreciate the warm, spiced flavors of traditional carrot cake but in a more elegant, handheld form. Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale, then fold in the grated carrots. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once the cake is baked, immediately roll it in a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel and let it cool completely.
For the filling, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the cake is cool, unroll it, spread the filling evenly, and roll it back up. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before slicing.
Serving Tips
This carrot cake roll is perfect for fall celebrations, Easter, or anytime you want a comforting yet elegant dessert. The cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the spiced cake, creating a nostalgic yet refined treat.
Conclusion
Cake rolls are a versatile and stunning dessert option that can be adapted to a wide range of flavors. Whether you’re a fan of classic Boston cream, fresh strawberries, zesty lemon, decadent chocolate, or spiced carrot, there’s a cake roll recipe for every occasion. By mastering the art of the cake roll, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will impress family, friends, and guests alike. Happy baking!