Cake rolls, often referred to as jelly rolls or roulades, have been cherished in various cultures for generations. These delightful desserts are a harmonious blend of light, fluffy cake and rich, creamy fillings, presented in an inviting spiral. Perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to holidays and casual family get-togethers—this article presents six scrumptious cake roll recipes, each showcasing unique flavors and ingredients along with step-by-step instructions to create these mouthwatering 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 creatively transforms the classic Boston Cream Pie into a convenient, handheld delight. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper. In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. After that, add the vanilla extract.
Next, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
While the cake cools, prepare the filling by whisking together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and begins to boil. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the custard filling cool to room temperature.
When the cake has cooled, gently unroll it, spread the custard filling evenly, and roll it back up. Prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream and pouring it over the chopped semisweet chocolate, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the ganache over the cake and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
This cake is best served chilled, enhancing the richness of the custard and the smoothness of the chocolate ganache. The combination of luxurious custard and glossy ganache is sure to impress 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 dessert that adds cheer to any celebration. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, and once baked, allow to cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Remove the parchment paper, roll the cake in the towel, and let it cool completely.
While cooling, whip the heavy cream and cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Once cooled, unroll the cake, spread the whipped cream mixture evenly, and sprinkle with chopped strawberries. Carefully roll the cake back up and refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Serving Tips
This cake is ideal for birthdays, picnics, and summer parties. The light, airy cake complements the sweet and tart strawberries, striking a perfect balance of flavors. Garnish with extra strawberries or colorful sprinkles for added 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 merges bright lemon flavors with the richness of whipped cream. Begin 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 mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients and gradually fold them into the egg mixture. Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched. Let it cool slightly, then roll it in the parchment paper 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, spread the lemon cream filling evenly, and re-roll the cake.
Dust with powdered sugar, and if desired, garnish with extra lemon zest for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Tips
This lemon cake roll is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Its bright flavor is both refreshing and indulgent. Consider serving it with fresh berries or a dollop of additional lemon curd for an extra zing.
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 chocolate lover’s dream. To start, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line 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 whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Carefully fold the egg whites and dry ingredients into the yolk mixture. Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it springs back when touched. Invert the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar and roll it up to cool completely.
For the filling, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, then fold in the 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 for an hour.
For the glaze, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream 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 like holidays or birthdays. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and cherries creates a luxurious flavor profile that is sure to delight any dessert aficionado.
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 that captures the warm, spiced flavors of a traditional carrot cake in an 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 in the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once baked, immediately roll the cake 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 cooled, unroll the cake, spread the filling evenly, and roll it back up. Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing.
Serving Tips
This carrot cake roll is a delightful treat for fall celebrations, Easter, or any time you crave a comforting yet elegant dessert. The cream cheese filling complements the spiced cake beautifully, creating a nostalgic yet refined indulgence.
Conclusion
Cake rolls are versatile, stunning dessert options that can be tailored to a wide array of flavors. Whether you prefer the classic Boston cream, fresh strawberries, zesty lemon, decadent chocolate, or spiced carrot, there’s a cake roll recipe suitable for every occasion. By mastering the art of the cake roll, you can create impressive desserts that will wow family, friends, and guests alike. Happy baking!