Making a jelly roll cake might seem a bit tricky at first, but with the right steps and a little practice, anyone can create a delicious and impressive dessert. A jelly roll cake is a sponge cake that is filled with a sweet filling, then rolled into a log shape. It’s often served as a light and fluffy dessert at holidays and special occasions. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to make a jelly roll cake, highlighting all the important tips and tricks to get it just right.
Ingredients for Jelly Roll Cake
To make a basic jelly roll cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
For the Frosting (Optional):
- ½ cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate frosting, optional)
- 1 tablespoon of butter, softened
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk (to adjust consistency)
Tools You Will Need
Before you begin, make sure you have these tools on hand:
- A 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- A hand mixer or stand mixer
- A clean kitchen towel
- A spatula
- A serrated knife
Preparing the Jelly Roll Cake: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step in making a jelly roll cake is preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step because a preheated oven ensures the cake will bake evenly and rise properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your jelly roll pan (15×10-inch) with parchment paper. Make sure the paper is large enough to cover the entire pan with extra hanging over the edges. This will help you remove the cake easily after it’s baked. Lightly grease the sides of the pan and dust the paper with a little bit of flour or powdered sugar. This helps the cake release easily once it’s done baking.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed and there are no lumps in the flour. Sifting also helps to create a lighter cake texture.
Step 4: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes. The mixture should become thick, pale, and fluffy. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into the batter, making your cake light and airy.
Step 5: Add the Vanilla Extract
Once the egg and sugar mixture has thickened, add in the vanilla extract and mix it for a few more seconds to combine. The vanilla adds flavor to the cake.
Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be gentle and don’t over-mix, as you want to preserve the air bubbles that were created during the beating process. This helps to keep the cake fluffy.
Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Once the ingredients are fully combined, pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. This helps ensure an even bake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You will know it’s done when the cake is golden brown and springs back when touched lightly with your finger. Be careful not to overbake, or the cake may become dry and difficult to roll.
Step 9: Cool the Cake Slightly
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. While the cake is cooling, prepare a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the towel, enough to cover it evenly. This helps prevent the cake from sticking to the towel when you roll it.
Step 10: Roll the Cake
After the cake has cooled slightly, carefully turn the cake out of the pan onto the prepared towel. Peel off the parchment paper gently. Starting from one end, roll the cake up with the towel, so that the cake forms a tight log shape. Be gentle during this step to avoid cracking the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely while it’s rolled up in the towel.
Preparing the Filling for the Jelly Roll Cake
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the filling. The most common filling is whipped cream, but you can also use other fillings such as jam or frosting.
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the mixer out of the cream, the peaks should stand upright without collapsing. Add vanilla extract if desired for extra flavor.
Step 2: Unroll the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it from the towel. Be gentle to avoid cracking or tearing the cake. The cake should now be flat and ready for the filling.
Step 3: Spread the Filling
Spread an even layer of the whipped cream or filling of your choice on the surface of the cake. Be sure to cover the entire surface, but don’t overfill it. Leave a little space along the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll it back up.
Step 4: Re-roll the Cake
After spreading the filling, carefully roll the cake back into a log shape without the towel this time. Roll it gently but tightly. If the cake cracks slightly, don’t worry. Just press it gently together.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
Once the cake is rolled up, place it on a serving platter or plate. Refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and the cake to firm up. This will help the jelly roll hold its shape when cut.
Optional: Frost the Cake
If you want to frost the jelly roll cake, you can prepare a simple frosting using powdered sugar, butter, and cocoa powder. Simply beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Once the cake has chilled, spread the frosting on top of the cake or drizzle it over the top for a decorative finish.
Serving the Jelly Roll Cake
When you’re ready to serve, use a serrated knife to slice the jelly roll into even pieces. Serve as is or with additional whipped cream, fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The cake will be light, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Tips for Success
Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature will help them whip up better and create a lighter cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: Be gentle when folding the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
Chill the cake before serving: Chilling the cake helps it hold its shape when sliced.
Use parchment paper: Always line your pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily.
Experiment with fillings: While whipped cream is traditional, you can try different fillings such as jam, mousse, or cream cheese frosting for variety.
Conclusion
Making a jelly roll cake is a fun and rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and a bit of care, you can create a beautiful and delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family. Whether you stick to the classic whipped cream filling or get creative with different flavors, a jelly roll cake is sure to be a hit at your next celebration. Happy baking!
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