Creating delightful desserts at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and one cake that never fails to impress is the Swiss Roll Cake. With its soft, fluffy texture and rich filling, this cake showcases the perfect balance of flavors and a touch of artistry.
Why We Love This Swiss Roll Cake Recipe
The Swiss Roll Cake is beloved by many for its appealing aesthetics and delightful taste. On one hand, it’s a joy to create and slice, revealing the beautiful swirls filled with cream and chocolate that are sure to impress your guests. On the other, its flavor profile can be tailored to suit various preferences—perhaps a touch of citrus zest, a fruit filling, or even a different flavored cream. The combination of soft sponge cake and a rich filling offers a satisfying bite that everyone will enjoy.
The cake’s versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, whether it’s a tea party, dessert after dinner, or a birthday celebration. The Swiss Roll is not just a treat to eat but also a fun culinary challenge to undertake, allowing you to develop your baking skills. Overall, this cake promises a delightful experience that combines both fun and flavor, making it a favorite among bakers and dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients for Swiss Roll Cake
Creating a Swiss Roll Cake requires simple yet essential ingredients that contribute to its unique texture and flavor. Below is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold (for filling)
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream (for glaze)
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, for shine)
These ingredients come together to create a delightful cake that is both pleasing to the palate and visually appealing!
How to Make Swiss Roll Cake Directions
Making a Swiss Roll Cake may seem daunting, but following these straightforward steps will guide you through the process and result in a delectable dessert.
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper, which will help the cake release easily.
Mix the Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whip together the eggs and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix these on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, gently sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step ensures that there are no lumps and all dry ingredients are well combined.
Fold Ingredients: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg-sugar mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to retain the airiness you’ve created in the eggs.
Add the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold this wet mixture into the batter until everything is evenly combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 28 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar before rolling it up. Use a clean kitchen towel; flip the cake onto the towel and gently roll it (towel included) to form a cylinder. Let it cool in this shape for 2 hours.
Prepare the Filling: For the delicious filling, beat the cream cheese and the powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Unroll and Fill: After the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the prepared cream filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the cake back up tightly to maintain its cylindrical shape. To help it hold its shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
Create the Glaze: For the decadent chocolate glaze, heat the remaining heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped semisweet chocolate and optional corn syrup, stirring until smooth and wholly combined.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is chilled, place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let it sit for about 1 hour in the fridge to set before slicing.
How to Serve Swiss Roll Cake
Serving a Swiss Roll Cake can turn any ordinary occasion into a spectacular one. This cake is often best enjoyed chilled, which enhances its flavors and creamy filling. Here are some delightful tips for serving your Swiss Roll Cake:
Presentation is Key: After slicing the cake, arrange pieces artfully on a serving platter. You can garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or even a dusting of additional powdered sugar for an appealing look.
Pair with Beverages: The rich flavors of the Swiss Roll Cake pair wonderfully with beverages. For an afternoon gathering, consider serving it with a cup of hot tea or coffee. If it’s a celebration, you might opt for a glass of sparkling drink to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Accompaniments: To elevate your dessert experience, think about serving the Swiss Roll along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can also heighten the taste.
Slice with Care: To achieve clean slices, use a sharp serrated knife and be sure to wipe the blade between cuts. This helps maintain the beautiful layers of the roll.
By following these serving suggestions, your Swiss Roll Cake will not only taste incredible but will also look stunning, creating a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering.
Expert Tips: Swiss Roll Cake
Creating the perfect Swiss Roll Cake involves a few expert tips that can make all the difference to the final product. Here are some valuable pointers to consider:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always remember to use eggs and cream cheese at room temperature. This helps these ingredients blend smoothly, contributing to the cake’s fluffy texture and creamy filling.
Gentle Folding Technique: When incorporating the dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion with a spatula rather than stirring vigorously. This preserves the air in your batter, which is crucial for achieving the cake’s lightness.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cake while it’s in the oven. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake that cracks upon rolling. The perfect cake should feel springy to the touch when done.
Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps it maintain the spiral shape. If the cake cools too much before you roll it, it might crack.
Experiment with Fillings: Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with fillings. You might try adding fruit preserves, flavored whipped cream, or even nut butters for a unique twist.
Keeping these tips in mind will allow you to become more adept at making Swiss Roll Cake, ensuring every effort results in a delicious outcome.
How to Store Swiss Roll Cake
After enjoying your delectable Swiss Roll Cake, you might wonder how to store it for future enjoyment. Keeping your cake fresh is simple with the following guidelines:
Refrigeration: If you have leftover Swiss Roll Cake, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods.
Proper Containers: For longer storage, consider placing the cake in an airtight container. This helps maintain both the texture and flavor while preventing moisture loss.
Freezing: If you want to prepare the cake in advance, the Swiss Roll Cake can also be frozen. Once it’s completely cooled and rolled, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Variations of Swiss Roll Cake
The classic Swiss Roll Cake is delightful on its own, but don’t hesitate to explore various variations that can add a personal touch:
Fruity Delight: Swap the cream filling with your favorite fruit preserves or compote. Options like raspberry, strawberry, or lemon curd can provide a refreshing twist.
Nutty Appeal: Add crushed nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, to the cream filling for added texture and flavor. Ensure they are finely chopped so they blend well.
Different Flavors: Instead of chocolate, try a vanilla sponge cake base. You can flavor the cream filling with vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest for an aromatic boost.
Seasonal Touches: For holidays, consider tailoring your Swiss Roll to the season. A pumpkin-flavored roll with spiced cream filling for fall or a peppermint extract-infused filling for winter can create festive variations.
Exploring these delicious variations allows you to customize the Swiss Roll Cake to suit your taste and occasion, making it even more special.
FAQs About Swiss Roll Cake
What is a Swiss Roll Cake?
A Swiss Roll Cake is a light, sponge cake that is rolled with a filling, usually made of cream, fruit, or chocolate. Its unique rolled shape and creamy center make it a delightful dessert.
Can I make the Swiss Roll Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Swiss Roll Cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just remember to cover it securely to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?
If you’re looking for an alternative to cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or a flavored Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is fully baked when it springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I make variations of the Swiss Roll Cake?
Absolutely! The Swiss Roll Cake is versatile, allowing for variations in flavors, fillings, and textures. Feel free to experiment with your preferred ingredients.
Swiss Roll Cake
Equipment
- Jelly Roll Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Spatula
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs preferably at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¼ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar for dusting
- 4 oz. cream cheese cold
- ½ cup powdered sugar for filling
- 1⅓ cups heavy whipping cream cold, for filling
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream for glaze
- 2 oz. semisweet chocolate chopped
- 1 Tbsp. corn syrup optional, for shine
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whip together eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg-sugar mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Fold into the batter until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22-28 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and roll it up in a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to cool in this shape for 2 hours.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake and spread the cream filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border. Roll the cake back up tightly and chill for 1-2 hours.
- For the glaze, heat heavy cream in a saucepan, add chopped chocolate and corn syrup, stirring until smooth.
- Once chilled, place the cake on a wire rack and pour the glaze over, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let set for about 1 hour before slicing.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!