Pastry Education

Swiss roll is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert at a dinner party. With its soft and fluffy sponge cake rolled around a sweet filling, it's a treat that's as beautiful as it is delicious. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create your own homemade Swiss roll that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the Sponge Cake:

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) cake flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120g) fruit jam or preserves (optional)

Equipment:

• 10x15-inch (25x38cm) jelly roll pan or baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Clean kitchen towel
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan or baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. Make the Sponge Cake:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together with an electric mixer until pale and thick, about 5-7 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

3. Bake the Sponge Cake:

• Bake the sponge cake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and springs back when lightly touched.
• While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar.

4. Roll the Cake:

• Once the cake is baked, immediately loosen the edges with a knife and carefully invert it onto the prepared kitchen towel.
• Peel off the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake.
• Starting at one of the shorter ends, gently roll the cake and towel together into a tight spiral.
• Place the rolled cake seam side down on a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
• If using, spread the fruit jam or preserves evenly over the unrolled cake layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Evenly spread the whipped cream over the jam layer, being careful not to overfill.

6. Roll and Chill the Swiss Roll:

• Starting from the same end as before, carefully roll the cake and filling together into a tight spiral.
• Place the rolled Swiss roll seam side down on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once chilled, slice the Swiss roll into thick slices using a sharp knife.
• Serve the slices on individual plates and enjoy the light and fluffy texture of the sponge cake with the creamy filling.

Tips for Success:

• Be sure to beat the eggs and sugar until pale and thick to ensure a light and airy sponge cake.
• When folding the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, use a gentle folding motion to avoid deflating the batter.
• Roll the cake while it's still warm to prevent it from cracking.
• Refrigerate the Swiss roll for at least 1 hour before slicing to help it hold its shape.

Swiss roll is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With its light and fluffy sponge cake rolled together with a sweet filling, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Follow this detailed guide to make your own homemade Swiss roll and enjoy its deliciousness with your loved ones!