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Swiss Roll Recipe

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Imagine a delicious trip around the dessert world, with a traditional swiss roll taking center stage and beckoning you to enjoy the elegance and simplicity. This delicious treat is immediately a visual feast as soon as you lay eyes on it: a nicely rolled sponge cake canvas encircling a rich filling. The presentation of this heavenly swiss cake on its own is proof of the skill with which simple items can be transformed into a gourmet marvel.

The smell of a newly cooked Swiss roll is a precursor to the sweetness that is about to hit your palate. Light and airy sponge gives way to a velvety filling for a hint of decadence. Every piece is a wonderful fusion of smooth filling and tender cake that melts in your tongue, a symphony of textures. You go on a taste adventure that embodies simplicity with just the right amount of depth and enjoyment from the very first bite.

This Swiss roll is a celebration of the happiness that may be found in life’s simple pleasures, not just a dessert. The Swiss Roll is a classic dish that is enjoyed by all ages, whether it is shared with loved ones, consumed with a cup of tea, or served as the focal point of a celebration. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the smallest pleasures can lead to the most amazing experiences. Imagine a lesson presented on a platter and enveloped in the sweet embrace of a properly rolled confection.

What is a Swiss Roll?

A Swiss Roll is a delectable dessert featuring a thin, airy sponge cake rolled around a sweet filling like cream or jam. To create this delightful treat, a light and fluffy sponge cake batter is spread thinly in a sheet pan, baked to perfection, and then carefully rolled while still warm. This process ensures the cake’s flexibility, allowing it to be easily shaped into a cylindrical form. After cooling, the cake is gently unrolled, filled with a luscious cream or fruity jam, and then expertly rolled back into its signature spiral.

The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making Swiss rolls a beloved dessert enjoyed worldwide. Whether served at special occasions or as an everyday indulgence, the Swiss roll stands out for its simplicity, elegance, and delightful taste.

Homemade Swiss Roll Recipe

Whip up a delightful Swiss roll by baking a light sponge, rolling it with precision, and filling it with a luscious cream or jam for a perfect blend of sweetness and texture.
4.17 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: European
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling and Serving: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Austin Carter
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk or Electric Hand Mixer
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Kitchen Towels
  • Cooling Rack
  • Offset Spatula

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This may take about 5 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the sponge is set and lightly golden.
  • While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
  • Once baked, immediately turn the cake onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake along with the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely while rolled.
  • In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake without the towel.
  • Wrap the Swiss roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the filling.
  • Once chilled, slice and serve the Swiss roll. Optionally, dust with more powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  1. Beat eggs thoroughly for a light and fluffy texture.
  2. Spread batter evenly in the pan for consistent baking.
  3. Roll the warm sponge gently to avoid cracking; use a powdered-sugar-dusted towel.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal
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NUTRITIONAL FACTS (PER SERVING)

NutrientQuantity per Serving (Approx.)
Calories200-250 kcal
Total Fat10-15g
Saturated Fat6-8g
Cholesterol80-100mg
Sodium80-120mg
Total Carbohydrates25-30g
Dietary Fiber0.5-1g
Sugars15-20g
Protein3-5g

Tips for Perfect Swiss Roll

  1. Proper Egg Beating: Beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale, thick, and doubled in volume. This is essential for achieving a light and airy sponge.
  2. Gentle Folding Technique: When incorporating dry ingredients into the egg mixture, fold gently to maintain the airiness. Overmixing can deflate the batter and result in a denser Swiss roll.
  3. Even Batter Spread: Ensure an even and thin layer of batter on the baking sheet. This promotes uniform baking and prevents one part of the roll from being thicker than the rest.
  4. Immediate Rolling: Roll the sponge immediately after baking while it is still warm. Use a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and cracking.
  5. Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow the rolled sponge to cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents the cream or filling from melting and oozing out.
  6. Precision in Rolling: When filling and rolling the Swiss roll, do so with precision. A tight and neat roll ensures an attractive presentation and makes slicing easier.
  7. Chill for Setting: Refrigerate the Swiss roll after filling to let the cream or filling set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the texture.
  8. Use Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the filling, to enhance the overall flavor of the Swiss roll.
  9. Practice Patience: Patience is key in the Swiss roll-making process. Allow each step, from beating the eggs to cooling and setting, the necessary time for optimal results.
  10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the Swiss roll with powdered sugar for a finishing touch and added sweetness.

Serving Suggestions!

Tips to store leftover Swiss Roll

  1. Coffee Milk Punch
  2. Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream
  3. Strawberry Bread Pudding Soufflé
  4. Whiskey Apple Cider Punch
4.17 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




Magnolia Avery

Saturday 13th of July 2024

This recipe brought back memories of baking with my cousin when we were kids. We used to make Swiss Rolls with our grandma every summer. Thanks for the nostalgia trip!

Alaric Voss

Saturday 13th of July 2024

Thank you for sharing this recipe! My sister and I had a blast making it together. The instructions were clear, and the result was delicious!

Lillian Kingsley

Saturday 13th of July 2024

Has anyone tried adding a fruit filling to this Swiss Roll? I’m thinking of trying it with strawberries next time.

Juniper Marlowe

Saturday 13th of July 2024

I attempted this Swiss Roll, but it ended up looking more like a Swiss "blob." My sister and I had a good laugh over it. Tasted great though!

Magnolia Avery

Saturday 13th of July 2024

I tried this Swiss Roll recipe, and it turned out amazing! The texture was perfect, and my family loved it. Thanks for sharing!