Easy roll cake for morning or evening coffee or tea
Introduction
Roll cakes are a classic dessert known for their light sponge and flavorful fillings. They are ideal for serving alongside coffee or tea, offering a balance of sweetness and texture that complements these beverages perfectly. This recipe guides you through the process of making a roll cake from scratch, ensuring a delicious outcome that will impress your guests or family members.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
-4 large eggs, at room temperature
-3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
-1 cup (120g) cake flour (or 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour + 2 tablespoons (15g) cornstarch)
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Filling:
-1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream, chilled
-1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-Fresh berries (optional), for filling and garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
1-Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10x15-inch (25x38cm) jelly roll pan or rimmed baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides for easy removal later.
2-Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cake flour (or all-purpose flour and cornstarch), baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3-Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about 5-7 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume. The mixture should create thick ribbons when the beaters are lifted.
4-Add Vanilla and Milk: Add the vanilla extract and pour the milk down the side of the bowl. Gently fold them into the egg mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined.
5-Fold in Dry Ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients over the egg mixture in two batches. Gently fold them in with a spatula, using light, sweeping motions to avoid deflating the batter.
6-Spread Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges with an offset spatula.
7-Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when gently pressed with your fingertip.
8-Prepare for Rolling: As the cake bakes, lay a clean kitchen towel flat on a surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
9-Roll Cake: Once baked, immediately run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan. Invert the cake onto the prepared kitchen towel. Carefully remove the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake.
10-Roll Cake with Towel: Starting at the shorter end, gently roll the cake and towel together into a tight spiral. Place the rolled cake with the seam-side down on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling and Assemble
1-Prepare Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2-Unroll Cake: Carefully unroll the cooled cake from the towel. It's normal for the cake to have some cracks; they will be less noticeable once rolled again.
3-Fill Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. If desired, add a layer of fresh berries on top of the whipped cream.
4-Roll Cake: Starting at the same end you began with, gently roll the cake back up without the towel. Use the parchment paper underneath to help lift and support the cake as you roll.
5-Chill: Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
6-Garnish: Before serving, dust the top of the roll cake with powdered sugar. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a decorative touch.
Serving Suggestions
-Coffee or Tea: Slice the roll cake and serve it alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
-Dessert Table: Display the roll cake on a dessert table for parties or gatherings. It's sure to impress guests with its elegant appearance and delicious flavor.
- Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or whipped cream with nuts and chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Tips for Success
-Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before beating them with sugar. This helps create a light and fluffy sponge.
-Gentle Folding: When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle to avoid deflating the batter, which could result in a dense cake.
-Chilling: Refrigerating the rolled cake before serving helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice neatly.
Variations
-Chocolate Roll Cake: Add cocoa powder to the sponge batter for a chocolate-flavored roll cake. Fill with chocolate ganache and whipped cream for a decadent twist.
-Fruit Flavors: Incorporate fruit flavors by adding fruit puree or zest to the sponge batter and using corresponding fillings such as berry preserves or lemon curd.
-Nutty Flavors: Fold chopped nuts into the whipped cream filling for added crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
Roll cakes are a delightful addition to any coffee or tea break, offering a light and fluffy sponge filled with creamy goodness. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a classic roll cake that's perfect for various occasions. Whether you enjoy it with morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a dessert at gatherings, this roll cake is sure to please with its simplicity and delicious flavor.
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