Spiraled cake rolls, those delightful and seemingly intricate desserts, are actually a breeze to create with just a few simple steps. In this guide, we'll take you through the process of making these mouth - watering treats, ensuring that you can impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
First and foremost, let's gather the necessary ingredients. For the cake part, you'll need 3 large eggs, separated, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all - purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. For the filling, you can choose from a variety of options. A classic choice is whipped cream, which requires 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You could also opt for a fruit - based filling, such as strawberry jam or a mixture of fresh berries pureed with a bit of sugar.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10x15 - inch jelly - roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to roll later on. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the yolks, which will help the cake rise. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the yolk mixture and stir well to combine.
In a separate small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yolk mixture, folding them in gently with a rubber spatula. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can result in a tough cake. Over - mixing causes the gluten in the flour to develop too much, leading to a denser texture.
Now, it's time to work on the egg whites. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add a pinch of salt and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks are important because they will give the cake its light and airy texture.
Fold about one - third of the beaten egg whites into the yolk - flour mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly - roll pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 10 - 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center. Keep a close eye on the cake during baking, as ovens can vary in temperature.
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately invert it onto a clean, lightly floured kitchen towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. While the cake is still warm, start rolling it up from the short end, using the towel to help you. Roll it tightly and let it cool completely in this rolled - up position. This step is crucial as it sets the shape of the cake roll and makes it easier to fill later.
While the cake is cooling, prepare your filling. If you're using whipped cream, in a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. If you're using a fruit - based filling, make sure it's at room temperature for easier spreading.
Once the cake is cooled, unroll it gently. Spread the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, carefully roll the cake back up, starting from the same end as before. You can use the kitchen towel to assist you in this process. Place the rolled cake on a serving plate, seam - side down.
To make your spiraled cake roll even more visually appealing, you can dust it with powdered sugar or add some fresh fruit on top. You could also drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce over the cake for an extra touch of decadence.
Spiraled cake rolls are not only delicious but also a great way to showcase your baking creativity. You can experiment with different flavors of cake, such as chocolate or lemon, and various fillings to suit your taste preferences. Whether it's for a special occasion or just a simple treat for yourself, these cake rolls are sure to be a hit.
So, don't be intimidated by the appearance of spiraled cake rolls. With a little patience and following these steps, you'll be able to create a beautiful and delicious dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Happy baking!
