Ingredients
Scale
🛒 Ingredients for the Perfect Cake Roll
🌟 Special Ingredients That Make a Difference
This light and airy sponge cake uses pantry staples but shines with a few key ingredients:
- Cake flour – Ensures a soft, delicate crumb.
- Eggs – The secret to a fluffy texture and structure.
- Powdered sugar – Keeps the cake from sticking and adds a touch of elegance.
- Cream cheese filling – A smooth, tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
🍰 Cake Batter Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
🥄 Creamy Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Optional: ½ cup raspberry or lemon curd for a fruity twist
🌸 Optional Decorations
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries for garnish
- White chocolate drizzle for an elegant finish
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Baking Sheet & Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Make the Sponge Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix gently.
- Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold into the egg mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this will deflate the batter.
- Stir in warm milk to create a smooth, pourable batter.
3️⃣ Bake & Roll the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when touched.
- While still warm, turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Gently roll the cake (with the towel) from the short end and let it cool completely. This prevents cracks!
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat until light and fluffy.
5️⃣ Assemble & Roll the Cake
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread an even layer of filling across the surface.
- Re-roll the cake (without the towel) and place it seam-side down.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with white chocolate, or top with fresh berries for a festive touch.
Notes
🌿 Variations & Substitutions
Want to customize this cake roll? Try these variations:
Gluten-Free Option
- Swap cake flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure.
Vegan-Friendly Version
- Replace eggs with 1 cup aquafaba (whipped chickpea water).
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for the filling.
Flavor Twists
- Lemon Delight: Add zest of 1 lemon to the batter and filling.
- Berry Swirl: Spread raspberry jam before adding the cream filling.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the batter and use a chocolate ganache drizzle.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min