Spring Roll Cake

Delicious Spring Roll Cake is made with a swirl of pastel colors and filled with cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for the spring holidays.

If you are looking for a pretty little cake to serve for Easter or Mother’s Day – this is the one for you. Not only is it delicious, but you can customize it with any of your favorite colors and frosting flavors. It is sure to be a hit at all your holiday gatherings.

A roll cake made with spring colors and filled with cream cheese frosting is a delightful dessert that is perfect for the season.

The sponge cake for this roll cake is typically dyed in pastel shades of green, yellow, or pink to represent the colors of spring. Then the cake is then rolled up with a creamy filling made of cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.

What I love about this cake is that it looks difficult to make – but if you follow the tips and tricks, it is actually quite simple. But the shape makes it seem like you slaved in the kitchen for days. This will be a cake your family requests year after year.

Common Questions about this Roll Cake for Spring

What is a Roll Cake

A roll cake, also known as a Swiss roll or jelly roll, is a type of dessert made from a thin sheet of sponge cake that is rolled up with a sweet filling, such as fruit jam, cream, or frosting.

The sponge cake is typically made with flour, eggs, and sugar, and can be flavored with various ingredients such as vanilla, chocolate, or lemon zest. Once baked, the cake is removed from the oven and immediately rolled up with the filling inside, and allowed to cool and set in the rolled shape.

Roll cakes can be served as a whole cake or sliced into individual portions, and are often decorated with confectioner’s sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

What to Serve With a Roll Cake

A roll cake can be a delicious dessert on its own, but you can also serve it with a few accompaniments to complement the flavors and textures. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh fruit: A side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, can add a burst of color and freshness to the dessert.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of the roll cake can add a creamy and fluffy texture that pairs well with the light and spongy cake.
• Ice cream: Serving a slice of roll cake with a scoop of ice cream can create a decadent and indulgent dessert.
• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling some chocolate sauce over the cake can add a rich and decadent flavor that complements the lightness of the cake.
• Coffee or tea: Serving a hot cup of coffee or tea with the roll cake can balance out the sweetness of the dessert and create a nice contrast of flavors.

Why You Should Make a Roll Cake for Spring

Roll cakes are a great dessert to make for spring for a few reasons:

• Light and airy: Roll cakes are made with a sponge cake that is light and airy, which makes it a perfect dessert for spring when you may not want something heavy and dense.
• Versatile: Roll cakes can be filled with a variety of flavors, such as cream cheese, whipped cream, or fruit, which allows you to customize the cake to your taste and take advantage of the fresh produce available in spring.
• Easy to decorate: Roll cakes are easy to decorate with powdered sugar or fresh fruit, making them a beautiful and festive dessert to serve for spring celebrations, such as Easter or Mother’s Day.
• Perfect for sharing: Roll cakes are a great dessert to share with friends and family. A single cake can be sliced into many pieces, making it an ideal dessert for potlucks or gatherings.
• Fun to make: Making a roll cake can be a fun and rewarding baking project. Rolling the warm cake in a towel and seeing it take shape can be a satisfying experience, and the end result is a delicious dessert that you can enjoy with loved ones.

Ingredients for Spring Roll Cake

Cake

• egg whites large – room temperature
• lemon juice – freshly squeezed
• kosher salt
• granulated sugar
• cake flour
• pastel gel food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting

• cream cheese – softened
• butter softened (unsalted – sweet cream)
• confectioner’s sugar
• vanilla extract
• confectioner’s sugar for dusting

What is the Difference Between Cake Flour and All-Purpose Flour

Cake flour and all-purpose flour are both types of wheat flour, but they differ in their protein content and their intended use in baking.

Cake flour is a finely milled, low-protein flour that is made from soft wheat. It has a protein content of around 7-9%, which is lower than all-purpose flour. The lower protein content makes cake flour ideal for cakes, cookies, and other delicate baked goods, as it produces a lighter, tender crumb and helps prevent gluten development.

All-purpose flour, on the other hand, is a versatile flour that can be used for a wide range of baked goods, including cakes, bread, and pastries. It is made from a blend of hard and soft wheat and typically has a protein content of around 10-12%.

The higher protein content of all-purpose flour makes it more suitable for recipes that require a stronger gluten structure, such as bread doughs and pasta.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

To make a roll cake, you’ll need some basic kitchen supplies, including:

• Baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Clean kitchen towel

How to Make a Spring Roll Cake

Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a 13×18 baking sheet with baking spray and then line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Using a standing mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, lemon juice, and salt until the mixture becomes foamy.
4. Gradually whisk in the sugar.
5. Continue to beat until the mixture forms soft peaks.
6. Gently fold in the cake flour until combined and smooth.
7. Divide the cake batter into 4 bowls. Then mix in a few drops of food coloring (one ofr each bowl) until you reach your desired shade.
8. Alternate between all 4 colors, dropping dollops of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Using a flat spatula, spread the batter into an even layer.
10. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes or until it springs back when gently pressed with your finger.
11. Remove and let the cake cool for 5 minutes before removing it from the pan.
12. To remove from the pan – place a piece of parchment paper on top of the baked cake.
13. Then take another baking sheet that is the same size as the one that you baked the cake. Place it on top of the parchment.
14. Then gently hold the two sheet pans together and flip the pans over.
15. Gently pull up the one pan on top – this is the one the cake was in. It should release and the cake should now be on top of the back side of the other pan.
16. Remove the parchment paper, lay a lint-free towel over the top of the cake, and then tightly roll the cake into a spiral.
17. Place the rolled cake into the fridge and allow it to cool for a few hours.

Frosting

1. Using the standing mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla until combined and smooth.
2. Once the cake is chilled enough, carefully unroll the cake.
3. Spread the prepared frosting over the entire top of the cake, making an even layer.
4. Reroll the cake back up tightly, but gently.
5. Place it back in the fridge until ready to serve.
6. When ready to serve, dust the entire cake in more confectioner’s sugar.

Storing a Roll Cake

To store a roll cake, it is important to keep it refrigerated in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavors or odors.

If the cake has already been sliced, it is best to store each slice individually in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This will help prevent the filling from oozing out and keep the cake moist and fresh.

The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it is best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy it at its freshest and best flavor.

If you need to freeze the cake, it is best to do so before adding any decorations or toppings. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.

When you are ready to serve the cake, thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Then, slice and serve as desired. Avoid refreezing a previously frozen roll cake as this can affect the texture and taste of the cake.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour in most recipes, but it will affect the texture and crumb of your baked goods. Since all-purpose flour has a higher protein content than cake flour, it will produce a slightly denser and chewier texture in cakes, cookies, and other delicate baked goods.

However, you can make a simple substitution to mimic cake flour by using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. To make 1 cup of cake flour substitute, measure out 1 cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons of the flour, and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

Sift the mixture together several times to ensure that the cornstarch is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will create a flour mixture that is closer in texture to cake flour and can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for cake flour.

Alternatively, you can also make your own cake flour at home by sifting together 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This will create a similar low-protein flour with a delicate texture that is suitable for cakes and other delicate baked goods.

Tips For Making a Roll Cake

Roll cakes can be a bit tricky to make, but with the right technique and a few helpful tips, you can create a beautiful and delicious cake. Here are some tips for making a roll cake:

• Use room temperature eggs: Room temperature eggs will whip up more easily and create a better texture in the sponge cake.
• Use a high-quality baking pan: A high-quality baking pan with a non-stick surface will help ensure that the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and will release easily.
• Roll the cake while it’s still warm: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately roll it up in a clean kitchen towel while it’s still warm. This will help the cake keep its shape and prevent cracking.
• Don’t overfill the cake: Be careful not to overfill the cake, as this can cause it to crack or break when rolling. Spread the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Chill the cake before slicing: Chill the rolled cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the filling and make it easier to slice.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the cake: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into even pieces. A serrated knife works best for cutting through the soft cake without squishing it.
• Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving: Before serving, dust the roll cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Variations

Roll cakes are versatile desserts that can be made with a variety of flavors and fillings. Here are some popular variations:

• Chocolate Cake Roll – Instead of a plain sponge cake, use a chocolate sponge cake for a rich and decadent flavor. Fill the cake with chocolate ganache or whipped cream.
• Fruit – Add fresh or canned fruit to the filling for a burst of fruity flavor. Strawberry, raspberry, and peach are popular choices.
• Matcha – Add matcha powder to the sponge cake batter for a green tea flavor. Fill with whipped cream or red bean paste for a Japanese-inspired dessert.
• Lemon Roll Cake – Use a lemon-flavored sponge cake and fill it with lemon curd or cream cheese frosting for a tangy and refreshing dessert.
• Nutella – Spread Nutella or hazelnut spread over the cake before rolling up for a delicious and indulgent dessert.
• Tiramisu – Use a coffee-flavored sponge cake and fill it with mascarpone cheese and coffee filling for an Italian-inspired dessert.
• Red Velvet – Use a red velvet sponge cake and fill it with cream cheese frosting for a classic and popular dessert.

More popular favorites include – raspberry roll cake, pumpkin roll cake, and strawberry roll cake.

Tips and Tricks

Use a tea towel for rolling the fluffy sponge cake.

Start at the short end of the cake when rolling this jelly roll cake.

This can be made with a hand mixer as long as you can achieve stiff peaks when whipping.

Use an offset spatula or piping bag to add the frosting or homemade whipped cream when decorating this soft vanilla sponge cake.

Top with a thin layer of jelly or strawberry jam, additional cream cheese mixture, or whipped cream filling to make this perfect swiss roll cake.

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If you love this roll cake recipe, you’re going to love these other spring treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Spring Cakes

Carrot Cake

Easy Lemon Cake

Coconut Poke Cake

Hummingbird Cake

Flower Cake

Mother’s Day Cake

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