Introduction
Vanilla Swiss Roll Cake is a timeless dessert that combines a soft, airy sponge with a smooth, lightly sweetened filling, all rolled into an elegant spiral. Despite its refined appearance, this cake is surprisingly straightforward to prepare and relies on simple ingredients and careful technique. I enjoy making this dessert when I want something delicate yet satisfying, especially for afternoon gatherings or special family occasions. The vanilla flavor keeps the cake versatile, allowing it to be served on its own or paired with fruit and cream. Its light texture and clean finish make it a dessert that appeals to all ages.
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Vanilla Swiss Roll Cake: A Light, Elegant Classic Dessert
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanilla Swiss Roll Cake is a light and fluffy sponge cake flavored with vanilla, rolled with a sweet cream filling for an elegant and classic dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into egg mixture.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- While warm, invert cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Carefully peel off parchment and roll cake up with the towel. Let cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll cake gently, spread cream evenly, then re-roll without the towel.
- Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.
- Do not overbake to keep sponge flexible.
- Can be filled with jam or flavored cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe produces a soft, flexible sponge that rolls easily without cracking. It is light, not overly sweet, and can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and help create the light, airy sponge texture.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps stabilize the batter when whipped with eggs.
All-purpose flour
Flour gives the sponge enough structure while keeping it tender.
Baking powder
Baking powder adds lightness and ensures even rising.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and classic flavor to the sponge.
Milk
Milk adds moisture and softness to the cake.
Butter
Butter contributes richness and improves the overall texture.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar is used for dusting and lightly sweetening the filling.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a shallow baking tray with parchment paper. Whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Gently fold in the flour and baking powder, followed by melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Spread the batter evenly in the tray and bake until lightly golden and springy to the touch. Turn the cake out onto a clean sheet of parchment dusted with powdered sugar, roll it gently while warm, and allow it to cool. Unroll, add the filling if desired, then re-roll and serve.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
Serves 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes
Variations and Customizations
This Swiss roll can be easily customized. Fill it with whipped cream, vanilla buttercream, or pastry cream for different textures. Fresh berries or jam can be added for extra flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar keeps it simple, while a thin chocolate drizzle adds elegance. For a citrus twist, lemon zest can be added to the batter or filling.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
FAQs
Why did my Swiss roll crack?
Cracking usually occurs if the sponge is overbaked or rolled after cooling.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored covered.
What filling works best?
Light whipped cream or vanilla buttercream are classic choices.
Can I freeze a Swiss roll?
Yes, it freezes well when wrapped tightly.
How should it be stored?
Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can I flavor the sponge differently?
Yes, extracts such as almond or lemon can be used.
Conclusion
Vanilla Swiss Roll Cake is a delicate, versatile dessert that combines simplicity with elegance. Its light sponge, classic flavor, and beautiful presentation make it a dependable choice for both everyday treats and special occasions.
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