Easy Jelly Roll
A light and fluffy jelly roll with a tender sponge cake base, perfect for breakfast, tea, or dessert. Versatile filling options make it customizable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
- Add the sugar and continue beating until well combined and fluffy.
- Add the cold water and mix well.
- Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) together three times.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing gently.
- Add the vanilla and mix until incorporated.
- Grease the jelly roll pan (11 x 15 inches) and line the bottom with wax paper; grease the paper and sprinkle with flour.
- Spread the batter evenly on the prepared pan.
- Bake in a moderately hot oven (375°F) for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Immediately turn out the baked cake onto a damp towel and remove the wax paper.
- Spread with jelly or other filling (lemon is recommended).
- Roll up the cake like a jelly roll, using the towel to help shape.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a successful jelly roll, make sure to beat the eggs until they are very light and fluffy, which will help the cake rise properly. You can substitute the jelly filling with whipped cream or fresh fruit for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, a baking sheet with edges will work, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the jelly roll into individual servings, and consider dusting with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve alongside a glass of Nonalcoholic Eggnog(Yields 1 Gallon) during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat slices in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. This helps to maintain the cake's moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Jelly Roll contains roughly 102 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this jelly roll ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill and roll it right before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
What can I use as a filling besides jelly?
You can use whipped cream, lemon curd, or even a chocolate spread as alternatives. Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries can also provide a delightful twist to the traditional jelly filling.
Why did my cake crack while rolling?
Cracking can occur if the cake is overbaked or not rolled quickly enough while still warm. Ensure you remove it from the oven promptly and roll it gently with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).