Grandma Sodek'S Jelly Roll

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Grandma Sodek's Jelly Roll is a light, fluffy sponge cake filled with jam or filling, perfect for dessert or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked treats.

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Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 teaspoons hot water

Instructions

  1. Mix eggs until thick and lemon colored.
  2. Add sugar slowly until blended.
  3. Add vanilla, then gradually incorporate the flour mixture in small amounts.
  4. Last, add hot water to the mixture.
  5. Pour batter onto a greased and floured or wax paper-lined jelly roll pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, being careful not to overbake.
  7. Invert the cake onto a damp towel, with the jelly or filling placed on the cake.
  8. Roll up the cake and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before beating them until thick and lemon colored. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a touch of almond extract or citrus zest. You can also substitute a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this jelly roll.

Serving Suggestions

This jelly roll is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a colorful twist, serve alongside fresh berries or drizzle with a fruit sauce, such as blueberry swirl, to enhance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover jelly roll in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. When reheating, gently warm in a microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Sodek'S Jelly Roll contains roughly 425 calories, with 8g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 733mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

425 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.5g 15% DV
Total Fat 5.9g 8% DV
Carbs 88.5g 32% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 733.4mg 32% DV
Potassium 584.9mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 232.2mg 77% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.7mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 14mg 16% DV
Calcium 479.6mg 37% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 prepare the jelly roll ahead of time. Once rolled and filled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I use as a filling for the jelly roll?

You can use a variety of fillings such as fruit preserves, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache. A classic choice is strawberry-rhubarb filling, which complements the light cake perfectly.

Why did my jelly roll crack when rolling?

If your jelly roll cracks, it may be due to overbaking or not rolling it while it's still warm. Be sure to bake just until set and roll the cake while it's still hot using the damp towel for added flexibility.

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).

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