Jelly Roll Cake
A light, fluffy jelly roll cake with a delicate vanilla flavor, filled with sweet currant jam, perfect for a charming dessert or afternoon tea treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs until fluffy, then gradually add sugar and beat until lemon-colored and doubled in volume.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Fold in sifted cake flour combined with baking powder until well blended.
- Pour batter into a greased and wax paper-lined jelly roll pan.
- Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven, place on a dampened dish towel, and peel off the wax paper. Roll up the cake in the towel and let cool.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread with currant jam, then re-roll.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier cake, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before beating. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and adding cornstarch. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or lemon zest to the batter. For variations, try using different fruit jams or even whipped cream in place of the currant jam.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the jelly roll cake dusted with powdered sugar alongside a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to elevate the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover jelly roll cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolled cake without the filling. To reheat, let it come to room temperature before serving or gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jelly Roll Cake contains roughly 186 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (14% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of jam for the filling?
Absolutely! While currant jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot. Each variety will lend a unique taste to the cake, allowing you to customize it to your preference.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
To avoid cracking, be gentle when rolling the cake while it’s still warm. Use a damp dish towel as it helps keep the cake moist and pliable. If you notice cracks, don't worry; you can cover them with powdered sugar or whipped cream when serving.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly make the jelly roll cake ahead of time. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add any toppings right before serving to keep them fresh and appealing.
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).