Jelly Roll Sponge Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A light, fluffy sponge cake with delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for rolling into a jelly-filled treat suitable for dessert or tea time gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup sifted flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • vanilla
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form and set aside.
  2. Beat egg yolks, add water, and beat in sugar until creamy.
  3. Add sifted flour, baking powder, vanilla, and salt to the yolk mixture.
  4. Stir until well mixed.
  5. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites.
  6. Pour the batter into a shallow baking pan.
  7. Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks and gently fold them into the batter to maintain airiness. If you don't have vanilla extract, almond extract can be a delightful substitute. Sift the flour multiple times to incorporate air, which aids in achieving a fluffy texture. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of citrus zest.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the jelly roll sponge cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a fruit compote pair beautifully with this dessert. It can also be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, consider serving it with a drizzle of Mild Mustard Sauce for a unique flavor contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover jelly roll sponge cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a 300°F oven for about 5-10 minutes for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jelly Roll Sponge Cake contains roughly 320 calories, with 5g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1134mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

320 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 3.9g 5% DV
Carbs 59.7g 22% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.9g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1133.7mg 49% DV
Potassium 410.3mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 154.8mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 9.3mg 10% DV
Calcium 409.5mg 31% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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 use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a more tender cake. However, avoid using whole wheat flour as it may alter the texture and flavor significantly.

What can I do if the cake sticks to the pan?

If the cake sticks, be sure to grease and flour the baking pan thoroughly before pouring in the batter. If you still encounter sticking, run a butter knife around the edges to loosen it gently.

How can I add more flavor to my jelly roll sponge cake?

You can enhance the flavor by adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter. Additionally, incorporating a splash of flavored liqueur into the whipped cream filling can elevate the taste.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →