Jelly Roll(Kaaretorttu)
Jelly Roll, or Kaaretorttu, is a delightful Finnish dessert featuring a light sponge cake rolled with sweet fruit or berry jam and whipped cream. This treat is perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon tea, offering a balance of sweetness and freshness that appeals to both young and old.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs until light; add sugar and beat until thick.
- Add the vanilla.
- Sift flour with baking powder and salt and fold carefully into the egg mixture until well combined.
- Line a jelly roll pan with waxed paper.
- Butter it very well and sprinkle it generously with granulated sugar.
- Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake in a moderate 350° oven for 20 minutes or until the cake is just set.
- Turn out onto a clean tea towel that has been well dusted with confectioners sugar and roll up while still hot.
- Cool slightly, then unroll and remove from the towel.
- When it has cooled, spread the inside of the roll with the jam and whipped cream.
- Reroll.
- May use fresh strawberries and Cool Whip inside, but make sure jelly roll is cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before beating. If you don’t have fruit or berry jam, any type of preserves or even Nutella works well. To make this dessert lighter, consider using whipped coconut cream instead of traditional whipped cream. Dust your jelly roll with confectioners sugar right before serving to keep it looking fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jelly roll with a dusting of confectioners sugar on top for an elegant finish. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries on the side or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This dessert also complements a cup of coffee or tea perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover jelly roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid cutting it until serving to maintain moisture. If you want to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat as it can become dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jelly Roll(Kaaretorttu) contains roughly 181 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% 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 make the jelly roll in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the jelly roll a day ahead. After rolling it with jam and cream, wrap it tightly and refrigerate. Just remember to add the final dusting of confectioners sugar right before serving to maintain its appearance.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
For a vegan jelly roll, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. This will help bind the ingredients and provide moisture to the cake.
How do I prevent my jelly roll from cracking?
To prevent cracking, make sure you do not overbake the cake; it should be just set and spring back when lightly touched. Also, rolling it while it's still warm helps to shape it without cracks forming when it cools.
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).