Lemon Roll

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A light and fluffy lemon roll with bright citrus flavor, perfect for spring gatherings or dessert tables, offering a tender sponge and tangy lemon notes.

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Ingredients

  • 6 egg whites
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Beat egg whites until stiff.
  2. Add egg yolks and vanilla, mix well.
  3. Add sugar and blend thoroughly.
  4. Sift flour and baking powder and add to egg mixture.
  5. Mix well.
  6. Pour batter into a large cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
  8. Invert cake onto a cup towel and roll up.
  9. Cool completely before unrolling and filling.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier lemon roll, ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before folding in the yolks. If you want a deeper flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest. You can substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a nutty twist. If you're out of vanilla, a splash of almond extract works well, too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemon roll with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside fresh berries. For a lovely dessert spread, consider including it with other treats like Chocolate Ice Cream Dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemon roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to maintain their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Roll contains roughly 144 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value).

144 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 13.7g 5% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 3.6g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 341.1mg 15% DV
Potassium 216.8mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 14.4mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3mcg
Vitamin C 13.6mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 150.5mg 12% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 make this lemon roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the lemon roll a day in advance. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after it cools completely to keep it fresh. Unroll and fill just before serving to maintain the best texture.

What can I use for filling?

You can fill the lemon roll with whipped cream, lemon curd, or even a cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. Fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries also make a delightful addition.

Why did my lemon roll crack?

Cracking can occur if the batter is overmixed or if the cake is rolled too tightly when hot. Be gentle when folding in ingredients and allow the roll to cool slightly before rolling it up to prevent cracks.

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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