Lemon Rolls
Lemon Rolls are light, fluffy pastries filled with tangy lemon flavor and topped with powdered sugar. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they combine the bright zest of lemon with a sweet, tender crumb, appealing to citrus lovers and those seeking a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Beat the egg yolks until thick and lemon colored.
- Add sugar and continue beating for several minutes.
- Add lemon juice to the egg yolk mixture.
- Stir in the sifted flour mixture, warmed milk, and vanilla.
- Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff, but not dry, and fold them carefully into the batter.
- Pour the batter onto a greased 11 x 15-inch pan lined with waxed paper.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Quickly turn the cake upside-down onto a dishtowel sprinkled with confectioners' sugar and remove the paper.
- Roll up the cake, folding in the long side, using the towel to keep it rolled.
- Let it cool.
- Unroll and spread with lemon pie filling or your favorite jelly.
- Reroll and sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are beaten until just stiff, avoiding dryness. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons of flour for every cup. Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest can enhance the lemon flavor. This recipe can be adapted using different fillings like jam or whipped cream, similar to what's used in Ambrosia Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon rolls make a delightful dessert or sweet breakfast option. Serve them dusted with powdered sugar alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with fresh berries or a side of whipped cream. For an interesting twist, consider serving with a dollop of lemon curd for an extra citrus kick.
Storage & Reheating
Lemon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, unwrap and place in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to preserve the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Rolls contains roughly 656 calories, with 10g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 827mg per serving (36% 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
What can I do if I don’t have lemon pie filling?
If you don't have lemon pie filling, you can use any fruit jam or preserves as a filling. Alternatively, a simple mixture of whipped cream and lemon zest can create a delicious substitute, giving you a fresh flavor.
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).