Never Fail Jelly Roll

Prep: 20 min Cook: 13 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A light, fluffy jelly roll cake with sweet jelly filling, perfect for a quick dessert or teatime treat. Its tender texture and sweet flavor appeal to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 egg whites

Instructions

  1. Cream sugar and egg yolks together.
  2. Add vanilla to the mixture.
  3. Mix in flour and baking powder until well combined.
  4. Whip egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter.
  6. Line a 15 x 10-inch pan with heavily buttered paper.
  7. Spread the batter evenly on the prepared pan.
  8. Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 13 minutes.
  9. While hot, invert the cake onto a sheet of waxed paper sprinkled with powdered sugar.
  10. Remove the baking paper from the cake surface.
  11. Cut off any hard edges of the cake.
  12. Spread jelly over the surface and carefully roll the cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping them to achieve maximum volume. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing two tablespoons and replacing it with cornstarch. To avoid sticking, make sure to use heavily buttered paper or parchment paper. This jelly roll pairs beautifully with Art'S Homemade Fudge for a delightful dessert platter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the jelly roll dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. For a festive twist, consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote. This dessert complements a variety of coffee selections, making it ideal for brunch or afternoon tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover jelly roll in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, but be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they stay moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Never Fail Jelly Roll contains roughly 179 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

179 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 25.8g 9% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 3.2g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 945.7mg 41% DV
Potassium 120mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 10.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.3mcg
Vitamin C 8.2mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 50.2mg 4% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% 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 filling than jelly?

Absolutely! You can fill the cake with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or even a fruit puree. Just ensure the filling is spreadable and not too runny to maintain the cake's integrity when rolled.

What should I do if my cake cracks while rolling?

If your cake cracks, don't worry! Simply apply a bit more filling to the crack, and roll it tightly. The filling will help hold it together, and a light dusting of powdered sugar can disguise any imperfections.

Can I make this jelly roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the jelly roll a day in advance. Just prepare it, fill it, and wrap it well in plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served the next day.

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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