Roll Jelly Cake is a classic, airy sponge cake filled with sweet fruit jelly and rolled into a beautiful swirl. This vintage treat has roots in 19th-century European baking, evolving into a beloved dessert in American kitchens. Its appeal lies in its delicate texture, light sweetness, and the visually stunning spiral of jelly within. The quick baking time and minimal ingredients make it ideal for spontaneous gatherings or teatime. This cake is perfect for showcasing seasonal jams or homemade preserves, and its soft, tender crumb pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cream ( or 1 tbsp melted butter)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½-¾ cup fruit jelly (or jam, for filling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Beat the eggs until very light and fluffy.
- Add the sugar gradually, beating continuously.
- Stir in the cream or melted butter.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Spread batter thinly and evenly in shallow baking pans lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated hot oven (about 400°F / 200°C) for 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
- Remove from oven and turn cake out of the pan immediately.
- Peel away parchment paper carefully.
- Spread warm cake evenly with jelly.
- Roll up gently while cake is still hot to prevent cracking.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice into rounds to reveal the jelly swirl.
- Serve warm or cooled, optionally dusted with powdered sugar.
Tips
- Warm the jelly slightly for easier spreading (as the card suggests)
- Dust finished roll with powdered sugar for a classic finish
- Spread with lemon curd, chocolate spread, or whipped cream instead of jelly
- Add vanilla or lemon zest to the batter for extra flavor
- Roll in a towel while hot to prevent cracking, then unroll and fill
- Use parchment paper as your lining to make removal clean and easy
- Bake as evenly thin layer as possible for easy rolling
- Fill with strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jelly for different flavors
- Chill before slicing for cleaner spiral slices
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a dessert presentation
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 5.1gSaturated Fat: 2.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.6mg
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