A Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This quick and easy recipe features a light and fluffy cake filled with a rich and creamy custard. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making a delicious Cake Roll, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 100g water
- 100g milk
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of sugar
- 80g butter
- 130g flour
- 3 eggs
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 eggs
- 150g sugar
- 30g cornstarch
- 400g milk
- Vanilla extract
- 50g butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat Liquids:
- In a saucepan, combine the water, milk, salt, sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is just about to boil.
- Add Flour:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the flour until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Add Eggs:
- Let the dough cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
- Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
- Roll the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, gently roll it up with the parchment paper. Let it cool completely in the rolled position.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Cornstarch:
- Whisk in the cornstarch until smooth.
- Heat Milk:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just about to boil. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Cook the Custard:
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
- Cool the Custard:
- Let the custard cool completely, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake Roll
- Unroll the Cake:
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and remove the parchment paper.
- Spread the Custard:
- Spread the cooled custard filling evenly over the cake.
- Roll the Cake:
- Gently re-roll the cake, using the parchment paper to help lift and guide the roll. Place the cake roll seam-side down on a serving plate.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill the cake roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before slicing and serving.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Cake Rolling: Rolling the cake while it’s warm helps prevent cracks. Be gentle to avoid breaking the cake.
- Custard Consistency: Make sure the custard is thick enough to spread but not too thick that it becomes difficult to work with. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cake Roll:
- Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate-flavored cake.
- Fruit-Filled Cake Roll:
- Spread a layer of fruit preserves or fresh fruit slices over the custard filling before rolling the cake.
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- Substitute the custard with a cream cheese filling by beating together 200g cream cheese, 100g powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the cake roll ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake roll a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze the cake roll?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake roll. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
You can use almond extract, lemon extract, or any other flavoring you prefer in the custard filling.
5. How can I prevent the cake from cracking?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps prevent cracking. If cracks do form, you can cover them with a dusting of powdered sugar or frosting.
This Quick and Delicious Cake Roll is a perfect dessert for any occasion. With its light and fluffy cake and rich custard filling, this cake roll is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delightful flavors. Give this Cake Roll recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and delicious treat. Happy baking!