A jelly roll shape refers to a cylindrical or rolled cake made with soft cake layers and jelly, jam, or other fillings spread between the layers. Jelly rolls are a classic dessert enjoyed around the world. The soft, thin cake layers allow the dessert to be rolled up around the filling inside to create an impressive spiral pattern when sliced.
What are the origins of the jelly roll?
While the exact origins of the jelly roll are unclear, this type of rolled cake likely originated in Europe in the late 19th or early 20th century. Some sources suggest jelly rolls may have been inspired by Swiss rolls, which originated in Central Europe in the 19th century. The soft, thin sponge cake layers used in jelly rolls became popular in American baking in the early 20th century.
What are some common fillings used in jelly rolls?
Jelly rolls can be filled with a wide variety of sweet spreads, though classic fillings include:
- Jelly or jam
- Lemon curd
- Whipped cream
- Mascarpone
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- Chocolate ganache
- Fruit purees
- Sweetened ricotta cheese
The options are endless! Feel free to get creative with unique flavor combinations in your jelly rolls.
What are the steps to make a jelly roll?
Making a jelly roll cake involves a few simple steps:
- Make the sponge cake batter and spread into a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. The cake should be thin, around 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick.
- Bake the cake until lightly golden, then dust with powdered sugar. Cover with a kitchen towel and carefully flip out onto the towel.
- Peel off the parchment paper and trim the edges of the cake if needed.
- Spread your filling of choice evenly over the surface, leaving about an inch border along one long edge.
- Gently roll up the cake lengthwise, using the towel to help roll it tight. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Chill the rolled cake in the fridge for at least an hour to help it hold its shape when slicing.
- Remove from fridge, trim the ends, and slice into pinwheels to serve.
What are some tips for making jelly roll cakes?
Follow these tips for perfect, pretty jelly roll cakes every time:
- Use a light, flexible spatula to spread the cake batter evenly and thinly into the baking sheet.
- Don’t overbake the cake or it may crack when rolling. It should spring back lightly when touched.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before flipping out of the pan to prevent sticking.
- Spread filling to the edges but leave a 1 inch border to allow for spreading when rolled up.
- Work quickly but gently when rolling up the filled cake.
- Chill rolled cake before slicing for neat pinwheel shapes.
What are some common jelly roll cake recipes?
Here are a few delicious, easy jelly roll cake recipes to try:
Classic Vanilla Jelly Roll
This basic vanilla jelly roll cake is filled with raspberry jam or jelly.
Pumpkin Spice Jelly Roll
Pumpkin spice cake layers surround a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling.
Lemon Blueberry Jelly Roll
Tart lemon cake and lemon curd complement sweet blueberry jam.
Chocolate Hazelnut Jelly Roll
Rich chocolate cake rolled up with chocolate-hazelnut spread, like Nutella.
Strawberry Cheesecake Jelly Roll
Strawberry cake with a tangy cream cheese filling and strawberry jam.
How do you store and serve jelly roll cakes?
Jelly rolls are best served the same day they are assembled. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing. Jelly rolls can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Slice off what you plan to eat and enjoy the spiral pattern in each slice!
Can you freeze jelly roll cakes?
Yes, it’s possible to freeze jelly roll cakes to enjoy later. Here are some tips:
- Let the filled, rolled cake chill in the fridge before freezing so it holds its shape.
- Wrap the cake very tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before unwrapping and serving.
- Cake may need time at room temperature to finish thawing before slicing.
The cake layers may be slightly dry after freezing and thawing, but still tasty!
What are some fun ways to decorate jelly roll cakes?
Decorate your beautiful jelly rolls with:
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar
- Fresh fruit like berries
- Citrus zest
- Chocolate shavings or ganache
- Vanilla or cream cheese frosting
- Toasted nuts or coconut
- Edible flowers
Drizzle with caramel, fudge, or fruit sauces too. Get creative with toppings that complement the flavors inside!
Conclusion
With their impressive spiral pattern and endless flavor combinations, jelly roll cakes are sure to impress. The basic concept is easy – spread filling on a flat, flexible cake and roll it up into a log. Master the technique, experiment with fillings and flavors, and decorate for a gorgeous, delicious dessert. Now that you know the basics behind this classic treat, get creative in the kitchen with jelly rolls!