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4. **Beat the eggs and sugar.**
– In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because the volume of the eggs will help create a light, spongy texture for the cake.
5. **Add vanilla extract.**
– Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined. This will infuse the batter with a delicious, aromatic flavor.
6. **Add the dry ingredients.**
– Gradually fold the dry ingredients (flour mixture) into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be gentle when mixing so as not to deflate the batter. You want to retain as much air as possible to achieve that light, fluffy texture.
7. **Add water (optional).**
– If you prefer a more moist cake, you can add about 1/4 cup of water to the batter. Mix gently to combine. This is optional but can be helpful if you live in a dry climate or want to add more moisture to the cake.
#### **2. Baking the Cake**
1. **Pour the batter into the prepared pan.**
– Spread the batter evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes evenly. The layer should be relatively thin, as this allows the cake to bake quickly and evenly without becoming too dense.
2. **Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.**
– Bake the cake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the cake bounces back when lightly touched. Be careful not to over-bake it, as this can result in a dry cake.
3. **Test for doneness.**
– If you’re unsure whether the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.
4. **Cool the cake slightly.**
– Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake from the pan. Place a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
5. **Invert the cake onto the towel.**
– Carefully invert the cake onto the powdered towel, gently peeling away the parchment paper if used. Be careful, as the cake will be hot. The powdered sugar will prevent the cake from sticking to the towel.
6. **Roll the cake.**
– While the cake is still warm, roll it up from one short end, using the towel to help guide the cake. Roll it up gently to avoid cracking, but do not roll it too tightly. Once rolled, let the cake cool completely in this shape. The cooling process will help the cake hold its shape when it is unrolled later.
#### **3. Preparing the Filling**
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the filling. The most common filling for a cake roll is **whipped cream**, but you can also experiment with other fillings, such as chocolate mousse or fruit spreads.
1. **Whip the cream.**
– In a medium bowl, pour the heavy cream and start whipping it on medium speed. Gradually increase the speed until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should be light and fluffy.
2. **Sweeten the whipped cream.**
– Once the cream has reached stiff peaks, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to beat for a few more seconds until the sugar is incorporated and the cream is fluffy and sweetened to your taste.
3. **Keep the filling chilled.**
– To ensure that the whipped cream doesn’t melt, refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the cake roll.
#### **4. Assembling the Cake Roll**
1. **Unroll the cooled cake.**
– Carefully unroll the cooled cake from the towel. You should now have a flat sponge cake that is ready for filling.
2. **Spread the whipped cream filling.**
– Evenly spread the whipped cream filling over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent it from spilling out when the cake is rolled.
3. **Roll the cake again.**
– Carefully re-roll the cake, starting from the end without filling. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible, but don’t squeeze it too hard.
4. **Chill the rolled cake.**
– Once the cake is rolled, place it seam side down on a serving plate. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the cake to set and the filling to firm up.
#### **5. Decorating the Cake Roll**
To make your cake roll extra special, you can decorate it with various toppings. Here are some options:
1. **Dust with powdered sugar.**
– Once the cake has chilled, dust it with powdered sugar to give it a professional, finished look.
2. **Add fresh berries.**
– Decorate the top with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The natural sweetness and vibrant colors of the berries complement the richness of the cake and filling.
3. **Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.**
– For an indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top of the cake.
4. **Whipped cream rosettes.**
– Pipe little rosettes of whipped cream along the sides or top for a beautiful and elegant presentation.
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## **Tips for Success**
– **Don’t over-bake the cake**: Over-baking can make the cake dry and difficult to roll without cracking. Keep a close eye on the baking time to ensure the perfect texture.
– **Roll the cake while it’s still warm**: Rolling the cake while it’s warm makes it more pliable and reduces the chances of it cracking.
– **Use powdered sugar on the towel**: This prevents the cake from sticking to the towel and helps it release more easily once it’s rolled.
– **Chill the cake roll before serving**: Chilling the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving helps set the filling and makes it easier to slice.
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## **Variations of the Cake Roll**
While the classic cake roll with whipped cream is delicious, there are plenty of variations to suit different tastes:
1. **Chocolate Cake Roll**: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter to make a chocolate-flavored sponge cake, and fill it with chocolate ganache or chocolate whipped cream.
2. **Fruit-Filled Cake Roll**: Spread fruit preserves, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot,
onto the cake before rolling it. You can also add fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas.
3. **Coffee Cake Roll**: For a coffee-flavored twist, add a bit of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter, and fill with a coffee-flavored buttercream or whipped cream.
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## **Conclusion**
A cake roll is an elegant and delightful dessert that’s easy to make and can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a fun treat for your family, this quick and delicious cake roll recipe is sure to impress. With its light sponge, creamy filling, and decorative touches, it’s the perfect dessert for any event.
