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Our Best Roll Cake Recipes + Fruit-Filled Rainbow Roll Cake
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Our buddy Jerry James Stone wrote a kids comic called Into the Spooniverse. Clever, right? It is a super fun comic that encourages kids to want to cook. It includes lots of recipes and ideas to get them to have fun in the kitchen! This Rainbow Roll Cake filled with California berries and citrus is from issue number 1. We’ve also rounded up some of our very favorite roll cake recipes full of California grown goodness.
What is the difference between a roll cake and a roulade?
Roll cakes, also known as roulades, Swiss rolls or jelly rolls, are a delectable and versatile dessert. These cylindrical delights are made by spreading a thin layer of sponge cake batter onto a baking sheet and then baking it to perfection. Once the cake is done, it is carefully rolled while still warm, creating a spiral pattern inside. The roll is then cooled before being generously filled with various fillings such as whipped cream, fruit compote, or chocolate ganache.
The result is a visually appealing swirl of cake and filling, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite. Roll cakes come in a myriad of flavors, making them a perfect choice for any occasion, from classic vanilla to decadent chocolate, and even exotic options like matcha or fruit-infused variations. With their light and airy composition, roll cakes have become a beloved treat around the world, adorning dessert tables and bringing joy to those who indulge in their sweet allure.
Why you should make this Rainbow Roll Cake
Indulge in a burst of color and flavor with a delightful rainbow roll cake filled with California grown fruit. This vibrant dessert is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The soft and moist sponge cake topped with sprinkles provides a whimsical backdrop for the luscious medley of California berries and mandarin oranges nestled within. Juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, zesty mandarins and succulent raspberries create a burst of sweetness in every bite.
With each slice, the rainbow roll cake reveals a spiral of fruity delights, making it a beautiful and delicious treat for kids and adults alike!
Can the kids help? Absolutely!
In addition to spreading the filling and the sprinkles (and licking the spoons!) kiddos can help wash and line up the California Grown fruit that makes this rainbow cake so colorful!
Depending on the season, look for:
- strawberries
- blueberries
- raspberries or blackberries
- mandarins or blood oranges
- kiwi
- peaches, plums or other stone fruit
- grapes (red, black and green)
- pomegranate arils
Share your favorite roll cake recipes with us by snapping a pic and tagging us on social using #CAGROWN.
Craving more CA Grown goodness? Follow us on Pinterest for fresh and fabulous recipe inspiration!
Fruit-Filled Rainbow Roll Cake
Equipment
- parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
- 1/4 size cookie sheet with sides on it, sometimes called a jelly roll sheet.
- A clean tea towel
- Jam is optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- Rainbow sprinkles
For the filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- A rainbow selection of fruit and berries. We used mandarin orange slices, strawberry slices, blueberries and raspberries but you can use whatever you like.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Find a 10 x 18 (or similar) baking sheet with sides. We used a quarter-size cookie sheet. Line it with parchment paper and spray with a flour-based baking spray for good measure.
- Dust your clean tea towel with powdered sugar and set aside.
- In a standing mixer, whip 3 egg whites medium speed until frothy. Slowly add 1/4cup of your 1 cup sugar. Whip on high until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In another bowl beat 2 whole eggs and the three yolks from your separated eggs for 2 min. Slowly add the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, water and vanilla.
- Sift together flour, salt baking powder and then add slowly to your second egg mixture until just combined. Do not over mix.
- Remove bowl from mixer, and hand fold in your egg whites.
- Spread some rainbow sprinkles on to your lined baking sheet. Then spoon batter on to sheet and smooth evenly. Bake at 375 for 11-13 min.
- Immediately turn cake onto sugared tea towel. Peel off old parchment and add a new sheet to the top. Now quickly roll the cake up with the tea towel, from the shorter end. Let cool in towel for at least 1 hour.
- While it cools, whip cream cheese until soft with an electric mixer. Slowly add heavy whipping cream. Once it begins to thicken, slowly add sugar and vanilla. Refrigerate for later.
- Once your cake has cooled for at least an hour, the fun part can begin.
- Gently unroll your cake. You can spread a layer of fruit preserves on it if you like. Make sure to get all the way to the edges. Next you can add a layer of your cream. Keep it pretty thin, remember this has to roll back up.
- Following that, you can add rows of fruit, pressed into the cream! Throw in some sprinkles for good measure. It is a rainbow after all.
- Prepare a large piece of plastic wrap and have it ready on the counter because now it is time to carefully re-roll your cake. Be gentle so you don’t squish all your fillings right out the sides. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate, seam side down, for at least three hours. Even better if you leave it over night.
- Slice gently and enjoy your rainbow roll up.
Notes
Nutrition
Feeling inspired? Here are a few more roll cake recipes to try!
Pistachio + Raspberry (Buche de Noel) AKA Yule Log
A traditional Yule Log (or Bûche de Noël if you are fancy) is a festive (and impressive!) dessert. It typically consists of a sponge cake rolled and filled with cream , then covered in chocolate frosting to resemble a log.
Merengue Roulade with Lemon Curd and Red Fruits
This gorgeous berry filled meringue roll cake is from our friend Elina Saich. She says the cake is so festive and beautiful making it perfect for special occasions.
Red, White & Blueberry Cake Roll
This Red, White, and Blueberry Cake Roll is a fabulous red, white and blue dessert from gluten-free baking superstar Kyra Bussanich. It’s sure to be the fabulous finale to your Memorial Day or 4th of July celebration.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Roll Cake
This pumpkin cake roll from This Mess is Ours may look impressive, but the best part is how easy it actually is to make. The gluten-free pumpkin cake batter comes together quickly. You probably already have the pumpkin puree and spices on hand in your spice cabinet!
