Roll Jelly Cake Recipe

Roll Jelly Cake, also known as jelly roll or Swiss roll, is a classic dessert that is loved by many for its soft and spongy texture, filled with a flavorful jelly or jam. This delightful treat has a rich history and has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries.

The origin of the jelly roll can be traced back to Europe, specifically Austria and Switzerland. It is believed to have been inspired by a traditional Swiss dessert known as "Roulade." This dessert, made from a thin sheet of sponge cake rolled with a sweet filling, quickly gained popularity and spread across Europe.

Over time, the concept of the jelly roll was brought to America by European immigrants, especially the Pennsylvania Dutch. It became a staple in their communities and was often served during festive occasions and holidays.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Roll Jelly Cake using the provided ingredients:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1-1/4 cups flour
- 4 egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 large teaspoonful baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a rather quick temperature, around 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour two square layer cake pans.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are light and frothy. Then, gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

3. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt to the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the mixture until well combined.

4. Add the boiling water to the batter and mix until smooth. The hot water will help create a light and airy texture in the cake.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

6. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until the cakes have risen and are lightly golden brown. To prevent the cakes from drying out, cover them with a cloth for the first ten minutes of baking.

7. While the cakes are baking, prepare a clean cloth by sprinkling it with powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the cloth once rolled.

8. When the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and quickly invert them onto the prepared cloth. Gently peel off the parchment paper or greaseproof paper.

9. While the cakes are still warm, spread a generous amount of your preferred tart jelly, such as currant or grape, onto one of the cakes.

10. Carefully roll the cake, starting from the shorter end, using the cloth to help you create a tight and compact roll. The warm cake will be more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.

11. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely before slicing it into individual servings. The jelly roll can be served immediately or refrigerated until ready to serve.

Fun Fact: Jelly rolls are often associated with a festive dessert known as a Yule log, which is a traditional European Christmas cake shaped like a log and decorated with icing or powdered sugar to resemble a real log. This dessert is believed to have originated in France and has become a beloved holiday treat in many countries.

Roll Jelly Cake is a versatile dessert that can be customized in various ways. You can experiment with different flavors of jelly, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, to add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Additionally, you can dust the rolled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a glaze for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Similar dessert dishes to the Roll Jelly Cake include the classic British Victoria Sponge Cake, which is a light and fluffy sponge cake filled with jam and freshly whipped cream. The French also have a similar dessert called the Génoise Cake, which is a buttery sponge cake typically filled with fruit preserves or buttercream.

So, gather your ingredients and give this delightful Roll Jelly Cake recipe a try. Enjoy its soft and fluffy texture combined with the sweet and tangy flavors of the jelly filling. Whether you serve it as a dessert for a special occasion or enjoy it as an afternoon treat, this timeless recipe is sure to please your taste buds and leave you wanting more.