Roll Cake

Roll Cake, also known as Swiss Roll or Jelly Roll, is a classic Japanese dessert that features a light and airy sponge cake rolled with a sweet filling, often made with whipped cream, fruit preserves, or other sweet fillings. Here's a recipe for making a basic Roll Cake:

Ingredients for Sponge Cake:

1. 4 large eggs, separated
2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for Filling:

1. 1 cup heavy cream
2. 1/4 cup powdered sugar
3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. Fruit preserves, Nutella, or any other desired filling

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and creamy.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the egg yolk mixture, and mix until just combined.
5. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until no streaks remain.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cake springs back when lightly touched.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes.
10. While the cake is still warm, gently roll it up with the parchment paper from the shorter end, and let it cool completely in the rolled-up position.
11. In the meantime, prepare the filling by beating the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
12. Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the filling evenly over the surface.
13. If desired, spread fruit preserves, Nutella, or any other desired filling over the whipped cream.
14. Gently roll the cake back up, peeling off the parchment paper as you go.
15. Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to set.
16. Before serving, dust the top of the roll cake with powdered sugar, if desired.
17. Slice the Roll Cake into rounds and serve chilled.

Enjoy your delicious and elegant Roll Cake, a classic Japanese dessert that's perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat!