A homemade Swiss roll is the perfect blend of light sponge and creamy filling. This easy-to-follow recipe gives you a soft, airy cake that rolls beautifully and looks as good as it tastes. Whether filled with jam, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache, this classic dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the sponge cake
4 large eggs
100 g granulated sugar
100 g plain (all-purpose) flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
Icing sugar (for dusting)
For the filling (classic option)
150 ml double cream (heavy cream), chilled
2 tbsp icing sugar
3 tbsp strawberry jam (or your preferred jam)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mixture is pale, thick, and tripled in volume. Add the vanilla extract and whisk briefly to combine.
- Sift the flour over the egg mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula, taking care not to deflate the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread it evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and springs back when touched lightly.
- Dust a clean tea towel with icing sugar. Turn the hot sponge onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll it up gently from the short end with the towel inside. Let it cool completely while rolled.
- While the sponge cools, whip the cream and icing sugar together until soft peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled sponge carefully. Spread an even layer of jam, followed by the whipped cream. Roll the sponge back up tightly without the towel.
- Trim the ends for a neat appearance. Dust with icing sugar and slice to serve.
Don’t overbake the sponge—it should be just set and springy. Always roll the sponge while it’s still warm to avoid cracking. For a chocolate twist, swap 20 grams of flour for unsweetened cocoa powder.
This classic Swiss roll is light, fluffy, and incredibly versatile. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can customize it with endless flavor combinations to suit any occasion.
