Light & Moist Swiss Roll Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cake that’s tender, fluffy, and melts in your mouth while boasting a luscious swirl of jam and cream, you’re in for a treat. This Light & Moist Swiss Roll combines the perfect balance of soft sponge and creamy filling, creating a slice of heaven that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. With its delicate texture and vibrant raspberry jam, this Swiss roll is sure to become one of your go-to desserts for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial for achieving that signature lightness and moisture in the Swiss roll. Each plays a special role, from creating the airy sponge to delivering the creamy, fruity filling that completes this dessert.

• All purpose flour (⅔ cups): Provides the structure without weighing down the sponge, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Cornstarch (¼ cup): Softens the texture, making the sponge extra delicate and light.
• Baking powder (¼ tsp): Gives helpful lift for a perfectly risen cake.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Milk, full fat (3 tbsp, room temperature): Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
• Unflavoured vegetable oil (3 tbsp): Keeps the sponge tender and prevents it from drying out.
• Large eggs (6, separated and room temperature): The secret to an airy yet stable sponge; yolks enrich and whites aerate.
• Warm water (1 tbsp): Helps dissolve sugar in the yolk mixture for smooth texture.
• White granulated sugar (⅓ cup for yolks, ½ cup for egg whites): Sweetens and helps build stable meringue for volume.
• Vanilla essence/extract (2 tsp total): Brings a warm, inviting aroma that ties all the flavors together.
• Unflavoured vegetable oil (1 tsp for greasing): Lightly coats baking paper, making rolling the sponge a breeze.
• Raspberry jam (1 batch homemade): Provides a vibrant, fruity contrast with just the right amount of tartness.
• Cold whipping cream (1¾ cups, min 34% fat): Offers a rich, silky filling to complement the jam.
• Icing sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the whipped cream delicately.

How to Make Light & Moist Swiss Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tray and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 170 °C with the fan on, which ensures even baking and a nicely browned sponge. Line an 18×13 inch baking tray strategically to give the roll a neat edge. Mixing the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together means you’re ready to build the perfect sponge base without any lumps or surprises.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately

Combining milk and oil ahead of time ensures they blend smoothly into the batter later without causing clumps. This small step helps keep the cake’s texture silky and even throughout.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Yolks

Coating sugar with warm water and then mixing it with egg yolks and vanilla forms a rich, pale base. Whipping until you see thick ribbons is the secret to incorporating enough air, which translates to lightness in your final Swiss roll.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites

Clean beaters and gradual sugar addition create luscious, soft peaks in the whites. Avoid whipping too hard—soft peaks retain moisture that’s key to the sponge’s tenderness.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients Gently

Folding half the whites into the yolks first lightens the mixture; then, sifted dry ingredients join the party, preserving the air bubbles. Adding the remaining whites and then the milk-oil mixture last ensures a thick, flowy batter bursting with lightness.

Step 6: Bake the Sponge

Evenly spread the batter, smooth it out, and tap the tray to release air bubbles for an even bake. Baking for just under 20 minutes gets you golden, springy perfection that’s ready for the delicate rolling step.

Step 7: Roll the Sponge While Warm

Lightly greased baking paper prevents sticking and makes rolling easy. Rolling the sponge warm sets the shape without cracks, creating the iconic swirl shape you’ll love.

Step 8: Prepare the Raspberry Jam and Whipped Cream

Spreading cooled raspberry jam unleashes a burst of fruity brightness, while lightly sweetened whipped cream adds luscious richness. Whipping cream to stiff peaks and folding vanilla in builds that pillowy texture perfect for spreading.

Step 9: Assemble Your Light & Moist Swiss Roll

After unrolling the cooled sponge, trimming edges tidies the look. Layering jam and cream, then re-rolling gently but firmly, creates a beautiful spiral that holds together wonderfully. Chill before serving to let the layers settle and flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Light & Moist Swiss Roll

Garnishes

Adding a dusting of icing sugar or a few fresh raspberries on top instantly elevate the look. A few mint leaves or edible flowers make it feel extra special and inviting for guests or family gatherings.

Side Dishes

Pair your Light & Moist Swiss Roll with a simple cup of tea or coffee to complement its sweetness without overpowering. Fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream create a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for warmer days.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the roll into smaller pinwheels for a party platter or serve alongside fruit coulis drizzled on the plate for a fancy touch. Adding a dollop of flavored cream or mascarpone next to each slice turns it into a refined dessert you’ll be proud to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Light & Moist Swiss Roll stays fresh for up to two days when wrapped tightly in cling film and stored in the refrigerator. This helps retain moisture and prevents the cream from absorbing any other fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the Swiss roll whole before adding the cream filling, wrapping it well in plastic film and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before unrolling, filling, and serving for a fresh tasting dessert anytime.

Reheating

Since this is a delicate cake, avoid reheating. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature so the cream stays perfect and the sponge remains tender.

FAQs

Can I use other fruit jams instead of raspberry?

Absolutely! Apricot, strawberry, or even blueberry jams work beautifully and provide different flavor twists to your Light & Moist Swiss Roll.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

If cornstarch isn’t available, you can substitute with an equal amount of cake flour to maintain softness, but the texture might be just slightly different.

How do I prevent the sponge from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the sponge while it’s still warm and slightly pliable is key. Using lightly greased baking paper also helps the sponge roll smoothly without sticking or cracking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Be mindful of how your blend handles moisture and structure, as this might slightly affect the sponge’s texture.

How long should I whip the cream?

Whip until you reach stiff peaks but be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will become grainy and start to turn into butter. Keep a close eye as you whip, especially near the end.

Final Thoughts

Making this Light & Moist Swiss Roll is like opening the door to a whole new level of homemade cake bliss. It’s approachable enough for any home baker yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try—you’re about to create some seriously delicious memories!

Print