LEMON CREAM ROLL CAKE

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🍋 LEMON CREAM ROLL CAKE – A Refreshing Citrus Dream 🍰

📝 Introduction

A Lemon Cream Roll Cake is the sunshine of desserts — a light, fluffy sponge wrapped around a silky lemon cream filling, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with lemon glaze. It’s the perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings, tea parties, or whenever you need a burst of citrusy joy. Balanced between sweet and tangy, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience!

📜 History

Roll cakes originated in Central Europe, evolving into what we now call Swiss rolls or jelly rolls. The lemon version is a vibrant twist that gained popularity in the United States and Europe during the early 20th century as lemon curd and citrus desserts grew in popularity. The Lemon Cream Roll Cake embodies the elegance of European pastry with the freshness of Mediterranean flavors.

🌿 Benefits

  • Lemon is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants.
  • Cream cheese offers protein and calcium.
  • Eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, and good fats.
  • Homemade over store-bought means fewer preservatives, more flavor, and full control over ingredients.

🧁 Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • Optional: Yellow food coloring (a few drops)

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Thin lemon slices or zest curls
  • Whipped cream rosettes
  • Lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice)

🍳 Instructions & Methods

🥚 1. Prepare the Sponge Cake

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
  2. In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with a mixer for 4–5 minutes until thick and pale. Add lemon juice, zest, oil, vanilla, and food coloring if using.
  4. Gently fold in the dry ingredients in batches. Mix just until incorporated.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.

🌬️ 2. Roll the Cake

  1. While the cake is still warm, lay a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar on a flat surface.
  2. Flip the cake onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper.
  3. Starting from the short end, roll the cake up in the towel. Let cool completely.

🍋 3. Make the Lemon Cream Filling

  1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  3. Fold whipped cream into the lemon cream mixture until smooth.

🧁 4. Assemble the Roll

  1. Carefully unroll the cooled cake.
  2. Spread the lemon cream evenly over the surface.
  3. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel.
  4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set.

🎨 5. Decorate & Serve

  • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze. Add lemon curls or whipped cream for a fancy finish.

🧪 Formation & Chemistry of Flavor

The balance of tart lemon and creamy sweetness creates a vibrant taste. Eggs provide structure and moisture; whipping air into them ensures a light, spongey texture. Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking. Lemon’s acidity enhances sweetness and aroma, while whipped cream makes the filling luxurious and airy.

🥗 Nutrition (Per Slice, Approx. 1/10 of Cake):

  • Calories: ~280
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Vitamin C: 15% RDA
  • Calcium: 6% RDA

Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used.

💞 Lovers of This Dessert

  • Summer picnic lovers: Refreshing and light.
  • Citrus fans: Bold, bright flavor.
  • Tea party hosts: Elegant and dainty.
  • Home bakers: Impressive but not hard.
  • Lemon-curd enthusiasts: A perfect vehicle!

✅ Conclusion

The Lemon Cream Roll Cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a mood. It’s for sunny afternoons, fresh starts, and sweet celebrations. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this cake promises to brighten your day with every bite.

Let the zesty tang of lemon and the smooth creaminess of the filling transport you to dessert heaven — one spiral at a time. 💛

Want the chocolate version next? Just ask!

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