Vanilla Swiss Roll (Light, Fluffy & Perfectly Rolled Cake)

Vanilla Swiss Roll is one of those classic bakery cakes that always looks impressive but is actually surprisingly simple to make at home. Thank you so much for being here — I truly love sharing these classic recipes because they bring back so many memories of family desserts and weekend baking. This light sponge cake rolled with sweet cream or jam is soft, delicate, and absolutely beautiful when sliced. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive new recipes by email!

Overview of Recipe Content

Vanilla Swiss Roll is a light sponge cake that is baked thin, rolled while warm, then filled with whipped cream, jam, or frosting and rolled again into a beautiful spiral cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and airy sponge cake
• Beautiful spiral presentation
• Perfect for tea time or dessert
• Can be filled with jam, cream, chocolate, or fruit
• Looks impressive but easy to make
• Great for holidays and birthdays

What It Tastes Like

The cake is soft, fluffy, slightly sweet, and light. When filled with cream or jam, it becomes moist, delicate, and melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

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For the Sponge Cake

• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp milk

For the Filling

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
  OR
• ½ cup strawberry jam or raspberry jam

Tools Needed

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (10×15 inch)
• Parchment paper
• Clean kitchen towel
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Suggested Variations

You can customize your Swiss roll:

• Chocolate Swiss roll
• Strawberry cream roll
• Lemon cream roll
• Nutella Swiss roll
• Coffee cream roll
• Cream cheese filling

You might also like these recipes:

• https://poulef.com/vanilla-cupcakes/
• https://poulef.com/strawberry-shortcake/
• https://poulef.com/lemon-cake/
• https://poulef.com/chocolate-sponge-cake/
• https://poulef.com/whipped-cream-frosting/

Pinterest inspiration:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

How to Make Vanilla Swiss Roll

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Step 1 – Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Beat Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 4–5 minutes until thick, pale, and fluffy. This step is very important because it creates the light sponge texture.

Add vanilla extract and mix.

Step 3 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 4 – Combine Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
Add milk and gently mix until smooth.

Do not overmix or the cake will lose its air.

Step 5 – Bake

Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.

Step 6 – Roll the Cake

While the cake is still warm:

1. Place a clean kitchen towel on the counter.
2. Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
3. Flip cake onto towel.
4. Remove parchment paper.
5. Roll the cake gently with the towel.
6. Let cool completely rolled.

This prevents cracking later.

Step 7 – Prepare Filling

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Step 8 – Fill and Roll Again

Unroll the cooled cake carefully.
Spread whipped cream or jam evenly.
Roll the cake again (without the towel).

Chill for 30 minutes before slicing.

What to Serve with Vanilla Swiss Roll

Serve with:

• Fresh berries
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate drizzle
• Coffee
• Tea
• Vanilla ice cream
• Strawberry sauce
• Caramel sauce

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Beat eggs and sugar long enough
• Do not overbake
• Roll cake while warm
• Use parchment paper
• Cool rolled cake before filling
• Chill before slicing
• Use serrated knife to cut clean slices
• Dust with powdered sugar for bakery look

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in airtight container for 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze wrapped Swiss roll for 1 month.

To Serve

Let thaw in fridge and slice.

General Information

Swiss roll cakes originated in Central Europe and became popular worldwide because they are light, elegant, and easy to customize with different fillings. They are often served during holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.

Despite the name, Swiss rolls are not actually from Switzerland — they are believed to have originated in Austria or Central Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my cake crack?

It was either overbaked or not rolled while warm.

Can I use jam instead of cream?

Yes, jam works perfectly.

Can I make chocolate Swiss roll?

Yes, replace 2 tbsp flour with cocoa powder.

How do I keep the roll round?

Wrap it in plastic wrap while chilling.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s even better after chilling.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Swiss Roll is light, soft, elegant, and perfect for any occasion. Once you learn how to roll a sponge cake, you can make endless variations with different fillings and flavors. It’s one of those bakery-style desserts you’ll be proud to make at home.

If you loved this recipe, try chocolate sponge cake or strawberry shortcake next — they use similar techniques and are just as delicious.

Interactive Elements

If you make this Swiss roll, leave a comment and rating — I love seeing your baking results!

Share your cake on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per slice
Calories	210
Carbohydrates	24g
Protein	5g
Fat	10g
Sugar	15g
Sodium	90mg

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