French Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe

Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe is a light sponge cake rolled with sweet, creamy stabilized whipped cream. It has a soft, airy texture and a delicate vanilla flavor that melts in your mouth.

This Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe is made by whipping eggs and sugar until fluffy, folding in flour, and baking it into a thin sheet.

After baking, the Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe is rolled while warm, then filled and rolled again for a beautiful swirl. It tastes incredibly delicious, offering a balanced sweetness and smooth creaminess in every bite.

Now I will guide you through making the Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe

✔ Elegant Presentation: The beautiful spiral design makes this cake a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. It’s sure to impress your guests!

✔ Light and Fluffy: The cake is airy and soft, providing a delightful texture that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect balance to the creamy filling.

✔ Versatile Filling Options: While the classic version uses whipped cream, you can easily customize the filling with fruits, chocolate, or flavored creams to suit your taste.

✔ Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. It requires basic ingredients and minimal equipment..

✔ Deliciously Refreshing: The light vanilla flavor combined with the whipped cream filling creates a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any season.

How To Prepare Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: European (French-inspired)
• Calories: ~220 per slice (for 10 slices)
• Yield: 1 roulade (serves 10)

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Fine mesh sieve
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Clean kitchen towel
• Offset spatula or knife

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 3 tbsp. sunflower oil (or substitute with canola or olive oil)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tbsp. milk

For the Stabilized Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. powdered (confectioner’s) sugar
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch

Instructions

1: Prepare the Oven & Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper.

2: Make the Sponge Batter

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high for 6–8 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume. Mix in vanilla extract, oil, vinegar, and milk.

3: Sift & Fold Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in batches using a spatula to avoid deflating the batter.

4: Bake

Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched and edges are light golden.

5: Roll the Cake

While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel flat and dust with powdered sugar. Once the cake is out, immediately invert it onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and roll it up gently (with the towel inside). Let cool completely.

6: Make Stabilized Whipped Cream

In a cold mixing bowl, whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar and cornstarch until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

7: Fill & Roll

Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread whipped cream evenly across the surface. Re-roll the cake (without the towel). Trim edges if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with Fresh Berries

Pair the light vanilla flavor with a medley of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. The slight tartness of the berries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, creamy roulade. You can place the berries on the side or scatter them on top for a burst of color.

2. Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce over the roulade slices takes the dessert to the next level. The rich, sweet sauce complements the airy sponge and creamy filling beautifully, adding extra indulgence to each bite.

3. Accompany with a Scoop of Ice Cream

For a more decadent serving, add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side. The cool, creamy ice cream pairs wonderfully with the soft, fluffy cake, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

4. Top with Whipped Cream and Nuts

Elevate your roulade by topping it with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. The nuts add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft cake, while the whipped cream enhances its lightness.

5. Pair with a Hot Beverage

Serve the roulade alongside a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or tea. The cake’s subtle vanilla flavor pairs beautifully with the bitterness of coffee or the delicate notes of herbal teas, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy with a warm beverage.

Tips For The Perfect Vanilla Roulade

➢ Beat until the mixture is thick, pale, and triples in volume. This gives the cake its light, airy structure.

➢ Use a spatula and soft folding motion to keep the batter fluffy and avoid deflating the air you’ve whipped in.

➢ Immediately roll the sponge in a towel after baking to prevent cracks and help it hold its shape.

➢ Warm cake can melt the whipped cream and ruin the roll.

➢ Adding cornstarch helps the cream hold its shape and stay firm inside the roulade.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftovers of the Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

My success in preparing the Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe has been a rewarding and joyful experience. I followed each step carefully and brought this delightful dessert to life with care and passion.

The result was a soft, fluffy cake filled with creamy goodness that everyone enjoyed. I hope to continue improving my baking skills and sharing more sweet moments like this.

This Vanilla Roulade Cake Recipe has inspired me to explore more creations and build confidence in the kitchen. I look forward to more successes and delicious outcomes in the future.

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