Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that feels like a warm hug, the Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake combines a perfectly soft, tender sponge infused with bright lemon zest and juice, rolled around a luscious, creamy lemon filling that’s light yet indulgent. The balance of textures and flavors will keep everyone coming back for another slice. It’s elegant, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to make, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, making sure your cake comes out moist, flavorful, and just the right level of sweetness. You don’t need anything fancy — just basic pantry staples enhanced with fresh lemons to give that beautiful zing.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and light crumb essential to the cake’s velvety texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Gives the sponge a gentle lift, making every bite wonderfully airy.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds depth of flavor and moisture without extra saltiness interfering with the lemon brightness.
• Fresh Lemons (zest and juice): The star of the show, bringing fresh citrus notes that elevate the entire dessert.
• Heavy Cream: Whipped to perfection to create the smooth, dreamy filling that complements the zingy cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle warmth that balances the tartness of the lemons.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for that perfect lemon cream consistency.

How to Make Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring it’s snug and smooth. This will help your cake slide right out once baked and make rolling it a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a clean bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This dry mix ensures the cake rises evenly and stays tender.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and pale—around 3 minutes. This step is key for a light cake texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. This creates a smooth, unified batter ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the flour mixture into the wet batter using a spatula. Be gentle to keep the batter airy and prevent overmixing, which could make the cake dense.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. Don’t overbake or the roll might crack when you try to roll it.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Cream Filling

While the cake cools slightly, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold in fresh lemon zest and juice carefully to maintain that fluffy, creamy texture bursting with citrus flavor.

Step 8: Roll the Cake

When the cake is warm but manageable, roll it up gently in the parchment paper to “train” it into shape. Let it cool completely to lock in that rolled form, which makes the final assembly much easier.

Step 9: Assemble and Serve

Unroll the cooled cake carefully, spread the luscious lemon cream filling evenly over the surface, then roll tightly once more. Slice with a sharp knife and marvel at the beautiful spiral before serving.

How to Serve Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a delicate finish, or add fresh lemon slices and a few extra lemon zest curls. A few fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and introduce a lovely herbal note.

Side Dishes

Pair your Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe with a cup of hot tea or a delicate lemon-infused iced tea for a refreshing contrast. Fresh berries make a delightful sidekick, adding a juicy burst alongside each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try rolling the cake with a layer of lemon curd and cream together for an extra tangy experience. Or slice individual portions into petite rounds and arrange them on a serving platter topped with edible flowers for a charming dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover tightly to prevent the cream from absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the entire rolled cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended as it may affect the delicate texture of the cream and sponge. Just let frozen slices thaw naturally for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemons?

While lemon extract can add flavor, fresh lemons provide the bright acidity and fresh zest that make the Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe truly shine. Using fresh ingredients will give you the best taste and texture.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

A rimmed baking sheet or a shallow rectangular baking dish close in size will also work. Just make sure the cake layer is thin and even so it can be rolled without cracking.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake warm in parchment paper “trains” it to keep that shape. Also, don’t overbake the cake or the sponge will become brittle. Cool completely before unrolling and filling to avoid breakage.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Substituting butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives is possible, but results may vary. Coconut cream can work for the filling, and vegan butter can replace butter in the batter, but texture might be slightly different.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe is straightforward and forgiving, especially with clear steps and tips. It’s a great way to practice rolling cakes and impress your loved ones with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

This Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake Recipe truly feels like a slice of sunshine wrapped in cream. It’s a versatile dessert that brings brightness and joy to any table, perfectly balancing tangy lemon flavor with a rich yet airy texture. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with those you love.

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