There’s something truly delightful about the first bite of a well-made cake roll, and this Earl Grey Cake Roll takes that experience to a whole new level. Imagine the subtle, fragrant notes of bergamot and warm vanilla melting together with the fluffiness of a light sponge, all wrapped around a sweet, decadent cream filling. After a long week of quick meals and tired takeout, I found myself craving something that felt both special and comforting.
This recipe was born from that desire—a perfect balance of elegance and ease. I stumbled upon it one rainy afternoon, sifting through my pantry, when the idea of infusing my baking with Earl Grey tea struck me like a bolt of inspiration. Not only does this cake roll look beautiful on the table, but it also transforms your everyday dessert into something extraordinary, captivating everyone at your next gathering. Ready to impress? Let’s roll up our sleeves and create this delightful treat!
Why will you love Earl Grey Cake Roll?
Elevated Experience: This isn’t just any cake roll; the infusion of Earl Grey tea elevates your dessert game to a sophisticated level.
Light & Fluffy: The soft sponge cake envelops a rich cream, making each slice a delightful surprise of texture and flavor.
Impressive Presentation: Roll cakes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe quickly, bringing a homemade touch to their table.
Versatile Serving: Serve it as an afternoon treat, a dinner party dessert, or a cozy indulgent snack—each bite guarantees satisfaction!
Crowd-Pleaser: Once you slice this beauty for your family and friends, they’ll be coming back for seconds—just wait and see!
Earl Grey Cake Roll Ingredients
• Get ready to create a sweet masterpiece that combines the essence of tea and cake!
For the Sponge Cake
- 5 eggs – Use large eggs (about 55g each) for the best volume.
- 50 g vegetable oil – A light oil keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavors.
- 50 g milk – Whole milk adds richness; feel free to substitute with a dairy alternative.
- 70 g cake flour – This ensures a light and tender texture, perfect for rolling.
- 55 g granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while contributing to its fluffy structure.
- 4 g ground Earl Grey tealeaves – Freshly ground tea enhances flavor; two tea bags work well!
- 1 g salt – Just a pinch balances sweetness.
- 5 g lemon juice – Adds acidity, brightening the flavor of the cake.
- 5 g vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla complements the Earl Grey beautifully.
For the Cream Filling
- 180 g heavy cream/whipping cream – Whips up fluffy and light for that irresistible filling.
- 12 g granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream to perfection.
- 1 g salt (optional) – A tiny bit can enhance the overall flavor of the cream.
How to Make Earl Grey Cake Roll
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Separate the eggs. Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks, placing the whites in a cool bowl in the fridge to help them whip better later.
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Mix the wet ingredients. In a clean bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and milk. Then, add the cake flour, ground Earl Grey tealeaves, and a pinch of salt. Stir in 5 egg yolks until just combined; set this mixture aside.
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Preheat your oven. Set your oven to 311℉ (155℃) and, while it heats, take the chilled egg whites from the fridge. Add lemon juice, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Beat until soft peaks form.
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Fold in egg whites. Gently take a scoop of the whipped egg white and fold it into the batter. Gradually add the remaining egg whites, folding them into the batter until just combined, light, and airy.
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Prepare the pan. Line a Swiss roll pan (28282.6cm) with parchment paper. Pour the batter in, smoothing the surface and tapping the pan to release any air pockets for an even bake.
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Bake the cake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 32 minutes, until the cake is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
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Whip the cream. In another bowl, combine heavy cream, 12g of sugar, and optional salt. Beat with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form, then keep it in the fridge to stay cool.
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Cool the cake. Once baked, let the cake cool. Use an icing spatula to release the edges, turn the pan upside down, and gently peel off the baking mat.
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Spread the filling. On the upside of the cooled cake, evenly spread the whipped cream filling. Roll the cake up using a rolling pin for leverage, wrapping it in parchment paper before refrigerating for 20 minutes to set.
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Slice and serve. After chilling, slice up your Earl Grey Cake Roll and serve it proudly—each piece a delightful treat!
Optional: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Earl Grey Cake Roll
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Egg Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs to ensure better volume when whipping the egg whites, resulting in a lighter cake roll.
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Gentle Folding: When incorporating the whipped egg whites into the batter, use gentle folding motions to maintain the airy texture, preventing the cake from becoming dense.
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Parchment Paper: Always line your Swiss roll pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the cake without sticking and helps maintain its shape.
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Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling step after rolling the cake. This allows the cream to set and makes slicing easier, resulting in neat, beautiful slices.
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Flavor Variation: Experiment with different flavored teas if you’re feeling adventurous! Matcha or chai can offer delightful twists to this classic Earl Grey Cake Roll.
What to Serve with Earl Grey Cake Roll?
Indulging in a slice of this flavorful delight deserves the perfect accompaniments that elevate your dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: Their natural sweetness and slight tartness balance the rich creaminess, enhancing every bite of the cake roll. A vibrant mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a pop of color and freshness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a wonderful contrast to the light sponge, making each mouthful a satisfying sweet treat. The cold creaminess pairs harmoniously with the aromatic notes of Earl Grey.
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Herbal Tea: Sipping on a fragrant cup of herbal tea complements the subtle bergamot flavors, creating a soothing experience. Try chamomile or peppermint for a refreshing finish that ties everything together.
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Chocolate Ganache: A drizzle of rich chocolate ganache can elevate this dessert, with its creamy chocolatey goodness offering a luxurious touch to the light cake. The combination is a luscious indulgence that transforms the simple cake roll into a magical dessert.
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Citrus Zest: Grating some fresh lemon or orange zest over the top infuses a burst of brightness, enhancing the flavor profile beautifully. This adds an aromatic touch that ties in well with the cake’s ingredients.
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Lemonade: Sweet, tart lemonade brings a refreshing contrast to the velvety cream while cutting through the sweetness of the cake. It’s a delightful pairing for sunny afternoons and gatherings.
How to Store and Freeze Earl Grey Cake Roll
Room Temperature: Serve your Earl Grey Cake Roll fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can sit at room temperature for up to 1 day, covered to maintain moisture.
Fridge: Keep any uneaten cake roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the entire cake roll in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: For the best texture upon serving after refrigeration, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy the delightful flavors!
Earl Grey Cake Roll Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor this recipe to your taste or dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake roll friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk combined with coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free cream filling.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with Earl Grey.
- Chai Infusion: Replace Earl Grey with chai tea for an enticing spiced cake roll that adds warmth on chilly days.
- Fruit Filling: Consider adding a layer of fresh berries or a fruit puree to the cream filling for a refreshing contrast.
- Nut Crust: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, on the cream filling before rolling for an exciting crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a rich contrast to the tea-infused sponge.
- Decadent Vanilla Cream: Swap the heavy cream for mascarpone cheese for a richer, creamier filling that elevates every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Earl Grey Cake Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sponge cake up to 24 hours in advance—simply bake, cool, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. The whipped cream filling can also be made ahead; just whip it up and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble, spread the chilled filling on the cake, roll it up, and refrigerate for an additional 20 minutes to set. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your guests with minimal effort on the day of serving! Enjoy just as delicious results, even with these make-ahead tweaks!
Earl Grey Cake Roll Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for the Earl Grey Cake Roll?
Absolutely! When choosing eggs, look for large ones (about 55g each) with clean shells—these will give you the best volume. For milk, whole milk is ideal for richness, but if you prefer a dairy alternative, options like almond or soy milk work well too!
What is the best way to store leftover Earl Grey Cake Roll?
You can keep any uneaten Earl Grey Cake Roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help keep it moist and flavorful, so each slice stays just as delightful as the first.
Can I freeze the Earl Grey Cake Roll?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the entire cake roll tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature—this ensures optimal texture!
What should I do if my egg whites don’t whip up properly?
Very! If your egg whites aren’t forming soft peaks, ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and grease-free, as even a tiny amount of fat can hinder whipping. Room temperature eggs whip better than cold ones, so let them sit out before use. If you still have trouble, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or cream of tartar, which can help stabilize the egg whites.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for the Earl Grey Cake Roll?
Absolutely! The Earl Grey Cake Roll contains eggs and dairy, which might not be suitable for individuals with egg or lactose allergies. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping. If you have a specific dietary requirement, such as gluten intolerance, using gluten-free cake flour can be a great alternative.
How can I ensure my cake roll maintains its shape when rolling it up?
To ensure your Earl Grey Cake Roll holds its shape, it’s important to let it cool completely before spreading the filling. Once filled, roll it up gently using a rolling pin for leverage, being careful not to apply too much pressure, which could cause it to crack. Chilling the roll for about 20 minutes in the fridge helps it set perfectly, making slicing much easier and neater.
Earl Grey Cake Roll: A Delightful Twist on Classic Flavors
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a cool bowl in the fridge.
- In a clean bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and milk, then add the cake flour, ground Earl Grey tealeaves, and a pinch of salt, stirring in 5 egg yolks until just combined.
- Preheat your oven to 311℉ (155℃) and take the chilled egg whites from the fridge. Beat them with lemon juice, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold a scoop of the whipped egg whites into the batter, followed by the remaining egg whites until just combined and airy.
- Line a Swiss roll pan with parchment paper, pour in the batter, smoothing the surface and tapping to release air pockets.
- Bake in the oven for 32 minutes until golden and springs back when touched.
- In another bowl, combine heavy cream, 12g of sugar, and optional salt. Beat until stiff peaks form and keep cool.
- Once baked, let the cake cool, release the edges, turn the pan upside down, and gently peel off the baking mat.
- Spread the whipped cream filling evenly on the cooled cake, roll it up using a rolling pin, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
- After chilling, slice the Earl Grey Cake Roll and serve.