Coffee and caramel roll

Coffee and Caramel Roll: A Sweet and Aromatic Indulgence

Who doesn't love a pampered weekend with a delicious dessert? The coffee and caramel roll is the perfect choice to add a touch of elegance and flavor to any meal. This recipe combines a soft sponge with the deep flavors of coffee and the sweetness of caramel, creating a dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates. Although rolls may seem intimidating, with a little patience and by following the right steps, you will achieve an exceptional result.

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8

Ingredients:

*For the sponge:*
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- a pinch of salt

*For the cream:*
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 250 ml evaporated milk
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of instant pudding powder (or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch)
- 10 g gelatin
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

The History of the Roll

Rolls have a long-standing tradition in world cuisine, cherished for their versatility. From simple ones with jam or cream to sophisticated versions with chocolate or coffee, each variation brings a touch of joy. The coffee and caramel roll introduces a fresh twist, combining beloved coffee flavors with the sweetness of caramel, transforming a simple dessert into an unforgettable experience.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the sponge:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It’s important that the bowl for the egg whites is completely clean, free from any grease or water.
- Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until a glossy and firm meringue forms.
- In another bowl, combine the yolks with the oil. Mix well and add this mixture to the egg whites, folding gently with a spatula to keep the air in the egg whites.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, coffee, cocoa, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the egg mixture, continuing to fold gently.
- Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, until the sponge is firm to the touch and easily pulls away from the edges.
- After baking, turn the sponge onto a damp towel and remove the parchment paper. Roll the sponge tightly using the towel as a guide, and let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the cream:
- Start by hydrating the gelatin in cold water according to the package instructions.
- Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks with a pinch of salt and mix with the pudding powder.
- In a saucepan, caramelize the 10 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden. Add the evaporated milk and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Once the sugar is fully melted, gradually pour the hot syrup over the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Return the mixture to the heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens to the consistency of thick sour cream. Let it cool slightly.
- Once the cream has cooled, add the hydrated gelatin and mix well. Finally, fold in the whipped cream, and if desired, you can also add the beaten egg whites (though this is optional).

3. Assembling the roll:
- Unroll the cooled sponge and evenly spread the coffee and caramel cream over it. Make sure to distribute the cream close to the edges for filling in each slice.
- Roll the sponge back up using the towel, and place the roll on a serving platter. You can refrigerate the roll for a few hours to firm it up.

4. Serving:
- Slice the roll and serve it with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an extra burst of flavor. Enhance the experience with a cup of aromatic coffee or black tea on the side.

Helpful tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can use freshly brewed coffee instead of instant coffee.
- If you're a chocolate lover, add some dark chocolate chunks to the cream for added texture.
- You can replace the gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian version.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why isn't my roll turning out? Make sure the sponge is well-baked and that you let it cool completely before filling it. Rolling too tightly can lead to the sponge breaking.
- Can I store the roll in the fridge? Yes, the roll keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it's recommended to consume it as soon as possible to maintain its freshness.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This roll contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Coffee has antioxidant benefits, while sour cream and whipped cream provide a source of calcium.

The coffee and caramel roll is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines flavors and textures in an irresistible way. Once you make it, you’ll want to include it in your repertoire of favorite recipes to delight your family and friends. So gather all your ingredients and let’s indulge in a sweet weekend!