Lemon roll

Lemon Roll - A Light and Refreshing Delight

Who can resist a lemon roll? This cake is not just a quick and delicious dessert, but also a perfect choice to bring a bit of freshness on hot days or to conclude a special dinner. The lemon roll is a classic dessert, often associated with moments of celebration and joy, and stands out with its slightly tangy flavor, balanced by a fine cream.

In this recipe, I will share with you the essential steps to achieve a perfect roll, as well as some tricks and variations to transform this dessert into a personalized masterpiece.

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the Sponge:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 60 g granulated sugar
- 50 g flour

Ingredients for the Cream:
- 1 fresh lemon
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 125 g mascarpone or cottage cheese
- 60 ml whipped cream (whipped)

Preparing the Sponge

1. Preheating the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential to have a well-heated oven to achieve a fluffy and even sponge.

2. Beating the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to obtain a firm and shiny foam. Make sure the bowl and the mixer’s whisks are completely dry; otherwise, the egg whites will not whip correctly.

3. Mixing the Egg Yolks with Sugar: In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of hot water. The mixture should become a light-colored, voluminous, and fluffy cream.

4. Incorporating the Flour and Egg White Foam: Gradually add the sifted flour to the yolk mixture, stirring with a spatula to avoid losing air in the composition. Then, carefully fold in the egg white foam using gentle up-and-down movements.

5. Baking the Sponge: Line a baking tray smaller than the size of the stove with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden and elastic to the touch.

Preparing the Creams

6. Cooling the Sponge: After baking, remove the sponge from the oven and turn it onto a clean towel. Sprinkle the parchment paper with a little cold water to detach it more easily. Carefully remove the paper and roll the sponge into its original shape, allowing it to cool completely.

7. Preparing the Lemon Cream: In the meantime, wash the lemon well with hot water and dry it. Grate the lemon zest, being careful not to include the white part, which is bitter. Squeeze the juice from the lemon and mix it with the grated zest. In a bowl, combine the lemon mixture with the mascarpone or cottage cheese and powdered sugar.

8. Whipping the Cream: In another bowl, whip the cream until firm and gradually add it to the cheese mixture, gently mixing to maintain the air.

Assembling the Roll

9. Filling the Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled sponge. Spread the lemon cream evenly over the sponge cake, leaving a 1-2 cm margin around the edges.

10. Rolling the Sponge: Start rolling from one edge, being careful not to damage the cream. Once you have rolled the sponge, wrap the roll in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least an hour to set.

11. Decorating the Roll: When you are ready to serve, take the roll out of the fridge, remove the wrap, and sprinkle powdered sugar on top. You can add lime slices and mint leaves for a fresh and inviting look.

Variations and Serving

To add a personal touch, you can experiment with the filling. For example, a delicious variation would be to use chocolate cream or to add pieces of fresh fruit to the cheese cream.

This lemon roll pairs perfectly with mint tea or a glass of fresh lemonade, creating a refreshing combination.

Nutritional Benefits

The lemon roll is not only an exceptionally tasty dessert but also a source of vitamins due to the lemon, which is rich in vitamin C. The mascarpone adds a note of creaminess, while the whipped cream provides a light and pleasant texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but make sure they are well drained of whey to avoid a watery cream.

2. How can I store the roll? The roll can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

3. Can I use other flavors? Sure! You can experiment with orange, lime, or even berry flavors.

This lemon roll recipe is perfect not only for indulging your taste buds but also for impressing guests with an unusual dessert. So, embark on a culinary adventure and enjoy the fresh taste of lemon!