This Eclair-Inspired Roll Cake is a delicious and elegant dessert that resembles the taste of classic éclairs, but in a rolled cake form! It’s light, creamy, and perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat with tea. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect even for beginner bakers. The result is a beautiful, delicate roll cake that everyone will love!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 5 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 5 hours and 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Dough (Choux Pastry):
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml cold water
- 20g sugar (1 tablespoon)
- A pinch of salt
- 80g butter
- 130g all-purpose flour (approx. 6 tablespoons)
- 3 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 eggs
- 150g sugar (about 7.5 tablespoons)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (10g)
- 30g corn starch (1 heaping tablespoon)
- 400 ml milk
- 50g butter
For the Decoration:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
1. Prepare the Dough (Choux Pastry):
- In a saucepan with a thick bottom, add 100 ml milk, 100 ml cold water, 20g sugar, a pinch of salt, and 80g butter.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything melts and heats up (but don’t bring to a boil).
- Once the mixture is hot and steam begins to rise, turn off the heat and add 130g of flour in one go. Mix quickly with a silicone spatula to combine everything into a dough without lumps.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
2. Bake the Cake Base:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking tray (38 x 27 cm) with parchment paper.
- Spread the dough evenly across the tray, making sure it’s thin.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven, cover the cake with a towel, and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a saucepan, add 2 eggs, 150g sugar, and 10g vanilla sugar. Mix well.
- Add 30g of corn starch and a bit of milk from the total 400 ml and stir until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining milk while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
- Once thick, remove from heat and stir in 50g of butter until the cream is smooth and silky.
- Let the cream cool to room temperature.
4. Assemble the Roll Cake:
- Once the cake base has cooled to a warm temperature, carefully flip it onto a sheet of parchment paper.
- Spread the cream filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Gently roll the cake using the parchment paper to help guide it into a tight roll.
- Wrap the roll in the parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight to set.
5. Serve:
- Once set, unwrap the cake and dust it with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of fresh berries or fruit for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
- Add chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
- Serve it alongside whipped cream or ice cream for a richer treat.
- Garnish with mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Cooking Tips:
- Mix the dough quickly: When adding the flour to the hot milk and butter mixture, mix quickly to avoid lumps.
- Don’t overcook the cream: Stir the cream constantly and remove it from the heat as soon as it thickens to avoid overcooking.
- Chill the roll properly: The roll needs enough time to set in the fridge to ensure the best texture when sliced.
- Use a silicone spatula: When mixing the dough, use a silicone spatula for easier handling and mixing.
- Let the cake cool slightly before adding cream: Ensure the cake is warm, not hot, before spreading the cream to prevent melting.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggs: A great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and B12.
- Milk: Provides calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health.
- Butter: Adds a rich flavor while providing fat-soluble vitamins.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Contains Gluten: Yes
- Contains Dairy: Yes
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store the roll cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake roll for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy and Quick: Despite its fancy appearance, this roll cake comes together in less than an hour of active time.
- Elegant Dessert: Perfect for special occasions, this cake impresses with both its look and taste.
- Tastes Like Éclairs: If you love éclairs, you’ll adore this cake with its similar creamy and choux-pastry texture.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is simple and reliable.
Conclusion:
This Eclair-Inspired Roll Cake is a delightful, elegant dessert that brings the classic flavors of an éclair into a unique and delicious cake roll. With its tender choux pastry and smooth vanilla cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with tea or sharing it with friends and family, this cake is sure to become a favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make the cake base ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake the cake base a day ahead and store it wrapped in parchment paper at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble.
- What can I use if I don’t have corn starch?
- You can substitute corn starch with all-purpose flour in the same quantity.
- Can I add different flavors to the cream filling?
- Absolutely! You can add a touch of cocoa powder, lemon zest, or even espresso to the cream for a different flavor twist.
- Can I freeze the roll cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw in the fridge before serving.