Mandarin Swiss Roll Recipe – A Refreshing Citrus Twist on the Classic Roll Cake

1. Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Gently fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the air you’ve incorporated into the egg mixture.
2. Add the melted butter and milk to the batter, and fold until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. The cake should be slightly firm but not overbaked.
5. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully flip the cake onto a clean sheet of parchment paper or a kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake.
6. Roll the cake up with the parchment paper while it’s still warm. This helps the cake to hold its shape when you fill it later. Allow the cake to cool completely in this rolled-up position.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream and start whisking on medium speed until soft peaks form. You can also use an electric mixer to make this step quicker and easier.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the cream forms stiff peaks.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mandarin juice. Gently fold in the mandarin orange segments into the whipped cream.
4. If you’re using orange liqueur, add it to the cream mixture now and stir until fully combined. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor to the filling.

Step 3: Assembling the Mandarin Swiss Roll

1. Carefully unroll the cooled sponge cake. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cream filling evenly across the entire surface of the cake, leaving about an inch on each edge.
2. Starting from one side, roll the cake up tightly (with the filling inside). Try to roll it as evenly as possible so that the cake maintains its shape.
3. Once rolled, transfer the Swiss Roll to a serving platter or cake stand.
4. You can garnish the top with more mandarin orange segments, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even some extra whipped cream if desired.

Step 4: Chilling and Serving

1. Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing much easier.
2. After chilling, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the Swiss Roll into neat, round pieces. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect dessert experience!

Recipe Variations:

• Chocolate Mandarin Swiss Roll: Add cocoa powder to the sponge cake mixture for a chocolate-flavored base. You can also incorporate chocolate ganache into the filling along with the mandarin cream for a decadent twist.
• Mandarin Cream Cheese Filling: For a tangier filling, replace part of the heavy cream with cream cheese. This will add a rich and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the mandarin oranges.
• Almond Flour Swiss Roll: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a baking powder that is certified gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use canned mandarin oranges instead of fresh ones?
Yes, canned mandarin oranges work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to drain them well before using them in the filling.

2. Can I prepare this Swiss roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Mandarin Swiss Roll a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This also helps the flavors to meld together.

3. How do I make the sponge cake extra soft?
Ensure that you don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can result in a dense cake. Additionally, make sure not to overbake the cake, as it should remain light and tender.

4. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy option?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.

Notes:

• Avoid overbaking the cake: The key to a successful Swiss roll is a soft and spongy cake, so be sure to remove it from the oven as soon as it’s golden and just set.
• Filling consistency: The whipped cream should be light and fluffy but not too stiff. This will make the cake easy to roll and ensure a creamy texture.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 45mg

Conclusion:

The Mandarin Swiss Roll is a delightful dessert that combines the lightness of a fluffy sponge cake with the refreshing flavor of mandarin oranges. Perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions, this dessert offers a citrusy twist on a traditional favorite. With its smooth filling and stunning presentation, this cake is sure to impress your guests, all while being incredibly simple to make. Whether you enjoy it as a summer treat or as a festive centerpiece, the Mandarin Swiss Roll is a dessert that everyone will love.