If you’re craving a dessert that’s delicate, refreshing, and downright impressive, you’ve got to try this Orange Swiss Roll: A Light, Zesty, and Elegant Dessert Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of airy citrus-infused sponge cake wrapped around a luxuriously smooth orange cream filling. Every bite offers a burst of bright, sunny flavor that feels like a gentle hug after a meal. This recipe isn’t just a delight for the taste buds, but also a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to wow your guests or make a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh orange zest that lifts the sponge to the creamy filling that keeps the roll moist and luscious, every component matters.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs create the light and fluffy structure of the sponge, giving it that classic Swiss roll texture.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping achieve that golden color and tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds vibrant citrus aroma and fresh flavor deeply into the sponge.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and complements the orange zest beautifully.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure; sifting helps keep the sponge light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives just enough lift without making the cake spongy or dry.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting the towel): Prevents sticking and adds a delicate sweetness to the outer layer.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection for a silky filling.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and a slight tang that pairs perfectly with orange.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth and creamy.
- 1 tablespoon orange juice: Introduces fresh citrus brightness into the filling.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Enhances the zesty orange notes throughout the cream.
How to Make Orange Swiss Roll: A Light, Zesty, and Elegant Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease it so the cake doesn’t stick. The key to this cake’s delicate texture is beating the eggs until thick and pale, which traps air and gives the sponge its lightness. Slowly add sugar, orange zest, and vanilla to build flavor gradually.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt separately—this ensures even rising and prevents clumps. Gently fold the dry ingredients into your egg mixture in batches, taking care not to overmix. Overworking the batter will deflate the air you just whipped in and lead to a dense cake, which is not what we want!
Step 3: Bake and Roll the Sponge
Pour the smooth batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the sponge springs back lightly when touched. While it bakes, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Once your cake is out of the oven, carefully invert it onto the sugared towel, peel off the parchment, and roll it up from the short end. This step not only shapes your roll but also helps the sponge “memorize” that shape as it cools, making it easier to fill later.
Step 4: Whip Up the Orange Cream Filling
Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until completely smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into your cream cheese mixture. This keeps your filling light and fluffy, creating a luscious contrast to the tender sponge.
Step 5: Assemble the Roll
Once completely cool, carefully unroll the sponge cake and spread the orange cream filling evenly across the surface. Re-roll gently but firmly, without the towel this time, to keep your filling intact inside. Refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors marry and the roll firm up for easier slicing.
How to Serve Orange Swiss Roll: A Light, Zesty, and Elegant Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Orange Swiss Roll: A Light, Zesty, and Elegant Dessert Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of fresh orange zest adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra citrus aroma. You can also add thin candied orange slices on top for a sophisticated flair.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light cup of freshly brewed tea or a bright citrusy cocktail. If you want something extra on the plate, a handful of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the orange notes perfectly without overpowering the delicate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, slice the roll into neat rounds and arrange them on a platter with edible flowers or mint leaves. Alternatively, serve slices in elegant dessert glasses layered with additional whipped cream and orange segments for a reinvented parfait experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Orange Swiss Roll: A Light, Zesty, and Elegant Dessert Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh, moist, and full of flavor for 2 to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within that time frame for optimal texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire rolled cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating is needed. If you prefer, you can let slices sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the cream filling slightly and amplify the citrus aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen orange juice works well in the filling, but fresh juice is ideal for the brightest flavor and natural zestiness that defines this recipe.
How do I prevent the sponge from cracking when rolling?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a powdered sugar dusted towel helps the sponge to bend easily without cracking. Make sure not to overbake, as a dry sponge is more likely to crack.
Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?
Absolutely! Mascarpone will give a slightly richer, creamier filling and still harmonize beautifully with the orange flavor.
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this Orange Swiss Roll: A Light, Zesty, and Elegant Dessert Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or gelatin.
What’s the best way to slice the roll neatly?
Use a sharp serrated knife and slice gently in a sawing motion. Chilling the roll before slicing helps keep the filling intact and your slices clean.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Orange Swiss Roll: A Light, Zesty, and Elegant Dessert Recipe that feels both timeless and fresh. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make, and the delightful combination of fluffy cake and citrusy cream is guaranteed to brighten up any occasion. Give this one a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert to share with friends and family!
Print
Orange Swiss Roll: A Light, Zesty, and Elegant Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European, Swiss-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Swiss Roll is a light and elegant dessert featuring a soft, zesty sponge cake rolled around a creamy orange-flavored filling. Perfectly balanced with bright citrus notes and a smooth creamy texture, it’s an ideal treat for summer or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting the towel)
For the Orange Cream Filling:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs on high speed for about 5 minutes until thick and pale. Gradually add granulated sugar, then beat in the orange zest and vanilla extract until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Fold: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture in batches until just incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Bake the Sponge: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched lightly.
- Roll Cake in Towel: While the cake is baking, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Immediately after baking, turn the warm cake out onto the sugared towel, peel off the parchment paper, and starting from the short end, roll the cake up in the towel. Let it cool completely, seam-side down.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture for a light, fluffy filling.
- Assemble the Roll: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the orange cream filling evenly over the surface, then re-roll the cake tightly without the towel.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the rolled cake in the refrigerator for 1 hour before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with additional orange zest if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense citrus flavor, add a drop of orange extract or additional orange zest to the filling.
- This dessert keeps well refrigerated for 2–3 days, making it great for preparing ahead of time.
- Use a serrated knife when slicing to achieve cleaner, neater slices.
