Tiramisu Swiss Roll

Introduction

Creating desserts that both please the eye and tantalize the taste buds is an art. One recipe that perfectly captures this balance is the Tiramisu Swiss Roll. This delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert combines the rich, creamy flavors of tiramisu with the light, airy texture of a Swiss roll. After making it for my family last weekend, I can confidently say that this dessert is a showstopper at any gathering. The combination of coffee, chocolate, and mascarpone cheese had everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? It’s easier to make than you might think!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 4 eggs, separated
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons espresso powder
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Nonstick cooking spray

For the Tiramisu Filling:

• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur or rum
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Topping:

• Cocoa powder, for dusting
• Shaved chocolate

Instructions

Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 18 x 13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

Make the Cake

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes creamy.
3. Gradually beat in the espresso powder and cocoa powder until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir this dry mixture into the cocoa mixture until just combined.
6. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.

Bake

8. Bake the cake for about 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. As soon as you remove it from the oven, immediately roll the cake up in the parchment paper, starting from one of the short ends. This prevents cracking when it cools. Place the rolled cake on a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare Tiramisu Filling

10. In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and coffee liqueur until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
11. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.

Assemble the Roll

12. Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. Spread about two-thirds of the tiramisu filling evenly over the surface of the cake.
13. Roll the cake back up tightly, starting from the same end as before. Spread the remaining filling over the top of the rolled cake.

Add Toppings

14. Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder and garnish with shaved chocolate for an elegant finish.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: Approximately 280
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes, plus cooling time

How to Serve

• Slice the Swiss roll into 1-inch thick pieces.
• Arrange on a serving platter.
• Garnish with additional cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or a dessert wine for an extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

1. Egg Whites: Ensure that your mixing bowl is completely grease-free when whipping egg whites to achieve maximum volume.
2. Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before unrolling to prevent it from cracking.
3. Filling Variations: You can add flavor extracts, such as almond or vanilla, to the mascarpone filling for an extra twist.
4. Storage: Keep any leftover Swiss roll in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
5. Presentation: For a stunning presentation, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe Variations

• Flavor Twist: Substitute the coffee liqueur with vanilla or hazelnut liqueur for a different flavor profile.
• Fruity Addition: Incorporate fresh berries into the filling for a fruity layer.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Chocolate Cake: For an even richer taste, replace half of the all-purpose flour with additional cocoa powder for a chocolate cake base.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for extra flair.
• Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a tart contrast to the sweetness.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can also enhance the dessert experience.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: The Tiramisu Swiss Roll can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought cake for this recipe?

• While homemade is best, you can use a store-bought chocolate cake and prepare the tiramisu filling separately.

1. How do I prevent the cake from cracking?

• Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and allowing it to cool in the rolled position helps prevent cracks.

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

• Yes, this Swiss roll can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated.

1. What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?

• Cream cheese or a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream can be used, but the flavor will differ slightly.

1. How do I store leftovers?

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container in the fridge.

1. Can I make it dairy-free?

• Substitute the mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese and use a non-dairy whipping cream.

1. What if I don’t have coffee liqueur?

• You can replace it with brewed coffee or espresso for a non-alcoholic version.

1. Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

• Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting.

1. Can I add nuts to the filling?

• Yes, finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds would be a delicious addition.

1. What should I do if my cake sticks to the pan?

• Ensure you adequately grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper before adding the batter.

Conclusion

The Tiramisu Swiss Roll is a stunning dessert that combines the best aspects of classic tiramisu with the fun and flair of a Swiss roll. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat at home, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends. With its luscious filling and rich cocoa flavors, each slice is a taste of indulgence that transports you straight to dessert heaven. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the art of rolling with this delicious creation!

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