Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake – A Zesty Slice of Heaven

Introduction to Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake

If there’s one dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, it’s the Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake. Soft, airy sponge cake rolled with a silky lemon cream filling, every slice bursts with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. It’s elegant, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make once you know the tricks.

Imagine biting into a tender, golden sponge that melts in your mouth, revealing a swirl of cool, luscious lemon cream. The bright citrus notes wake up your taste buds, while the velvety texture keeps you coming back for another bite.

This dessert is perfect for spring gatherings, summer parties, afternoon teas, or even holiday tables. It’s light enough for warm days yet indulgent enough to satisfy any dessert craving. Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting out, a lemon roll cake is your ticket to dessert perfection.

So, grab your whisk and your zester — it’s time to create your very own Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake masterpiece!


Why You’ll Love This Lemon Roll Cake

If you’ve never tried a roll cake before, you’re in for a treat. This one stands out not just because of its stunning look, but because it delivers everything dessert lovers dream of — flavor, texture, and presentation.

1. It’s Light but Luxurious

Unlike heavy frosted cakes, this roll cake feels airy and fresh. The soft sponge paired with creamy lemon filling hits that perfect balance between indulgence and refreshment.

2. The Flavor is Sunshine in a Bite

The zesty lemon cream brings brightness and joy to every slice. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced — the kind of flavor that makes you smile after the first bite.

3. It Looks Fancy but is Totally Doable

Sure, it looks like something straight out of a French bakery, but trust me — this cake is much easier to make than it seems. With a few tips (we’ll cover those soon), you’ll roll it like a pro!

4. It’s Versatile

You can customize the filling — try adding raspberries, strawberries, or even a touch of coconut for a tropical twist. This dessert is endlessly adaptable.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something elegant with your tea, this cake never fails to impress.

The Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s an experience. It captures everything we love about lemon desserts: brightness, simplicity, and a hint of nostalgia.


A Brief History of Roll Cakes

Before we dive into ingredients, let’s take a quick peek at where this elegant treat came from.

Roll cakes (also known as Swiss rolls or jelly rolls) have been around for centuries. The earliest known recipe dates back to the 19th century, when bakers in Central Europe started experimenting with thin sponge cakes that could be spread with jam and rolled up.

Over time, this concept spread worldwide and evolved — from the British jelly roll to Japan’s fluffy cream rolls. Each culture added its own twist, but the essence remained the same: a light sponge cake filled and rolled into perfection.

The Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake is a modern take on this timeless dessert — swapping sugary jams for silky lemon cream and plain sponge for a velvety, buttery base. The result? A stunning balance of texture and taste that’s both classic and contemporary.


The Flavor Science: What Makes Lemon Cream So Irresistible

There’s something magical about the combination of lemon and cream. It’s both refreshing and indulgent — the culinary equivalent of a sunny afternoon with a cool breeze. But what makes it work so well?

1. The Bright Acidity of Lemon

Lemons provide a burst of tang that wakes up your taste buds. Their natural acidity balances out sweetness, making desserts taste vibrant rather than cloying.

2. The Smoothness of Cream

The cream adds richness and softness, mellowing the tart lemon flavor and creating that luxurious mouthfeel we love.

3. Sugar as the Mediator

Sugar doesn’t just sweeten — it harmonizes flavors. It softens the tartness of lemon and enhances the velvety texture of the cream.

4. Butter and Vanilla for Depth

A touch of butter and vanilla adds warmth and complexity, transforming simple lemon filling into something truly addictive.

When combined in the perfect ratio, these ingredients form a creamy, dreamy filling that’s light yet rich — exactly what a Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake deserves.


Essential Ingredients for Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake

To achieve that flawless flavor and texture, every ingredient matters. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this masterpiece.

For the Sponge Cake:

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Gives structure without making the cake heavy.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps retain moisture.
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature) – Provide lift, richness, and color.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – Adds a velvety touch.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder – Ensures a gentle rise.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
  • Zest of 1 lemon – Infuses the sponge with citrus aroma.

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream – Whipped for airy texture.
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) – Adds tang and stability.
  • ½ cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought) – The heart of the flavor.
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and smooths the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ cup water

This syrup is brushed over the sponge before adding the filling — it keeps the cake moist and enhances the lemon punch.

For Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Lemon zest curls or thin lemon slices
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Print
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Velvet Lemon Cream Roll Cake – A Zesty Slice of Heaven


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

For the cake:
• 4 eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the filling:
• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream (cold)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease and dust with powdered sugar.
  2. Make the cake: Beat egg yolks and ½ cup sugar until thick and pale. Mix in lemon zest and vanilla.
  3. Sift in flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Fold gently into yolk mixture.
  4. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
  5. Gently fold egg whites into batter—don’t deflate!
  6. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Bake 10–12 minutes, until cake springs back when touched.

Roll while warm:
7. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert cake onto towel. Carefully peel off parchment.
8. Starting from the short end, roll cake up gently in the towel. Let cool completely (this prevents cracks).

Make the filling:
9. Whip cold cream, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until stiff peaks form.
10. Unroll cooled cake, spread with lemon cream, then re-roll without the towel.
11. Chill 1 hour before slicing for clean cuts.

Serve chilled, dusted with powdered sugar or garnished with fresh berries and mint!

💡 Make ahead: Assemble up to one day in advance—store wrapped in the fridge.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 25 mins , Cook Time : 12 mins , Total Time : 2 hrs (includes cooling/chilling) , Servings : 10 slices , Calories : 180 , Net Carbs: 16g , Fats: 11g , Protein: 4g

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