Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to express love than with a homemade dessert as charming as it is delicious? This Patterned Heart Cake Roll is the perfect blend of beauty and flavor. With intricate pink-and-white heart designs, a soft and fluffy sponge cake, and a luscious creamy filling, this dessert is guaranteed to wow your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, family, or friends, this cake roll will add a touch of sweetness to your Valentine’s Day festivities.
Let’s dive into the recipe, step by step, so you can create this masterpiece with confidence.
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Ingredients
Pattern Ingredients:
- 10g egg whites
- 10g powdered sugar
- 10g softened butter
- 10g all-purpose flour
- White and pink gel food coloring
Cake Ingredients:
- 5 egg yolks
- 60g vegetable oil
- 70g milk
- 90g all-purpose flour
- Pink gel food coloring
Meringue Ingredients:
- 5 egg whites
- 75g caster sugar
Filling Ingredients:
- 250ml heavy whipping cream
- 40g granulated sugar
- Fresh raspberries (or other berries of your choice)
- Optional: Pink gel food coloring
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pattern
The first step in creating this eye-catching cake roll is to prepare the decorative pattern.
- Mix the Pattern Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the egg whites, powdered sugar, softened butter, and flour. Mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy batter.
- Add Color: Divide the batter into two portions. Add white gel food coloring to one portion and pink gel food coloring to the other. Mix thoroughly until the colors are vibrant.
- Create the Patterns: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Use piping bags with fine tips to pipe pink and white hearts or other Valentine’s-themed designs onto the parchment paper. Feel free to get creative with flowers, swirls, or any pattern that symbolizes love.
- Refrigerate the Tray: Place the baking tray in the refrigerator for 25-30 minutes. This step helps the patterns set and ensures they hold their shape during baking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
While the pattern is setting, it’s time to prepare the sponge cake batter.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vegetable oil, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture. Gently fold it in until no lumps remain.
- Add Color: Stir in a few drops of pink gel food coloring until the batter reaches your desired shade of pink. For Valentine’s Day, a soft pastel pink or a vibrant rosy hue works beautifully.
- Prepare the Meringue: In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer. Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape.
- Combine: Gently fold the meringue into the pink batter in three batches. Use a spatula to ensure the mixture remains light and airy.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the Batter: Remove the baking tray with the set pattern from the refrigerator. Carefully pour the pink cake batter over the patterned designs. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly, ensuring the batter completely covers the designs.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Bake the cake for 25 minutes or until it springs back when gently pressed.
Step 4: Roll and Cool the Cake
- Flip the Cake: Once baked, carefully flip the cake onto another sheet of parchment paper. Gently peel off the original parchment paper to reveal your beautiful patterns.
- Trim and Pre-Roll: Trim the edges of the cake to create clean lines. Make diagonal cuts at both ends to make rolling easier. While the cake is still warm, pre-roll it (without the filling) using the parchment paper as a guide. This step helps the cake hold its rolled shape later.
- Cool Completely: Unroll the cake and let it cool completely to room temperature.
Step 5: Make the Filling
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. For an extra touch of Valentine’s flair, add a few drops of pink gel food coloring.
- Add Fresh Berries: Gently fold in fresh raspberries or your choice of berries. The tartness of the berries perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake and cream.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake Roll
- Spread the Filling: Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when rolled.
- Roll the Cake: Using the parchment paper as a guide, gently roll the cake back up with the filling inside. Take your time to ensure the roll is tight and even.
- Refrigerate: Wrap the rolled cake in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the cake to set and makes slicing easier.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Slice: Using a sharp knife, slice the cake into even pieces. Wipe the knife between cuts to maintain clean edges.
- Garnish: For an extra-special touch, garnish the slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh raspberry, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Enjoy: Serve this stunning cake roll to your loved ones and watch their faces light up with delight.
Tips for Success
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring produces vibrant hues without altering the consistency of the batter or filling.
- Work Quickly with the Meringue: To maintain the airy texture of the batter, fold the meringue into the yolk mixture gently and swiftly.
- Chill the Cake Roll: Patience is key! Refrigerating the cake roll helps it hold its shape and makes slicing easier.
- Experiment with Patterns: Don’t limit yourself to hearts—try roses, swirls, or even personalized messages for a unique twist.
Why This Cake Roll is Perfect for Valentine’s Day
The Patterned Heart Cake Roll isn’t just a dessert; it’s a work of art that speaks volumes of love and care. Its intricate patterns and delightful flavors make it a show-stopping centerpiece for any Valentine’s celebration. Plus, the combination of fluffy sponge cake, creamy filling, and fresh berries ensures it tastes as amazing as it looks.
Make this beautiful treat for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day and let them know just how much they mean to you. Happy baking!