If you love desserts that are as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat, then this Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine biting into a fluffy, colorful sponge swirled with vibrant blues, purples, pinks, and blacks that resemble a starry night sky, all wrapped around a luscious, airy whipped cream filling. This cake roll is not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes, perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to dazzle your loved ones with something truly magical and homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe uses simple ingredients that each bring their own special touch to the final masterpiece. The dry ingredients create the perfect light sponge, while the eggs and sugar provide structure and sweetness. Colorful gel food coloring gives the cake its cosmic look, and the whipped cream filling keeps everything delightfully creamy and fresh.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for a tender, yet sturdy cake roll.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises just enough to stay fluffy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Give richness and help with volume when beaten.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor note.
- Gel food coloring (blue, purple, black, pink): Creates the mesmerizing galaxy swirl pattern.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting and keeping the cake from sticking when rolling.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to make a light, fluffy filling.
- Powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the whipped cream filling delicately.
- Vanilla extract (for filling): Infuses the cream with subtle flavor.
- Optional decorations: Edible glitter, galaxy sprinkles, or star-shaped sugar decorations to add extra sparkle and fun.
How to Make Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, lightly greased to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt—this dry mix is what gives your cake its soft yet structured texture. Then, in a separate large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re thick and pale, creating a foundation of airiness. Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla, beating carefully to blend sweetness and fragrance without deflating your eggs. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined to keep the batter light.
Step 2: Create the Galaxy Swirl Effect
Divide the batter evenly into 3 to 4 small bowls, coloring each with different gel food coloring—think blue, purple, black, and pink—to capture the colors of a mesmerizing galaxy. Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly into your prepared pan. Using a toothpick, gently swirl the colors together just a bit to create that classic cosmic look, being careful not to overmix so the distinct colors remain vivid.
Step 3: Bake and Roll the Cake
Bake your swirled masterpiece for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cake springs back when you gently press the center. While it’s still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar, then carefully turn the cake out onto it, peeling away the parchment. To prevent cracks and keep your cake pliable, start rolling it from the short end along with the towel, and let it cool completely in this rolled shape.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling
As the cake cools, whip the heavy cream along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This smooth, sweetened cream will be the perfect light and airy layer inside your cake roll, balancing the visual drama with delicate flavor and texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Galaxy Cake Roll
Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream filling evenly across its surface, being mindful not to tear the delicate sponge. Reroll the cake, this time without the towel, sealing the filling inside. Lay it seam-side down on a serving plate—it’s the perfect canvas for final touches.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Refrigerate your Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cream set. For that show-stopping finish, sprinkle edible glitter, galaxy sprinkles, or star-shaped sugar decorations over the outside, transforming your cake roll into a cosmic dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious.
How to Serve Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy effect that enhances the galaxy theme. To elevate the presentation, edible glitter and star-shaped sugar decorations catch the light beautifully. These tiny details turn a stunning cake into a centerpiece that guests won’t want to stop admiring before digging in.
Side Dishes
Pair this vibrant Galaxy Cake Roll with a light fruit salad featuring berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement its creamy filling. Fresh berries echo the starry theme, while the cold creaminess of ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing your cake roll on a mirror-glass platter to amplify the galaxy vibe, or slice and arrange pieces in a spiral pattern on a large tray for a cosmic effect. You could even serve individual slices with miniature edible stars on top for a whimsical touch that turns dessert time into a magical experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures that the whipped cream filling stays stable and the vibrant colors remain vibrant without drying out the sponge.
Freezing
If you’re making the cake in advance, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw the roll slowly in the fridge overnight to preserve its texture and the integrity of the filling.
Reheating
This cake roll is best enjoyed chilled to highlight the cream filling and soft sponge. Avoid reheating as the whipped cream may melt, but if you prefer your dessert slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe?
Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides richer colors without thinning out the batter, which helps maintain the cake’s structure and vibrant galaxy effect. Regular food coloring may produce more muted colors and a looser batter.
How do I prevent cracks when rolling the cake?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a powdered sugar-dusted towel helps prevent the sponge from cracking. Cooling the cake in the rolled shape allows it to “set” smoothly before adding the filling.
Can I substitute the whipped cream filling with something else?
Absolutely! Buttercream or cream cheese frosting can work as well, but the light whipped cream creates the perfect balance for this fluffy, colorful cake roll. Heavier fillings might overwhelm the delicate sponge.
What is the best way to slice the Galaxy Cake Roll?
Use a sharp serrated knife and slice slowly with a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing the roll or squeezing out the filling. Chilling the roll beforehand also helps maintain its shape while slicing.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! The Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe uses straightforward baking techniques, and with a bit of care in handling the cake, even kitchen beginners can create an impressive dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery.
Final Thoughts
Making the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe is not just baking; it’s creating a showpiece full of fun, color, and delight. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake roll will wow everyone who gets to enjoy it. So grab those bowls and colors, swirl up some magic, and get ready to share a truly cosmic dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat.
Print
Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Galaxy Cake Roll is a visually stunning dessert that combines colorful swirls of vibrant cake tinted with gel food coloring and a light, fluffy whipped cream filling. Perfect for cosmic-themed parties or anyone who loves a playful and elegant treat, the cake is baked in a jelly roll pan, rolled while warm, filled with sweetened whipped cream, and chilled to perfection. Optional edible glitter and star-shaped decorations add an extra touch of galactic magic.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (blue, purple, black, pink)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Edible glitter
- Galaxy sprinkles
- Star-shaped sugar decorations
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the batter.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs on high speed for 5–6 minutes until thick, pale, and tripled in volume. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the flour mixture into the beaten eggs using a spatula until just combined to maintain the airy texture of the batter.
- Color the Batter: Divide the batter evenly into 3–4 small bowls. Tint each portion with different gel food coloring colors such as blue, purple, black, and pink for the galaxy effect.
- Swirl Batter on Pan: Spoon dollops of differently colored batter randomly over the prepared pan. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors gently for a marbled, galaxy appearance.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched and is set.
- Roll the Cake: While still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel liberally with powdered sugar. Turn the cake out onto the towel, peel off parchment paper, and roll the cake up in the towel starting from the short end. Allow it to cool completely rolled.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Filling: Whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form for a stable, fluffy filling.
- Fill and Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake tightly without towel and place seam-side down on a serving plate.
- Chill and Decorate: Refrigerate the cake roll for at least 30 minutes to set. Decorate the outside with edible glitter, galaxy sprinkles, or star-shaped sugar decorations as desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra visual drama, you can coat the outside of the rolled cake with a thin layer of whipped cream or buttercream and recreate the galaxy swirl design using colored icings or edible paints.
- Store the finished cake roll in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and the whipped cream stable.
- Room temperature eggs help achieve maximum volume when beating the batter.
- Be gentle when folding the flour into the eggs to retain fluffiness.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, non-runny colors that won’t affect batter consistency.
