If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting a slice of the cosmos, the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe is your ticket to a deliciously colorful adventure. This whimsical dessert dazzles with vibrant swirls of blue, purple, pink, and black, mimicking the starry night sky while offering a light, fluffy texture and a luscious whipped cream filling. Perfect for celebrations or simply to brighten up your day, this cake roll combines creativity with simplicity, making it a fun project to enjoy in the kitchen and a stunning treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture, vibrant color, and rich flavor that make this dessert truly out of this world.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and airy lightness to the cake base.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Offers moisture and richness, ensuring the cake stays soft.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle rise for fluffiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Gel food coloring in blue, purple, pink, and black: Key for creating the swirling galaxy effect with vibrant, bold colors.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Prevents sticking when rolling and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection for the luscious, creamy filling.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the whipped cream’s flavor and aroma.
- Edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles (optional): Adds a celestial sparkle to your cake’s final presentation.
How to Make Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Beat the Eggs
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to create the perfect non-stick surface for your cake. Then, in a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature eggs on high speed with an electric mixer for 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the eggs are thick, pale, and fluffy, setting the stage for a beautifully airy cake sponge.
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor Your Batter
Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract into your beaten eggs, beating continuously until the mixture is fully combined and glossy. This step ensures your cake will have just the right balance of sweetness and that irresistible vanilla aroma that everyone will love.
Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk and vegetable oil. Slowly fold this mixture into the egg and sugar batter to keep your batter light but moist, which makes for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the finished cake.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Divide the Batter
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt before gently folding them into your wet ingredients. Remember to fold carefully; you want just enough mixing to combine everything without deflating the fluffy eggs. Then, divide the batter evenly into four smaller bowls, ready to turn into your marvelous galaxy colors.
Step 5: Color and Swirl Your Galaxy
Add blue, purple, pink, and black gel food coloring to each bowl for those iconic space hues. Drop spoonfuls of each color randomly onto your prepared pan, then swirl them gently with a skewer or knife to create that mesmerizing galaxy pattern. Be gentle here—over-swirl and the colors might muddle instead of shine.
Step 6: Bake and Roll the Cake
Smooth the batter surface and tap the pan lightly to release any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes until the cake springs back lightly when touched. While baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar; this will help when rolling the cake later. Once out of the oven, immediately turn the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and roll it up gently from the short side. This helps the cake keep its shape and prevents cracks once cooled.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Filling and Re-roll
Chill a mixing bowl, then whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form—this luscious filling adds the creamy contrast your galaxy roll needs. Once the cake has cooled completely, unroll it gently, spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface, and then roll it back up tightly. Chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the roll to firm up for easy slicing.
How to Serve Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the cosmic vibe by sprinkling edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles on top for a little shimmer. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of “stardust,” making each slice appear as if it’s been plucked from the night sky.
Side Dishes
Pair your Galaxy Cake Roll with a simple fresh berry salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The freshness and creaminess will balance perfectly with the sweet, fluffy cake and rich whipped cream, turning your dessert experience into a true celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake roll thin to showcase the swirling galaxy pattern in every bite. Serve it on dark-colored plates to make those vibrant colors pop, or plate alongside small edible flowers or mint leaves to add an extra layer of elegance and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Galaxy Cake Roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a little cosmic sweetness a bit longer.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Galaxy Cake Roll fresh for a longer period, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It’s best consumed within 1 month to enjoy maximum flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This cake roll is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as the delicate whipped cream filling may melt and affect the cake’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
While regular food coloring can work, gel food coloring is preferred because it provides more vibrant colors without altering the batter’s consistency. Using gel ensures those beautiful galaxy swirls stay bold and bright.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A jelly roll pan is ideal because of its shallow sides and size, but you can use a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper as a substitute. Just make sure it has similar dimensions (about 10×15 inches) for the cake to bake evenly and roll easily.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a non-dairy whipping cream alternative to maintain the luscious filling. The texture and taste might differ slightly but will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to roll the cake while it’s warm?
Yes! Rolling the cake in a powdered sugar-dusted towel immediately after baking helps the cake “memorize” the rolled shape, preventing cracks when you fill and re-roll it once cooled.
Can I use a different filling than whipped cream?
Definitely. Cream cheese frosting or mascarpone cream make delicious alternatives that add tang and richness. Just make sure the filling isn’t too heavy, or it might weigh down the delicate cake roll.
Final Thoughts
Making the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe is like bringing a piece of the universe right into your kitchen, filled with vibrant colors and irresistible flavors. It’s the perfect balance of fun, creativity, and indulgence that makes dessert time extra special. I can’t wait for you to try it and marvel at both the process and the beautiful results—you’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share a slice of your cosmic creation!
Print
Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Galaxy Cake Roll is a vibrant and visually stunning dessert featuring a swirled galaxy pattern created with colorful gel food coloring. It consists of a light, fluffy sponge cake rolled with a smooth and creamy whipped cream filling, decorated with edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles for a cosmic touch. Perfect for celebrations or a fun treat, this dessert combines a soft texture with a sweet, creamy finish.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gel food coloring in blue, purple, pink, and black
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Whipped Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration (Optional)
- Edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for 4–5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and pale. Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and vegetable oil, then fold this mixture into the eggs. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, gently folding everything together until just combined.
- Create Galaxy Pattern: Divide the batter evenly into four separate bowls. Tint each bowl with a different gel food coloring: blue, purple, pink, and black. Spoon drops of each colored batter randomly into the prepared baking pan. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the colors together to create a galaxy pattern, being careful not to overmix and blend the colors too much. Smooth the top of the batter and tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the batter in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. While the cake bakes, lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
- Roll the Cake: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, turn it out onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up gently in the towel from the short side to prevent cracking. Let the cake roll cool completely while wrapped.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Take care not to overwhip.
- Assemble the Cake Roll: Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface, then carefully re-roll the cake without the towel.
- Chill and Decorate: Chill the assembled cake roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set. Before serving, decorate the outside with edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles to enhance the galaxy effect.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to achieve the brightest and most vibrant galaxy colors.
- Avoid overmixing the batter when folding in flour and when swirling colors, to maintain distinct and vivid swirls.
- Chill the cake roll before slicing to achieve cleaner, neater slices.
- For a tangier option, substitute the whipped cream filling with a cream cheese-based filling.
