Woodland Cake Roll
Get ready to roll into the forest with this enchanting Woodland Cake Log! Layers of soft, fluffy cake spiraled into the perfect log, topped with a rich chocolate buttercream that’s as dreamy as it looks. Decorated with adorable hedgehogs and toadstools, it's a magical treat that’ll make your taste buds dance! Who’s ready to dig into this sweet forest fantasy?
Ingredients
Egg Yolk Mixture:
- 4 egg yolks
- 30g (2 tbsp) fine sugar
- 48g (3 ½ tbsp) vegetable oil
- 40ml (3 tbsp) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 72g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) cake flour
Egg White Mixture:
- 4 egg whites
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 50g (¼ cup) fine sugar
American Chocolate Buttercream (For Decorating the Outside):
- 230g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 400g (3 ½ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 50g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 60ml (¼ cup) heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a 33x33 cm (13x13 inch) flat baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Separate the eggs into two large bowls: one for the yolks and one for the whites.
3. Egg Yolk Mixture:
- Add the sugar to the egg yolks and mix vigorously until creamy and pale.
- Add the vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Sift in the cake flour in batches, gently whisking until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Set aside.
4. Egg White Mixture:
- In the egg whites bowl, add the cream of tartar.
- Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix until foamy. Gradually add the sugar in 3 batches while increasing to high speed until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture in 3 batches, using a circular motion until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the table to remove any air bubbles.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely before slicing into 4 equal horizontal strips.
Assembling the Vertical Cake Roll:
1. Take the first strip and spread a thin layer of frosting or chocolate spread like Nutella.
2. Carefully roll up the strip into a spiral. Wrap the next strip around the rolled-up cake and continue until all strips are used, forming a log. The roll will get thicker and harder to handle as more strips are added.
3. Wrap the cake roll with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to stabilize.
Making the American Chocolate Buttercream:
1. Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes).
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add the heavy cream or milk, vanilla paste, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 3-5 minutes until light, fluffy, and well incorporated.
4. Adjust the consistency if needed: add more cream (1 tbsp at a time) if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Decorating the Vertical Cake Roll:
1. Frost the outside of the cake roll with the chocolate buttercream.
2. Use a star tip to pipe a textured tree bark design. Create grain lines for a realistic wood appearance.
3. Decorate with edible hedgehogs and toadstools to enhance the woodland theme (refer to your Instagram inspiration).
Final Step:
- Refrigerate the cake before serving to set the frosting.
Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Woodland-Themed Vertical Cake Log!