Vanilla Cream Rolls are a delightful dessert that combines the light, airy texture of a sponge cake with the rich, creamy filling of vanilla-flavored cream.
These elegant and versatile treats are perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent afternoon snack. The cake itself is rolled to create a beautiful spiral effect, showcasing the creamy filling inside.
Easy to customize with different flavors and fillings, vanilla cream rolls are a classic dessert that balances sweetness and creaminess, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Whether served simply with powdered sugar or topped with fresh fruit, they’re sure to impress.
INGREDIENTS:
YIELD: 12 cannoncini
For the custard cream (crema pastiera):
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons (30 gr) of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100 gr) of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
8 oz (235 ml) of milk
For the cannoncini:
1 sheet of puff pastry, defrosted (about 8 oz, 225 gr)
1/4 cup (50 gr) of sugar
1 egg (for egg wash)
powdered sugar to decorate
PREPARATION:
Start by preparing the custard cream (crema pastiera):
Warm up the milk until hot (not boiling).
In a medium-sized pan, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla extract, and flour, until light and fluffy.
Add the milk some at a time while whisking, making sure there are no lumps.
Here are some variations and tips for making delightful Vanilla Cream Rolls:
Variations:
For the Roll Cake:
Flour Alternatives:
All-Purpose Flour (Traditional): The standard for a light, fluffy cake.
Cake Flour: For an even softer texture, use cake flour as it has less gluten.
Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the rolls gluten-free without compromising texture.
Flavor Additions:
Lemon or Orange Zest: Add citrus zest to the cake batter for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Mix in a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate vanilla cream roll.
Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
Cake Fillings:
Vanilla Cream (Traditional): A rich and smooth vanilla custard or whipped cream filling is classic.
Fruit Compote: Layer with a fruit compote (such as strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) for added tartness and sweetness.
Nutella or Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, spread Nutella or ganache on the cake before adding the vanilla cream for a decadent twist.
Jam: Use raspberry or apricot jam for a fruity contrast to the vanilla cream.
Cream Options:
Whipped Cream (Traditional): A light and airy filling option.
Pastry Cream: For a more decadent filling, use pastry cream for a custard-like texture.
Mascarpone or Cream Cheese: Mix mascarpone or cream cheese with whipped cream for a rich, tangy alternative.
Buttercream: For a sturdier, sweeter filling, use vanilla buttercream instead of whipped cream.
Toppings and Decorations:
Powdered Sugar (Traditional): Dust the rolls with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra indulgence.
Shredded Coconut or Nuts: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios on top for added texture.
Fresh Fruit: Top the rolls with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing garnish.
For the Roll Shape and Presentation:
Mini Rolls:
Instead of one large roll, divide the batter and cream into smaller portions and create mini rolls for bite-sized treats.
Layered Cake Roll:
Layer multiple cake rolls on top of each other with vanilla cream in between for a multi-layered cake roll.
Tiramisu Roll:
Add coffee or espresso powder to the cake batter and fill with mascarpone whipped cream for a tiramisu-inspired roll.
Swirl Patterns:
Use contrasting flavors in the batter, such as vanilla and chocolate, to create a swirl effect in the roll when sliced.
Tips for Making Perfect Vanilla Cream Rolls:
Prevent Cracking:
Roll While Warm: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, roll it up in a clean towel while it’s still warm to prevent cracking. Let it cool in the rolled shape before unrolling and filling.
Don’t Overbake the Cake:
Bake the cake just until it’s set and springy to the touch. Overbaking can make the cake too dry, leading to cracks when rolling.
Spread the Filling Evenly:
Spread an even layer of cream over the cake, leaving a little space at the edges so the filling doesn’t ooze out when rolled.
Chill the Rolls:
After filling and rolling, chill the roll in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
Use Parchment Paper:
Line your baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake and roll it up without sticking.
Light and Fluffy Cake:
Be gentle when folding the dry ingredients into the batter to avoid deflating it. A light and fluffy batter ensures a soft, pliable cake.
Flavor the Cream:
For added depth, you can flavor the vanilla cream with extracts (such as almond or coconut) or mix in some instant pudding mix to thicken it and intensify the vanilla flavor.
Serve at the Right Temperature:
Serve the rolls chilled or at room temperature, depending on the cream filling.
Whipped cream or pastry cream rolls are best served chilled, while buttercream-filled rolls can be served at room temperature.
Decorate Just Before Serving:
If using whipped cream or other delicate toppings, add them just before serving to maintain their texture and appearance.
Serving Suggestions:
Garnish with Mint: A sprig of fresh mint adds color and a touch of freshness.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: Vanilla cream rolls pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for dessert or afternoon tea.
By incorporating these variations and tips, you can customize your Vanilla Cream Rolls to suit your preferences and make them a standout dessert!