This Easter Swiss Roll is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of spring on your plate. With its pastel tones, fluffy sponge cake, and sweet whipped cream filling swirled with berry jam, this roll cake brings color and charm to any Easter gathering. It’s light yet satisfying, festive yet simple enough to make at home, even if you’re new to baking.
What makes this dessert stand out is how versatile it is—dress it up with Easter-themed sprinkles or leave it minimalist with a dusting of powdered sugar. Either way, it becomes a showstopper that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. Its playful swirl and light texture make it the perfect centerpiece for an Easter brunch or afternoon tea with family and friends.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 large eggs
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup strawberry or raspberry jam
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Assorted Easter-themed sprinkles or pastel candy decorations (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs for about 5 minutes until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract while beating.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
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Dust a clean kitchen towel with confectioners’ sugar. Invert the warm cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up in the towel starting from the short side. Let it cool completely.
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In a bowl, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
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Carefully unroll the cake, spread with jam followed by whipped cream. Re-roll the cake (without the towel) and place seam-side down.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with Easter sprinkles or candy if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling & chilling)
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 8 slices
A Festive Treat for Spring Celebrations
The Easter Swiss Roll is a whimsical, light, and celebratory dessert that has quickly become a beloved favorite for springtime gatherings. With its soft sponge texture, colorful swirls, and a creamy filling made from whipped cream and jam, this delightful cake is both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. Inspired by the traditional jelly roll cake, the Easter Swiss Roll brings in the joyful spirit of the season through vibrant pastel tones and playful garnishes like Easter-themed sprinkles and candy.
Unlike heavy cakes or dense desserts, this roll offers a fluffy, cloud-like sponge that melts in the mouth and contrasts beautifully with the smooth richness of the filling. Whether you serve it as part of an Easter brunch, a springtime tea party, or simply as a sweet finale to a meal, this cake delivers both flavor and festivity in every slice.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Skill Level
What makes the Easter Swiss Roll so appealing isn’t just its beautiful appearance but also its accessibility. While it may look like a bakery-worthy masterpiece, the technique behind it is surprisingly straightforward. Home bakers of all skill levels can achieve professional-looking results with some care and patience. From the rolling technique to the decorative finish, every step allows for creativity and personal flair, which is why this cake is not only delicious but also fun to make.
Children can join in the decorating process—whether it’s helping to sprinkle candies on top or assisting with the whipped cream layer. This makes the Easter Swiss Roll a fantastic family baking project, turning holiday preparation into a bonding moment that’s just as rewarding as the dessert itself.
A Dessert That Embodies Spring
One of the most endearing qualities of the Easter Swiss Roll is how well it captures the essence of spring. The airy sponge, pastel hues, and light cream filling all echo the season’s sense of renewal, warmth, and celebration. It’s the kind of dessert that looks as good on the table as it tastes on the tongue.
Visually, the cake can be customized to match your holiday theme. You can use yellow, pink, green, or purple for the sponge or decorations, depending on your Easter palette. The filling can be flavored with strawberry, raspberry, or even lemon curd for a citrus twist. With the right styling, this cake becomes a stunning centerpiece that sparks conversation and compliments.
Healthier and Lighter Than Traditional Cakes
Compared to traditional frosted cakes or rich pastries, the Easter Swiss Roll offers a lighter alternative. The sponge is made without butter, relying instead on whipped eggs for its volume and softness. The filling, composed mainly of whipped cream and jam, can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs—substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option or use low-sugar fruit preserves to reduce sweetness.
It’s a great option for those who want a dessert that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. The thin layers of sponge and cream make it easy to portion and enjoy without the heaviness of denser desserts. It’s a refreshing end to a rich meal, which is perfect for the often-hearty spreads served during Easter.
Ideal for Entertaining and Sharing
Presentation plays a big role in entertaining, and the Easter Swiss Roll never disappoints. Its spiral design, visible when sliced, creates a striking pattern that looks elegant on any dessert plate. Because the roll is made ahead of time and chilled, it’s also incredibly convenient for hosts. It can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on other meal elements on the day of your celebration.
This dessert travels well too, which makes it an excellent choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or church functions. Just wrap it in plastic and store it in the fridge until serving time—no need for last-minute fussing or assembly. It’s a showpiece that takes the stress out of dessert planning.
Endless Room for Creativity
While the traditional recipe features whipped cream and jam, the filling combinations are endless. Try chocolate ganache and strawberries for a richer twist, or add crushed nuts for texture. Some variations include cream cheese frosting, lemon curd, or mascarpone mixed with powdered sugar. You can even tint the whipped cream with food coloring for a fun gradient effect when the cake is sliced.
Decorating the outside of the roll is equally open-ended. Powdered sugar is the simplest finish, but you can take it further with a white chocolate drizzle, edible flowers, sugared berries, or themed toppers like mini chocolate eggs or marshmallow chicks. The Easter Swiss Roll can be as minimalist or extravagant as you wish—either way, it delivers.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The Easter Swiss Roll stands out because it combines flavor, fun, and visual appeal in one tidy package. Its fluffy sponge and creamy interior strike a harmonious balance, while its pastel colors bring a playful energy to your dessert table. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and brings a joyful, nostalgic quality that reminds many people of springtime traditions and childhood holidays.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just experimenting with festive treats, this recipe offers enough flexibility and reward to keep you coming back every year. It doesn’t require expensive ingredients or tools—just some basic kitchen staples, creativity, and the desire to spread a little sweetness this Easter season.
Conclusion
The Easter Swiss Roll is more than just a cake—it’s a cheerful symbol of celebration, family, and spring renewal. With its light-as-air sponge, luscious cream filling, and eye-catching swirl, it embodies everything we love about Easter desserts: flavor, beauty, and fun. This cake is a delightful way to mark the season, turning ordinary ingredients into something truly special.
Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, surprising your kids with a holiday treat, or just indulging your own sweet tooth, this Swiss roll offers a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. Its make-ahead nature, crowd-pleasing taste, and Instagram-worthy appearance make it a must-try for your spring baking list. Add it to your Easter tradition, and let it bring color, joy, and deliciousness to your celebration year after year.