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If you’ve ever wished to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky on your dessert plate, this Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe is your dream come true. Imagine a tender, rich chocolate cake swirled with vibrant purples, blues, and blacks, resembling a cosmic swirl of stars and nebulae, perfectly complemented by a luxuriously smooth cream cheese filling. This stunning rolled cake is not just a feast for the eyes but a delight to your taste buds, blending simple ingredients into a masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy gathering, this recipe promises a magical touch to your dessert table that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from creating the perfect tender crumb of the cake to delivering the creamy, dreamy filling that ties everything together. Let’s break down these essentials so you can appreciate how each one contributes to this captivating dessert.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds the roll together while keeping it tender and pliable.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a rich base for the galaxy colors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle rise to keep the cake light and fluffy, perfect for rolling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature): The eggs are key for that airy, sponge-like texture and the body of the cake.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create the cake’s tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that enriches the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adds a touch of creaminess to the batter.
- Gel food coloring in purple, blue, and black: Essential for achieving those stunning galaxy hues without thinning the batter.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates a luscious, fluffy filling that balances the chocolate perfectly.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently for a smooth taste.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds tang and richness, making the filling irresistibly creamy.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): A subtle flavor boost to enhance the cream cheese filling.
- Edible shimmer dust (optional): A sparkling finishing touch that makes your Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe truly celestial.
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 — this ensures easy removal and a neat cake surface. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy — this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is crucial for a light cake.
Step 2: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Next, gently fold in the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and milk into the egg mixture. This blend keeps the cake moist and flavorful without deflating it. Once combined, carefully fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Be gentle here to maintain the batter’s airy texture, ensuring your cake won’t be dense or tough, perfect for rolling later.
Step 3: Create the Galaxy Colors
Divide small portions of the batter into separate bowls and tint each with gel food coloring—purple, blue, and black—to capture the vivid space vibe. Using a spoon, dollop these colored batters onto the parchment paper in random patches. With a toothpick, swirl them lightly to mimic the mesmerizing patterns of a galaxy. This step is where your creativity shines, so have fun designing your cosmic canvas!
Step 4: Spread the Chocolate Base and Bake
Carefully spread the remaining plain chocolate batter evenly over the colorful swirls, covering them completely but not mixing them up. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back gently to the touch, signaling perfect sponge consistency—soft, moist, and pliable for rolling.
Step 5: Roll the Cake While Warm
As soon as the cake is out of the oven, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. Peel off the parchment paper carefully, then roll the cake up inside the towel from the short end. Rolling while warm keeps the cake flexible and prevents cracks later. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape, setting the stage for a flawless finish.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Filling
For the filling, whip together the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract until you see stiff, billowy peaks form. This luscious filling will contrast beautifully with the chocolatey cake, providing a dreamy texture and balanced sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Assemble and Chill
Gently unroll your cooled cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, and then roll it back up carefully—this time without the towel. Chill the assembled galaxy cake roll in the fridge for at least one hour to firm up and make slicing neat and easy. Before serving, lightly dust with edible shimmer dust to give it an ethereal, sparkling finish that dazzles.
How to Serve Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe to a show-stopping centerpiece. Fresh edible flowers or a sprinkling of crushed freeze-dried berries add a pop of natural color and texture, perfectly complementing the cosmic look. A drizzle of dark chocolate or a scattering of mini white chocolate stars can also mimic twinkling stars and add extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides simple so the star of the show shines bright. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream pairs wonderfully with this rich roll. For a lighter option, fresh slices of seasonal fruits like kiwi, berries, or mango bring freshness that balances the richness of the filling and chocolate cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun with this Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe. Slice into generous spirals and serve on a sleek black plate to highlight the vibrant colors. You can also place slices on a mirrored tray to reflect the shimmer dust, doubling the cosmic effect. For a party, serve the cake roll in individual clear cups or jars layered with extra whipped cream and star-shaped sprinkles for a portable galaxy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the filling from absorbing other fridge odors. This makes it a convenient make-ahead dessert for busy schedules or unexpected guests.
Freezing
To freeze your Galaxy Cake Roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect the delicate swirls and filling. It can be frozen for up to one month without significant loss in texture or flavor. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. However, if you want to serve it slightly softer, leave it at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This brings out the flavors and makes cutting easier without compromising the cream filling.
FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel for the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe?
Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides vibrant colors without thinning the batter. Liquid colors can make the batter runnier and affect the cake’s texture, so stick with gel for the best galaxy effect.
What if my cake cracks when rolling?
Rolling the cake while it is still warm is key to preventing cracks. If your cake cracks, try rolling it gently and tightly with the towel the moment it comes out of the oven. If cracks occur after cooling, a thin layer of filling can help conceal minor imperfections.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
While this recipe isn’t designed for vegan or dairy-free diets, you can experiment with plant-based alternatives for milk, cream, and cream cheese. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may vary, and adjustments might be needed for the batter consistency.
How do I get clean slices when serving?
Use a sharp serrated knife and chill the cake well before slicing. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps maintain clean, photogenic slices that show off the beautiful galaxy swirl inside.
Is the edible shimmer dust necessary?
The shimmer dust is optional but highly recommended to add an extra sparkle that truly brings the galaxy theme to life. It’s a small detail that makes a big impression, especially for festive occasions.
Final Thoughts
This Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a little adventure for your kitchen and a dazzling surprise for your guests. With its playful colors, comforting chocolate, and creamy filling, it’s a dessert that combines art and flavor effortlessly. Grab your gel colors, whip up the batter, and get ready to create your own edible cosmos you’ll be proud to share again and again.
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Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Galaxy Cake Roll is a visually stunning and delicious chocolate Swiss roll inspired by the cosmic colors of a galaxy. This rolled dessert features a soft cocoa sponge cake swirled with vibrant purple, blue, and black hues using gel food coloring. Filled with a creamy mixture of whipped cream and cream cheese, it’s perfect for parties or special occasions. The cake is baked to perfection, rolled warm to prevent cracks, then chilled before slicing for clean, impressive layers.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons milk
Coloring
- Gel food coloring in purple, blue, and black
Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decoration
- Edible shimmer dust
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring it’s well covered for easy cake roll removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the 4 large eggs and 3/4 cup granulated sugar using a mixer on high speed until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Flavor and Liquids: Incorporate the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and milk into the egg mixture, folding gently to blend.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet egg batter until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Create Galaxy Colors: Divide small portions of batter into separate bowls and tint them with gel food coloring in purple, blue, and black shades. Use gel colors to maintain batter consistency and vibrant hues.
- Design the Cake Pattern: Randomly dollop and spread the colored batters onto the parchment paper in a swirling galaxy pattern. Lightly swirl with a toothpick for a marbled effect, ensuring the colors blend beautifully but don’t overmix.
- Add Remaining Batter: Carefully spread the remaining plain chocolate batter evenly over the colored batter base, covering the entire pan surface.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Roll the Cake While Warm: Immediately invert the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel from the short end to shape it, which helps prevent cracks. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled form.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form, creating a smooth and fluffy filling.
- Fill and Re-Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface, then gently roll it back up without the towel.
- Chill: Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set and allow for easier slicing.
- Serve: Before serving, dust lightly with edible shimmer dust if desired, enhancing the galaxy appearance.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to keep the batter consistency thick and maintain vibrant galaxy tones.
- Roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracking and ensure easier shaping.
- Chill the roll thoroughly before slicing to achieve clean, neat slices without tearing.
- Store the cake refrigerated in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
