Delia Smith’s Swiss Roll is a light and spongy dessert filled with jam or cream, rolled to perfection. This classic treat is quick to make and requires just a few basic ingredients. It’s perfect for afternoon tea, a dessert table, or as a nostalgic homemade treat for your family.
What is Delia Smith Swiss Roll?
Delia Smith’s Swiss Roll is a traditional sponge cake made by whisking eggs and sugar to create a light texture. The sponge is baked as a thin sheet, spread with a filling like jam or cream, and then rolled up to form a delightful spiral.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Light and fluffy: Perfect for a not-too-heavy dessert.
- Customizable filling: Use your favorite jam, cream, or even chocolate spread.
- Impressive presentation: The rolled spiral looks elegant yet is simple to achieve.
- Great for any occasion: Ideal for tea parties, birthdays, or casual treats.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Plain flour – 75g, sifted, ensures a light sponge.
- Caster sugar – 75g, sweetens the sponge.
- Eggs – 3 large, at room temperature, for structure and fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, adds subtle flavor.
- Jam – 4 tablespoons, your favorite flavor, for the filling.
- Caster sugar – For dusting.
Equipment Needed
- Swiss roll tin (approximately 33x23cm)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Swiss Roll
Step 1: Prepare the Tin
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Grease the Swiss roll tin and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until the mixture is pale, thick, and tripled in volume. This takes about 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the vanilla extract and whisk briefly to combine.
Step 3: Fold in the Flour
- Sift the flour over the egg mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Sponge
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
Step 5: Prepare for Rolling
- While the sponge is baking, place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface and sprinkle it lightly with caster sugar.
- Once the sponge is baked, turn it out onto the sugared parchment paper immediately. Peel off the baking parchment used during baking.
Step 6: Roll the Sponge
- While the sponge is still warm, use the sugared parchment paper to roll it up from the shorter edge, creating a spiral. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape.
Step 7: Add the Filling
- Once cooled, carefully unroll the sponge and spread an even layer of jam over the surface.
- Roll the sponge back up tightly but gently, ensuring the filling stays in place.
Step 8: Serve
- Transfer the Swiss roll to a serving plate and dust with caster sugar before slicing.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Whipped cream: Serve alongside for added richness.
- Fresh berries: Raspberries or strawberries complement the sweetness.
- Custard: Pairs beautifully for a traditional dessert.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzle for indulgence.
- Ice cream: Vanilla or berry flavors work best.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Whisk eggs and sugar well: Ensure the mixture is thick and airy for a light sponge.
- Work quickly: Roll the sponge while it’s warm to prevent cracking.
- Use parchment paper: It helps roll the sponge without sticking.
- Don’t overbake: A dry sponge is harder to roll without cracking.
- Experiment with fillings: Try lemon curd, chocolate spread, or fresh cream for variety.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Chocolate Swiss Roll: Replace 25g of flour with cocoa powder.
- Lemon Swiss Roll: Add lemon zest to the batter and use lemon curd as the filling.
- Berry mix filling: Combine jam with fresh berries for texture.
- Cream-filled roll: Spread whipped cream before adding jam.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour for a coeliac-friendly version.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Refrigerate: Wrap in cling film and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Room temperature: Let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Microwave option: Heat individual slices for 10 seconds if served with custard.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Swiss Roll Healthier?
- Use low-sugar jam for the filling.
- Replace caster sugar with a natural sweetener like honey.
- Opt for whole wheat flour or almond flour for added nutrients.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Swiss Roll is a timeless dessert that’s simple yet elegant. With its light sponge and customizable filling, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Try this recipe to enjoy a slice of nostalgia and impress your family and friends!
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Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and rolling
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Swiss Roll is a traditional sponge cake made by whisking eggs and sugar to create a light texture. The sponge is baked as a thin sheet, spread with a filling like jam or cream, and then rolled up to form a delightful spiral.
Ingredients
- Plain flour – 75g, sifted, ensures a light sponge.
- Caster sugar – 75g, sweetens the sponge.
- Eggs – 3 large, at room temperature, for structure and fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, adds subtle flavor.
- Jam – 4 tablespoons, your favorite flavor, for the filling.
- Caster sugar – For dusting.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tin
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Grease the Swiss roll tin and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until the mixture is pale, thick, and tripled in volume. This takes about 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the vanilla extract and whisk briefly to combine.
Step 3: Fold in the Flour
- Sift the flour over the egg mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Sponge
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
Step 5: Prepare for Rolling
- While the sponge is baking, place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface and sprinkle it lightly with caster sugar.
- Once the sponge is baked, turn it out onto the sugared parchment paper immediately. Peel off the baking parchment used during baking.
Step 6: Roll the Sponge
- While the sponge is still warm, use the sugared parchment paper to roll it up from the shorter edge, creating a spiral. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape.
Step 7: Add the Filling
- Once cooled, carefully unroll the sponge and spread an even layer of jam over the surface.
- Roll the sponge back up tightly but gently, ensuring the filling stays in place.
Step 8: Serve
- Transfer the Swiss roll to a serving plate and dust with caster sugar before slicing.
