Prepare to take your taste buds on an interstellar journey with this stunning Galaxy Cake Roll! This ethereal dessert combines the light, fluffy texture of a classic Swiss roll with the mesmerizing swirls of cosmic colors that mimic the vast beauty of outer space. The contrast between the deep blues, purples, and blacks speckled with edible shimmer against the creamy white filling creates a showstopping dessert that’s surprisingly achievable at home.
Don’t let the spectacular appearance fool you – this Galaxy Cake Roll requires no advanced baking skills or special equipment. With just a few food colorings and a bit of patience, you’ll create a dessert that will have everyone reaching for their phones to capture its celestial beauty before taking that first heavenly bite.
Why You’ll Love This
- Stunning visual impact with minimal decorating skills required
- Light, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling
- Customizable colors to match any space-themed party or event
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated until serving time
- Impressive dessert that takes less than an hour to prepare
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (black, purple, teal, and blue)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (half package)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Black gel food coloring
- Colorful sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust generously with powdered sugar (this prevents sticking when rolling the hot cake).
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a larger bowl, beat eggs on high speed for 3 minutes until pale yellow. Gradually add sugar while beating, then mix in oil, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla. Gently fold in the flour mixture just until incorporated.
- Divide batter equally among 4 bowls. Add different gel food colors to each bowl – purple, blue, teal, and black – and mix until colors are even. Drizzle the colored batters into the prepared pan, alternating colors to create swirls. You can use a toothpick to create additional swirl patterns if desired.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes until cake springs back when touched. Immediately invert hot cake onto the powdered sugar-coated towel. Carefully peel off parchment paper, then roll the cake and towel together starting from a short end. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula until well combined.
- Once cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread filling evenly over cake, leaving about ½ inch border around the edges. Gently roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place seam-side down on a tray. Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.
- Place chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just before boiling, then stir in black food coloring. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let stand 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Place chilled cake roll on a wire rack with a tray underneath. Pour ganache over cake, using a spatula to ensure even coverage. Immediately add sprinkles before ganache sets. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For a more vibrant galaxy effect, add a few drops of white food coloring to brighten the swirls.
- If the cake cracks while rolling, don’t worry! The filling will help hold it together, and a dusting of powdered sugar can hide minor imperfections.
- Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the filling for a subtle flavor variation.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese filling with coconut whipped cream.
- Make mini galaxy rolls by dividing the batter between two smaller pans and cutting each roll in half.
- Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the black portion of the batter for a subtle chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Galaxy Cake Roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of additional whipped cream for a truly celestial dessert experience. For an extra touch of whimsy, add a few fresh berries on the side – blueberries and blackberries continue the cosmic color theme perfectly.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of earl grey tea or a glass of cold milk. For adult gatherings, consider serving alongside a dessert wine or a coffee liqueur for an indulgent after-dinner treat.
Notes
- Store the cake roll in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- The cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking – this trains the cake to hold its shape.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Galaxy Cake Roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this cake roll a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together nicely overnight.
What if I don’t have all the food coloring colors?
You can create a beautiful galaxy effect with just blue and a small amount of black food coloring. Mix them to create various shades, or use what you have on hand – even green can work for a more alien-inspired galaxy!
Why did my cake crack when I rolled it?
Cracks usually happen if the cake is overcooked or rolled when too cool. Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm from the oven, and don’t overbake it.
Can I freeze this cake roll?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
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