If you have ever dreamed of tasting a dessert that looks as if it was plucked straight from the cosmos, then you are going to adore this Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe. This delightful treat combines colorful swirls of purple, blue, pink, and black in a light and fluffy cake, rolled around a luscious marshmallow buttercream filling. Every bite is a celebration of texture and flavor, with an enchanting appearance that makes it perfect for impressing guests or brightening up any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you. These ingredients are simple, yet each one brings something essential to this vibrant and creamy Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe. From the eggs that provide structure and airiness, to the gel food coloring that paints the galaxy effect, every component plays a crucial role.
- 4 large eggs at room temperature: Eggs create the airy sponge texture that makes this roll light and fluffy.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to stabilize the beaten eggs.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Moisturizes the batter for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the cake providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift to ensure the cake is light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Gel food coloring in purple, blue, pink, and black: Essential for creating the vibrant galaxy swirls without watering down the batter.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Base for the creamy filling, giving richness and smoothness.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for the perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling: Infuses the buttercream with fragrant sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Lightens and smooths the filling texture.
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff: Adds a fluffy, cloud-like texture and subtle sweetness to the buttercream.
- Edible silver stars or sprinkles (optional): Adds a magical finishing touch to mimic distant stars in the galaxy.
How to Make Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, lightly greased for easy release. This foundational step ensures your cake will bake evenly and not stick—key for that perfect roll.
Step 2: Mixing the Egg Base
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture balloons into a pale, fluffy cloud. This aeration is what will give your Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe its light, tender crumb.
Step 3: Adding Flavor and Moisture
Gently mix in the vanilla extract and whole milk. These ingredients infuse flavor and moisture, preparing the base to welcome the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Then carefully fold this mixture into your egg base, taking care not to deflate the batter. This keeps the texture delightfully soft.
Step 5: Coloring the Batter
Divide the batter evenly into four small bowls, and tint each with one of the gel colors: purple, blue, pink, and black. Using gel colors avoids thinning the batter and creates vibrant shades needed for that cosmic look.
Step 6: Creating the Galaxy Swirl
Spoon small dollops of each colored batter randomly into your prepared pan. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors just enough to create a stunning galaxy pattern, but be careful not to over swirl – you want the colors distinct and mesmerizing.
Step 7: Baking and Rolling the Cake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cake springs back lightly when touched. While it bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Once out of the oven, immediately invert the warm cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment with care, and roll the cake up with the towel inside to cool completely. This rolling step is crucial to prevent cracks and help the cake retain its shape.
Step 8: Preparing the Filling
Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and marshmallow fluff, beating until the filling is smooth and fluffy—this will lend a dreamy texture that complements the sponge beautifully.
Step 9: Assembling the Cake Roll
Once completely cooled, carefully unroll the cake and spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border. Then gently roll it back up, seam side down, and chill for at least one hour to set the shape and flavors.
How to Serve Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
The enchanting part of serving this cake is adding the final touches. Sprinkle edible silver stars or shiny sprinkles on top to mimic twinkling galaxies. Not only does this add visual drama, but it also enhances the overall cosmos theme for an unforgettable presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to mellow the flavorful richness. Fresh berries also make excellent companions, providing a burst of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the roll into star shapes with tiny cookie cutters for a fun twist, or serve individual slices on plates dusted lightly with edible glitter for extra sparkle. For special occasions, place the slices alongside other space-themed treats to create a themed dessert platter that will wow everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, you can store the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the cake from drying out.
Freezing
This cake roll can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
If you prefer serving the cake slightly warmer, bring it to room temperature first after refrigeration. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the filling and disturb the lovely swirl pattern. Patience rewards you with perfect slices every time!
FAQs
Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?
While you can, gel food coloring is strongly recommended for the Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe because it provides vibrant color without thinning the batter, ensuring distinct galaxy swirls.
What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff for the filling?
You can substitute marshmallow fluff with an equal amount of softened cream cheese or additional whipped cream, although the flavor and texture will slightly differ from the original.
How do I avoid cracking when rolling the cake?
Rolling the cake while it is still warm with the towel inside helps prevent cracking. If cracks appear, a light brush of simple syrup on the cake before filling can add moisture and flexibility.
Can this cake roll be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can enjoy this galaxy delight without gluten, though texture may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to chill the cake after assembly?
Chilling helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner, so it is highly recommended for the best presentation and taste in your Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe is not just a dessert but an experience—a slice of the night sky on your plate that tastes just as incredible as it looks. I can’t wait for you to try making it and watch the delighted faces of your friends and family when you reveal this colorful masterpiece. Dive into the fun, get creative with the swirls, and most importantly, enjoy every sweet bite!
Print
Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Galaxy Cake Roll is a stunning, colorful dessert featuring a light and fluffy Swiss roll cake swirled with vibrant purple, blue, pink, and black hues to mimic a galaxy. Filled with a creamy marshmallow buttercream frosting and decorated with edible silver stars, this cake roll is perfect for parties and special occasions. It’s baked to a tender crumb and rolled to create a beautiful swirl effect that captures the wonder of outer space.
Ingredients
Cake
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gel food coloring in purple, blue, pink, and black
Filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
Decoration
- Edible silver stars or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and fluffy, which helps create a light texture.
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Mix in the vanilla extract and whole milk until combined smoothly with the egg mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution before folding it into the wet ingredients.
- Combine Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Color Batter: Divide the batter evenly into four small bowls. Tint each bowl with a different gel food coloring: purple, blue, pink, and black.
- Create Galaxy Pattern: Spoon small dollops of each colored batter randomly into the prepared pan. Using a toothpick, gently swirl the colors together to create a marbled galaxy effect, but avoid over-swapping to maintain distinct colors.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare for Rolling: While the cake bakes, lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Invert and Roll Cake: Immediately after baking, invert the warm cake onto the sugared towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, roll the cake up inside the towel. Let it cool completely rolled up to help it keep its shape without cracking.
- Make Filling: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and marshmallow fluff. Beat the mixture until smooth and fluffy for a perfect spreading consistency.
- Fill and Roll Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border on the edges. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel and place it seam side down on a serving plate.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake roll for at least 1 hour to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
- Decorate and Serve: Before serving, garnish with edible silver stars or sprinkles if desired to enhance the galaxy theme. Slice into 10 pieces and enjoy.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant and intense galaxy colors.
- Avoid over swirling the batter to keep the distinct colors of the galaxy pattern intact.
- Store the cake roll in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the almond milk is at room temperature to maintain batter consistency if substituted.
