Description
A delightful dessert featuring a light sponge cake filled with creamy lemon goodness and topped with an elegant meringue.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Extra lemon zest (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Beat the eggs and sugar together for 4–5 minutes until pale, thick, and fluffy. Mix in vanilla, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the batter until smooth and airy.
- Spread evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- Roll the cake up with a clean kitchen towel dusted lightly with powdered sugar while warm. Let cool completely.
- Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream cheese in a chilled bowl until thick and fluffy.
- Unroll the cooled lemon sponge cake and spread the creamy filling evenly across the surface. Roll the cake back up tightly and place seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy for the meringue topping. Slowly add sugar while beating until glossy stiff peaks form. Mix in vanilla.
- Pipe or spread the meringue over the top of the Lemon Meringue Swiss Roll Cake in beautiful swirls.
- Toast the meringue with a kitchen torch until golden brown and lightly caramelized.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean swirls and the best texture.
- Serve cold for the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and bright citrus flavor.
Notes
For a refreshing twist, consider adding berries or using different citrus fruits for the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: lemon, dessert, swiss roll, meringue, cake, recipe