Cake rolls

[sweetkymom]

What is everyone's secret to rolling up cakes as in a pumpkin roll or red velvet cake roll? I've tried rolling up two rolls now and both split while rolling! Do I need to let them set out of the oven for a set amount of time before I try rolling one up with my towel? Argh! I'm frustrated!

 

[monkeyboots]

I feel your pain! I tried to make that pumpkin roll one year for Thanksgiving and ended up in tears.
BH&G has tips, but I won't be trying again. http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/bake/how-to-make-a-cake-roll/

 

[NThomas]

Have you tried using tha parchment paper to help you roll the cake? You use the same way you wold a sushi mat.

 

[Joanna]

I was looking for an answer to this as well as I'd like to attempt another roll cake for Christmas this year. Last year I created a practice roll – under the supervision of my mum - that went pretty well, and then I was given full responsibility to make the cake myself in time for the party. It ended up cracking and falling to pieces so I slopped tonnes of chocolate on top to try and neaten it up. Oh well, nobody complained about the taste .

The recipe I followed seemed to suggest using parchment and rolling it up while it was still warm. Then letting it cool, before unrolling and adding the filling. It might have been a problem with the mixture I used as well.

 

[Tina Nord]

I would say to roll it when it is still warm also. Warm cake does not split nearly as easy as cool cake. I have never tried to make a cake roll before, but I do know that it is more workable when it is still steamy.

 

[PattyCakes]

I found this to be good when I made my first swiss roll a few weeks ago:

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/technique/how-roll-swiss-roll

The tip about scoring the sponge at the end before you roll was probably the best piece of advice - it really does help to prevent cracking, and gets your roll off to a good start.

 

[Danyel72]

When I have to roll any kind of a cake, I always roll it when it's still warm and I use either parchment paper or wax paper. Either will work just fine. Remember though, it is quite hard to do and can be a bit frustrating at times but don't give up. You will eventually get it to come out perfectly!!

Hope this helps,
Danyel