A Galaxy Cake Roll is not just a dessert; it’s an edible work of art that marries a fluffy, tender sponge with swirls of cosmic colors and a dreamy whipped cream filling. Each slice reveals a mesmerizing pattern—deep blues, vivid purples, and flashes of pink—making every bite a journey across the stars. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a themed party, or just want to delight your family, the Galaxy Cake Roll transforms an ordinary day into something extraordinary with its stunning appearance and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Galaxy Cake Roll is that it uses simple pantry staples, but each ingredient brings something magical to the table. From the eggs that create that pillowy texture to the food coloring that gives the cake its extraordinary galaxy effect, every component plays a crucial role.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, this gives structure without being too dense.
- Baking powder: Just a teaspoon helps the cake rise into a springy, airy layer.
- Salt: A little goes a long way to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Eggs (room temperature): Beaten until pale and thick—this is the key to that beautifully light texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the sponge perfectly and contributes to the golden color.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and classic cake aroma.
- Gel food coloring (blue, purple, black, pink): Gel colors deliver vivid, blendable shades for those dreamy galaxy swirls.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Prevents sticking and adds a touch of sweetness to the rolled cake.
- Heavy whipping cream: The base for a fluffy, rich filling that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake.
- Powdered sugar (for filling): Makes the whipped cream cloudlike and just sweet enough.
- Vanilla extract (for filling): Layers in a mellow, lovely flavor to the creamy center.
- Edible glitter, galaxy sprinkles, star-shaped sugar decorations (optional): For those who want their Galaxy Cake Roll to truly shine and sparkle.
How to Make Galaxy Cake Roll
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by setting yourself up for success: preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Grease it just a touch—this makes rolling up the cake later a breeze, and ensures your Galaxy Cake Roll doesn’t stick or tear.
Step 2: Create the Batter
In a small bowl, give the flour, baking powder, and salt a quick whisk—this helps distribute everything evenly. Meanwhile, whip the eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re looking for volume and a lovely pale yellow color. Slowly beat in the sugar and vanilla, making sure it’s all luscious and light. Gently fold those dry ingredients into your egg mixture, stopping as soon as they’re combined—overmixing can toughen the cake.
Step 3: Color the Galaxy
Now comes the fun part. Divide your batter into three or four bowls, and tint each one with your chosen gel food colors—blues, purples, black, and pinks work beautifully. Drop random spoonfuls of each color into your prepared pan, then swirl everything together with a toothpick. There’s no wrong way; just let your inner artist loose to create that stellar galaxy effect for your Galaxy Cake Roll.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for a gently golden surface. The cake is done when it springs back lightly under your touch. You want to avoid overbaking to keep that delicate, rollable texture.
Step 5: Roll While Warm
While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar and flip the cake onto it, peeling off the parchment paper gently. Immediately roll the cake up in the towel, starting from the short end. This step locks in the spiral and helps prevent cracks in your Galaxy Cake Roll later on. Let it cool completely in its rolled state.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Filling
As your cake cools, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. It should look glossy and hold its shape—this will be the pillowy core to your galaxy masterpiece.
Step 7: Fill and Re-Roll
Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly all over its surface, right to the edges. Then, with a steady but gentle touch, re-roll the cake (this time without the towel), and set it seam-side down on a serving platter.
Step 8: Chill and Decorate
Let your Galaxy Cake Roll chill for at least 30 minutes; chilling helps the cake set and makes clean slicing easier. For the grand finale, dust on edible glitter, scatter galaxy-themed sprinkles, or place star-shaped sugar decorations atop your cake roll to channel true celestial vibes.
How to Serve Galaxy Cake Roll
Garnishes
For that truly out-of-this-world presentation, crown your Galaxy Cake Roll with a sprinkle of edible glitter and a smattering of galaxy-inspired sprinkles. Star-shaped sugar pieces add a twinkling effect that’s impossible to resist and will make your dessert table the talk of the universe.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of Galaxy Cake Roll with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a raspberry coulis for a little brightness alongside the creamy, cloud-like filling. Even a handful of fresh berries or a glass of chilled milk make lovely, simple companions, letting those cosmic colors really pop.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Galaxy Cake Roll into a showstopper by slicing it into individual servings and plating each on a dark plate to highlight the vibrant swirls. For special occasions, make a mini galaxy dessert platter with whipped cream stars, edible pearls, and little meringue kisses. If you’re feeling extra fancy, mirror the outer galaxy pattern by coating the outside with a thin layer of whipped cream and swirling more food coloring for a bold, cosmic shell.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Galaxy Cake Roll at its freshest by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped cream filling means this cake does best chilled, and you’ll find it stays delightfully moist for up to 3 days. If you’re prepping ahead, decorate just before serving for the brightest colors and shiniest effect.
Freezing
If you need to make your Galaxy Cake Roll even further in advance, freeze it (without decorations) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then decorate before serving to keep those galaxy details sharp and show-stopping.
Reheating
Because this cake is filled with whipped cream, it isn’t meant for reheating. Instead, serve slices chilled right from the fridge. If you’ve frozen your cake roll, let it come to refrigerator temperature slowly for the best texture—any attempts to speed things up in the microwave will melt your beautiful filling.
FAQs
My cake cracked when rolling—can I still serve it?
Absolutely! Small cracks are common and easily camouflaged with extra whipped cream or a flamboyant sprinkling of decorations. The beauty and flavor of your Galaxy Cake Roll will still win everyone over, cracks or not.
Do I need special gel food coloring for the galaxy effect?
Gel food coloring is highly recommended because it gives you vivid, concentrated colors without watering down the batter. Liquid food coloring can produce more pastel results and may alter the cake’s texture, so stick with gels for the boldest, most cosmic swirls.
Can I use a different filling instead of whipped cream?
Of course! While fluffy whipped cream is classic, you can try sweetened cream cheese, chocolate mousse, or even a thin layer of buttercream. Just make sure your filling is spreadable and sturdy enough to hold its shape when the cake is rolled.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the towel?
A generous dusting of powdered sugar on your kitchen towel is the key—this acts as a barrier between the warm cake and the fabric, making unrolling and rerolling smooth and fuss-free.
Does the Galaxy Cake Roll need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the whipped cream filling, it’s best to keep the cake roll chilled until ready to serve. This will also keep the colors vibrant and the cake moist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to sprinkle a little magic into your baking routine, the Galaxy Cake Roll is the perfect project. With its celestial colors and soft, creamy center, it’s sure to light up smiles and spark conversations. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—each cake roll will have its own unique constellation of swirls, and that’s part of the fun. So grab your food coloring, turn up your favorite playlist, and let your creativity take off!
Print
Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Galaxy Cake Roll is a stunning and whimsical dessert that will impress your guests with its colorful galaxy swirl design. A light and fluffy sponge cake rolled with sweet whipped cream, this treat is as delicious as it is visually captivating.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (blue, purple, black, pink)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional decorations:
- Edible glitter
- Galaxy sprinkles
- Star-shaped sugar decorations
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat to 350°F. Line and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Prepare the cake: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat eggs until thick, add sugar and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients.
- Add colors: Divide batter, tint each with gel food coloring. Swirl colors in pan for a galaxy effect.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until done. Roll cake in a towel to cool.
- Make the filling: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Unroll cake, spread whipped cream, re-roll, and chill.
- Decorate: Chill, then decorate with optional decorations.
Notes
- For extra drama, coat the outside with whipped cream or buttercream and repeat the galaxy swirl design.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
