Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo: A Colorful and Delicious Easter Treat

Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious desserts! If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s both festive and easy to make, look no further than this Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo. This colorful Swiss roll is filled with crushed candies and a creamy cream cheese frosting, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Easter dessert table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple, fun, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delightful Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo, from the ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions and tips for success. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love This Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo

This Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Festive and Colorful: The swirls of pastel-colored cake make it a perfect Easter dessert.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Customizable: Use your favorite Easter candies and food coloring to make it your own.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of light sponge cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy candies is irresistible.

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Equipment You’ll Need

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Jelly Roll Pan: Essential for baking the thin, even layer of cake.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For whipping the egg whites and cream cheese frosting.
• Parchment Paper: To line the pan and prevent sticking.
• Rubber Spatula: For gently folding the batter.
• Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors.
• Mixing Bowls: For dividing and coloring the batter.

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Ingredients for Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo

For the Cake:

• 6 large egg whites: Provides structure and lightness to the cake.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Helps stabilize the egg whites.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor.
• ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cake.
• ½ cup + 1 Tablespoon sifted cake flour: Gives the cake a tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a finishing touch.
• Gel food coloring: For creating pastel Easter colors.

For the Filling:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base of the creamy frosting.
• ¾ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and fluffiness.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
• Dash of vanilla: Enhances the flavor.
• Crushed Easter candies: Adds a fun, crunchy element.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Jelly Roll Pan

1. Lightly spray your jelly roll pan with nonstick spray.
2. Line the pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the egg whites, lemon juice, and salt. Beat on medium speed until foamy.
2. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites. Increase the speed to high and beat until soft peaks form.
3. Gently fold in the sifted cake flour using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the egg whites.

Step 3: Add Color

1. Divide the batter into three separate bowls.
2. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, using different colors for a pastel effect. Stir gently to combine.
3. Pour the colored batters back into one bowl and fold a few times to create swirls of color.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter onto the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes.

Step 5: Roll the Cake

1. Place a second piece of parchment paper over the cake and carefully flip it out of the pan.
2. Peel off the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake.
3. While the cake is still warm, tightly roll it into a spiral, starting from one of the shorter ends. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape (you can chill it in the fridge to speed up the process).

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Whip on high speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Assemble the Swiss Roll

1. Gently unroll the cooled cake.
2. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese frosting over the entire surface of the cake.
3. Sprinkle crushed Easter candies over the frosting.
4. Carefully re-roll the cake into a tight spiral.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

1. Dust the top of the Swiss roll with powdered sugar.
2. Decorate with additional candies or Easter-themed sprinkles.
3. Slice and serve!

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 The History of Swiss Rolls

The Swiss roll, also known as a jelly roll or cream roll, is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Despite its name, the Swiss roll did not originate in Switzerland. Its exact origins are debated, but it is believed to have been popularized in Central Europe during the 19th century. The dessert gained widespread popularity in the United Kingdom and the United States, where it became a staple at tea parties and family gatherings.

The traditional Swiss roll consists of a thin sponge cake filled with jam, cream, or frosting, which is then rolled into a spiral shape. Over time, bakers began experimenting with different flavors, fillings, and decorations, leading to the creation of countless variations. The Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo is a modern twist on this classic dessert, incorporating festive colors and seasonal candies to make it perfect for Easter celebrations.

One of the reasons the Swiss roll has endured as a beloved dessert is its versatility. It can be customized to suit any occasion, from holiday-themed rolls like the Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo to decadent chocolate versions for birthdays. Its light and airy texture, combined with the creamy filling, makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

 Tips for Baking the Perfect Swiss Roll

Baking a Swiss roll may seem intimidating, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve a flawless result every time. First and foremost, it’s essential to use the right pan. A jelly roll pan, which is typically 10×15 inches, is ideal for creating the thin, even layer of cake needed for rolling. Be sure to line the pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

When preparing the batter, take care not to overmix. Overmixing can deflate the egg whites, resulting in a dense cake that’s difficult to roll. Gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula, and divide the batter into separate bowls to add food coloring. Swirling the colors together creates a beautiful marbled effect that’s perfect for Easter.

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is another key step. This helps prevent cracking and ensures a tight spiral. Once the cake is rolled and cooled, unroll it carefully to add the filling. A creamy frosting, like the cream cheese filling in the Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo, pairs perfectly with the light sponge cake. Finally, decorate with crushed candies or powdered sugar for a festive finish.

 Creative Variations for Your Swiss Roll

While the Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo is a delightful treat, there are endless ways to customize this dessert to suit your tastes or occasion. For a chocolate lover’s twist, replace a portion of the cake flour with cocoa powder and fill the roll with chocolate ganache or Nutella. You can also experiment with different food coloring combinations to match other holidays, such as red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween.

If you prefer a lighter option, consider using fresh fruit as a filling. Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or mangoes add a refreshing touch and pair beautifully with whipped cream. For a tropical twist, try filling the roll with coconut cream and topping it with toasted coconut flakes.

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Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1 slice):

• Calories: 166 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 27mg
• Sodium: 216mg
• Sugar: 11g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store the rolled cake in the fridge and assemble it just before serving.

Can I Use Different Candies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite Easter candies or even substitute with fresh fruit for a lighter option.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Final Thoughts

This Easter Swiss Roll – Macheesmo is the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness and color to your Easter celebrations. With its light and fluffy sponge cake, creamy frosting, and festive candies, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.