Fruity Biscuit Delight

This delightful fruity biscuit roll is a perfect choice for anyone looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a sweet treat at home. With its light and fluffy texture, this dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of fruits and jam, offering a refreshing burst of flavor. The subtle lemon zest adds a hint of citrus that elevates the overall taste experience. It's a relatively simple recipe that doesn't require fancy ingredients, yet the result is a show-stopper when it comes to presentation. The preparation time is reasonable, making it an excellent choice for weekend baking or quick party preparation. Not only is it delicious, but the use of fresh fruits makes it a semi-healthy option, albeit indulgent. Additional toppings like whipped cream, powdered sugar, or nuts can enhance its appeal. It’s flexible enough to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger dessert buffet. This dish also offers some room for creativity, allowing you to tailor the jam and fruit selection to suit your personal taste. Overall, it’s a crowd-pleaser that promises to satisfy sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

10 large eggs
200 g sugar
200 g all-purpose flour
Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated
Jam of your choice

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Separate the Eggs: Begin by separating the egg yolks from the whites, placing them in two separate bowls.
Mix Yolks and Sugar: In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the sugar and the grated lemon zest. Use a mixer to beat until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
Whip the Egg Whites: In the second bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This will help make the batter airy and light.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the yolk and sugar mixture, folding gently to maintain air in the batter. Carefully fold in the whipped egg whites, combining well until smooth and uniform.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the batter onto the prepared sheet, spreading it evenly to about 1 cm thick.
Bake the Biscuit: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuit turns a light golden brown.
Remove and Cool: Take the biscuit out of the oven and transfer it onto a clean surface. Carefully peel away the parchment paper while the biscuit is still warm.
Add Fruit and Jam: While the biscuit is warm (not hot), spread your chosen jam evenly over the top. Sprinkle with fresh, sliced fruits or berries to create an inviting texture and taste.
Roll the Biscuit: Gently begin to roll the biscuit from one end to the other, pressing lightly to ensure it holds its shape. Be cautious, as rolling a cold biscuit can cause cracking.
Decorate: Allow the biscuit to cool completely before decorating with toppings of your choice, such as whipped cream, powdered sugar, or nuts.
Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut slices, revealing the swirled interior, and serve on a platter or individual plates.
Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips

Substitution: If you prefer, substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
Texture Tip: Ensure egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks for a perfect sponge texture.
Jam Choices: Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam pairs exceptionally well with this roll.

Nutrition

Calories: 250 per slice
Protein: 6g
Fats: 4g
Carbs: 45g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with a combination of apple sauce and a vegan egg replacer.
Extra Fiber: Add rolled oats into the batter for increased fiber content.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.
Garnishes: Top with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant touch.
Pairings: Pair with a chilled glass of Moscato or a cup of Earl Grey tea.

Best Places

Pâtisserie Pierre Hermé - Renowned for its exquisite pastries and desserts. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
Ladurée - Famous for macarons, offering high-quality baked goods. Location: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
Magnolia Bakery - Known for its classic American baked delights. Location: 401 Bleecker Street, New York, USA.
Ottolenghi - Offers beautifully crafted pastries in a chic setting. Location: 287 Upper Street, London, UK.
Café Sacher - Home to the original Sachertorte and other luxury desserts. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
Hans im Glück - Serves delightful desserts alongside their famed gourmet burgers. Location: Nymphenburger Str. 69, Munich, Germany.
De Laatste Kruimel - A rustic spot for homemade pastries. Location: Langebrugsteeg 4, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Giolitti - Renowned for gelato and pastries. Location: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, Rome, Italy.
Belleville Brûlerie - A cozy café with pastries and freshly roasted coffee. Location: 10 Rue Pradier, Paris, France.
Café Central - Iconic Viennese café known for coffee and cake. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.