Lemon Roulade Delight

A lemon roulade is a delightful, light, and tangy dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This roulade features a delicate sponge base infused with the zest of fresh lemons, providing a refreshing burst of flavor. The creamy filling is made with mascarpone cheese, sweetened with powdered sugar, and speckled with vanilla, offering a rich contrast to the airy sponge. Seasonal berries are added to the filling for a pop of color and juicy sweetness. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also a treat for your taste buds. With its beautiful swirls and vibrant garnishes, the lemon roulade makes a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, this dessert promises to impress. The preparation involves careful rolling, but the result is well worth the effort. Pair it with your favorite tea or coffee for an exquisite tasting experience.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 80 g sugar
• 80 g all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon warm water

For the Cream

• 250 g mascarpone cream
• 200 g assorted berries (your choice)
• 125 g heavy cream
• 60 g powdered sugar
• Seeds from 1 vanilla pod

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (374°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whip the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with sugar and lemon zest until the mixture turns light yellow and becomes fluffy.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour and salt. Gently fold these into the egg mixture until no lumps remain.

4. Add Water: Stir in the warm water, blending until the batter is smooth.

5. Spread the Batter: Pour the batter onto the lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

6. Bake the Base: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the sponge is golden and firm to touch.

7. Cool the Sponge: Remove the sponge from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

8. Prepare the Cream: In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla seeds. Beat until smooth.

9. Add Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream and continue to whip until the mixture thickens.

10. Peel off Parchment: Turn the sponge onto a clean surface and gently peel away the parchment paper.

11. Apply the Cream: Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the sponge.

12. Add Berries: Sprinkle the berries over the cream layer.

13. Roll the Cake: Carefully roll the sponge into a tight roulade, starting from one short edge.

14. Secure the Roulade: Wrap the roulade in parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

15. Garnish and Serve: Once chilled, remove the roulade and decorate with fresh berries or leftover cream.

16. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the roulade to serve, revealing its beautiful swirls of cream and berries.

17. Presentation Tip: For an elegant touch, dust with a little powdered sugar before serving.

18. Enjoyment: Serve as a dessert on a special occasion or savor as a sweet treat with tea.

Tips

• Substitution: You can use strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries as preferred.
• Technique: Use a serrated knife for cleaner slices.
• Enhancement: Add a splash of lemon juice to the cream for extra zing.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 16g
• Carbs: 31g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of mascarpone and heavy cream.
• Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed mix and use vegan cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Accompaniment: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Beverage Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with Earl Grey tea or a light lemon-infused water.
• Garnish: Finish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Best Places

1. Maison Christian Faure - Known for exquisite pastries and exceptional service. Location: 355 Place Royale, Montreal, Canada.

2. Konditorei Heinemann - Renowned for its classic bakeries and elegant desserts. Location: Königstraße 60, Düsseldorf, Germany.

3. La Pâtisserie Des Rêves - A stylish spot with a modern take on classic French desserts. Location: 93 Rue du Bac, Paris, France.

4. Café Sacher - Famous for its delightful cakes and superb coffee selection. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.

5. Tartine Bakery - Celebrated for its innovative baking and cozy atmosphere. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.

6. Demel - Offers a historic charm and exquisite pastries. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.

7. Cova Montenapoleone - Known for elegant settings and delightful confectioneries. Location: Via Montenapoleone 8, Milan, Italy.

8. Hafiz Mustafa 1864 - Offers a traditional and rich Turkish dessert experience. Location: Hobyar, Hamidiye Cd. No:84, Istanbul, Turkey.

9. Conditorei Schober - A cozy spot known for sumptuous cakes and pastries. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.

10. Laduree - World-famous for its macarons, this patisserie also excels with roulades. Location: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.

Enjoy making and indulging in this delightful lemon roulade!