Swiss rolls have been a staple in the dessert world for many years now, with their light and fluffy sponge cake, combined with sweet fillings like cream or jam, making them a crowd-pleaser. Despite their popularity, many people may not know where the name Swiss roll actually comes from.
The history of Swiss rolls dates back to the early 20th century when the dessert was first introduced to the United States from Switzerland. It wasn't until the "American Wheat Association" started promoting American flour in Taiwan in 1961 that Swiss rolls became popular there.
The association heavily marketed the dessert, which quickly became a common pastry in Taiwan, appearing in almost every bakery.
Interestingly, the name "Swiss roll" has nothing to do with Switzerland. The dessert was actually first discovered in Switzerland, but it isn't a specialty of the country. Nonetheless, the name stuck and Swiss rolls have become synonymous with the country.
If you're looking to make Swiss rolls at home, you'll be pleased to know that they're relatively simple to make with just a few key ingredients like low-gluten flour, eggs, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice or white vinegar, and cocoa powder. To make the best Swiss rolls, it's important to follow the instructions closely and to use the right amount of ingredients.
One of the most important things to remember when making Swiss rolls is to separate the egg whites and yolks. The egg whites are whipped into a meringue and then folded into the batter to add extra lightness and fluffiness to the cake. Additionally, it's recommended to use low-gluten flour and to sift it twice before mixing it into the batter.
When making the cake, it's important to preheat the oven to 180 degrees and bake the cake at 165 degrees for 30 minutes. Once the cake is done, it's recommended to turn it upside down and let it cool before spreading on the filling of your choice, whether it's cream or jam. Finally, roll up the cake and refrigerate it for half an hour to set.
There are also a few tips to keep in mind when making Swiss rolls, such as adding more water to the cake and less oil, making the cake thin and not too thick, and cutting off the crispier part of the edge before rolling. Also, it's helpful to spray a little water on the cake paper to keep it moist.
Swiss rolls are a delicious dessert that has been enjoyed for many years. Although the name may suggest otherwise, they are not a specialty of Switzerland but rather a dessert that became popular there. Making Swiss rolls at home is simple and can be a fun activity to do with the whole family. Just remember to follow the instructions closely, use the right ingredients, and have fun!
