Classic Swedish Baking: Jelly Roll Slices with Berries and Cream

During a "let's catch up" drink this Friday, my Swedish friend surprised me with a lovely gift from a recent trip to her native Sweden:  a classic Swedish baking book entitled, Sju Sorters Kakor by Ica Bokförlag. 

After a bit of research and setting up a short cut key for an umlaut, the whole sweet picture came into focus.

Sju Sorters Kakor was first published in 1945 as the result of a baking contest held after the end of World War II and since then 3,657,000 copies have been printed.    In 2008 it was translated into English and was renamed, "Swedish Cakes and Cookies."  My Swedish friend translated it as, "Seven Kinds of Cookies" even though there are far more than that in the book.

Some of the goodies from Sju Sorters Kakor

The minute she gave it to me I flipped through it and became inspired.  I know nothing about Swedish baking so here was something new to explore and play with.  There were so many interesting recipes that I'd like to try but the first one I chose is Rulltårtsbakelese Med Bär or Jelly Roll Slices with Berries and Cream.  It's a pretty cake that could be served at a formal tea or as a luncheon or dinner dessert.

I translated and interpreted the recipe from Swedish, added some vanilla and salt to the sponge and some details to the method for clarity but the essence and final product remain the same.  I was stymied by one word however, Vispgrädde.  My Swedish friend says its a thick cream with a fat content of 40%.  Yowza!  I wish I could find Vispgrädde here in France!

The biggest difference I found between Swedish and English recipes was that Swedish measurements are in decilitres (dl) which is a liquid measure.  One dl = 100 ml.  If you have a liquid measuring cup you should use it.  I've left the "dl" measurements in the recipe so you can measure in Swedish too.

When was the last time you made something from Sweden?  Give it a try - it's delicious!

Rulltårtsbakelse Med Bär  
or 
Jelly Roll Slices with Berries and Cream

Serves 10-12

Preheat to 250ºC/480ºF then bake at 200ºC/390ºF for 5 minutes

The original recipe in Swedish

Equipment

1 - 12" x 16" (30 x 40 cm)  jelly roll pan

Wide parchment paper

Medium offset spatula

Hand held beaters, whisk or stand mixer

Piping bag with the tip or your choice

For the Sponge Roll 

3 large eggs

2dl or 200 ml or 174g granulated sugar  

2dl or 134g all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2dl or 46g milk or cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Filling

2dl/280g seedless black currant or seedless raspberry jam or 

2dl/280g strawberry jam

Topping

3dl/ 720g whipping cream

1dl/55g powdered sugar 

2 pints fresh berries such as raspberries, red currants, strawberries, blackberries or a combination

2 teaspoons powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

1.  Preparations

Preheat the oven to 250ºC/480ºF

Line the jelly roll pan with one piece of parchment paper and cut one more piece a few inches longer than the pan and set this one aside for later.

Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla into the milk.

2.  Prepare the sponge

Beat the eggs and sugar together on high speed until the mixture triples in volume and reaches the ribbon stage.  Gently mix in the milk until fully incorporated into the finished egg mixture.

Sprinkle half of the flour mixture on top of the egg mixture and gently fold them together by scooping from the bottom and turning the bowl at the same time.  When the flour is almost fully incorporated, sprinkle the other half of the flour over the mixture and repeat the folding until it is fully incorporated and there are no lumps visible.

Pour the batter into the parchment lined pan and using an offset spatula, gently spread the batter to evenly coat the pan. 

Place the pan in the oven and immediately turn the temperature down to 200ºC/390ºF.   Bake for 5 minutes until light brown all over and it springs back when lightly touched.  Allow the sponge to cool in the pan.  This will help it from cracking when you roll it.

3.  Assembly

Lift the cooled sponge from the pan and flip it over onto the extra piece of parchment.  Gently pull the parchment from the baked sponge.  Slice about 1/2 cm or 1/4" from each short end.

If you prefer a darker, more caramelized finish for the outside of the jelly roll then spread the jam on this side   For a lighter coloured finish spread the jam on the other side.

Spoon the jam onto the sponge and spread it evenly everywhere using the offset spatula.

Position the sponge with the long side closest to you.   Grasp the parchment paper at the edges (see photo) and use the paper to push the sponge away from you into a tight roll.

Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate seam side down for about one hour. This will make the roll easier to slice.  Reserve the parchment paper.

4.  Final Assembly

Whip the cream and icing sugar together to stiff peaks.  Fill your pastry bag.

Sprinkle the parchment paper with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. remove the jelly roll from the plastic wrap and roll it in the sugar to coat evenly.

Using a serrated knife, slice the roll into 1" (2cms) slices.  You should have 10 slices.  Put each slice on its own plate or arrange them all on a large plate if you wish.

Pipe the cream on each slice as you wish, top with berries and dust with some icing sugar (if using) to finish.  

Keep the finished rolls refrigerated until serving.

Pinch the paper and use it to roll the sponge away from you

Ready for slicing - Seam side down

Pre-finished slice.  Just add cream and berries