Japanese Cotton Candy Cake Roll Recipe
A delicate and fluffy Japanese Cotton Candy Cake Roll featuring a soft sponge cake infused with cotton candy extract and layered with light, whipped cotton candy cream. This cake roll is airy, sweet, and visually appealing with optional gel color for a pastel touch, perfect for special occasions or an elegant dessert treat.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking, Whipping, Folding
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cake Batter
- 90 ml whole fat milk
- 20 ml vegetable oil
- 30 grams granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy extract
- 70 grams cake flour
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Meringue
- 6 egg whites, room temperature
- 55 grams granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Gel color in desired colors
For the Cotton Candy Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream (36% M.F.), chilled
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
- 4 teaspoon water
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8 X 12″ rectangular cake pan with a toaster-sized silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy removal.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to create the ideal baking environment.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together whole milk, vegetable oil, 30 grams sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy extract until combined. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift cake flour and sea salt together and stir to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Create a well in the center of the dry mix and pour in the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just incorporated to avoid over mixing, which can toughen the cake. Set aside.
- Start Meringue: In a clean, dry, non-plastic bowl, whip egg whites on low speed until frothy, then add cream of tartar to stabilize.
- Whip Meringue to Soft Peaks: Increase speed to medium until the egg whites become opaque and foam tightens. Gradually add 55 grams sugar a little at a time while whipping.
- Finish Meringue to Stiff Peaks: Increase speed to medium-high and whip until soft peaks form; add gel color of choice and continue whipping until stiff peaks are achieved.
- Fold Meringue into Batter: Gently fold the meringue into the wet flour mixture in three batches, preserving as much air as possible.
- Pour Batter: Pour the combined batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly with an angled spatula.
- Remove Air Pockets: Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any large air pockets.
- Bake Cake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
- Cool Cake Briefly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes to stabilize before removing.
- Invert Cake: Place a cooling rack over the cake pan and flip the cake onto it. Gently peel off the parchment paper from the cake’s surface.
- Prepare Cooling Surface: The inverted side will become the top, so let the cake rest on the cooling rack while preparing the whipped cream.
- Chill Cream Tools: Chill the beaters, mixing bowl, and heavy cream in the refrigerator to ensure optimal whipping.
- Bloom Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin powder over 4 teaspoons of water in a heatproof cup and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Warm Gelatin: Place the cup over a simmering water bath until gelatin dissolves completely, then remove and cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream and Sugar: Start whipping chilled cream and 1 tablespoon sugar on medium speed until tracks form on the cream.
- Add Gelatin and Flavor: Slowly pour the cooled gelatin between the whisk and bowl while continuing to whip, then add 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract.
- Finish Whipping Cream: Increase speed to medium-high and whip until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over whip to avoid turning the cream grainy.
- Assemble Cake Roll: Immediately spread the whipped cotton candy cream evenly over the cooled cake, adding a bit extra on the side to be rolled first.
- Roll Cake: Starting from the short edge, carefully roll the cake using the parchment paper to help guide it without cracking.
- Chill to Set: Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to set before slicing.
- Trim and Serve: Before serving, trim off the edges for a cleaner presentation. Keep the cotton candy cake roll refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Notes
- Note 2: Use cake flour for a lighter, softer texture compared to all-purpose flour.
- Note 3: Vegetable oil adds moisture and tenderness to the sponge cake.
- Note 4: Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites during meringue preparation.
- Note 5: Use heavy cream with 36% milk fat for best whipping results and stability.
- Note 6: Achieving the right peak stage in both the meringue and whipped cream is critical to texture—avoid over or under whipping.
- Note 7: Adding extra cream on the rolling edge helps prevent cracks while rolling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of the cake roll)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Japanese cotton candy cake roll, fluffy cake roll, cotton candy dessert, Japanese dessert, sponge cake roll