Old Fashioned Jelly Rolls

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Closeup of a jelly roll cake plated old fashioned jelly roll on a stoneware plate.

These Old Fashioned Jelly Rolls are my Vovó’s (Grandmother in Portuguese) simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. With a light sponge cake rolled around sweet jam, they come together quickly using just a few pantry staples. It’s a nostalgic recipe that’s been passed down and still tastes just as special today.

Baking Tip

The key to this recipe is baking the cake just right. If it feels tacky and hard to roll, it may be underbaked; if it’s dry with browned edges, it may be overbaked. Keep a close eye on the final minutes of baking for best results.

Old Fashioned Jelly Rolls

Course

Dessert

Prep Time

20 min.

Cook/bake time

10 min.

Servings

6-8

Here's What You'll Need

A cookie sheet
Parchment paper

INGREDIENTS

3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-3 tablespoons confectioners powdered sugar
Seedless jam or jelly (your choice)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, water, and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment.
4. Spread the batter evenly to the edges of the prepared baking sheet, then bake for 8–10 minutes.
Old Fashioned Jelly Rolls batter
5. Loosen the cake layer and transfer to a counter or onto another sheet of parchment paper sprinkled with confectioners sugar.
Old Fashioned Jelly Rolls rolled up with jam
6. Spread on the jam or jelly then roll up. Slice about an inch thick and serve.

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Maureen April 8, 2022 Reply

    What size rimmed cookie sheet did you use?

    1. Dawn Stewart April 8, 2022 Reply

      Hi Maureen! I just use a regular cookie sheet. The sides are only about a half-inch high.

Leave a Reply

Recent Comments