Hazelnut Cream Roll

The hazelnut cream roll is a delectable dessert that appeals to both adults and children alike. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 120 g of sugar
  • 120 g of all-purpose flour
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
  • As needed hazelnut cream (for example Nutella or an artisanal hazelnut spread)
  • Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Separate the yolks from the whites. Beat the whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar until the mixture is light and frothy. If desired, add vanilla extract.
  4. Add the sifted flour to the sugared yolks and fold gently to avoid deflating the mixture.
  5. Fold in the beaten egg whites, stirring from the bottom up to maintain the batter’s airiness.
  6. Spread the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leveling it with a spatula to achieve a uniform thickness.
  7. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the surface of the roll is golden brown.
  8. Meanwhile, lay out a clean kitchen towel and lightly dust it with sugar.
  9. As soon as it comes out of the oven, flip the sponge cake onto the towel and gently peel away the parchment paper.
  10. Roll up the sponge along with the towel starting from the short side and let it cool completely.
  11. Once cool, gently unroll the sponge cake, spread the hazelnut cream over it in an even layer, and roll up again without the towel.
  12. Wrap the roll in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
  13. Before serving, dust the roll with powdered sugar for a touch of refinement and slice it.

Curiosity

The hazelnut cream used in Italy is often the famous Nutella, which is a staple in many households. However, for a more artisanal taste, you can opt for locally produced or homemade hazelnut spreads, which are less sweet and more intensely flavored with hazelnuts. This roll is versatile and can be enriched with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa for variations on the theme.