Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe

Starry Delight: Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe for Cosmic Sweet Treats

Decadent chocolate swirls dance through this spectacular galaxy cake roll recipe that captures the magic of celestial desserts.

Bakers adore the mesmerizing marbled effect that makes each slice a cosmic adventure.

Dark chocolate layers blend seamlessly with vibrant galaxy-inspired colors, creating a stunning visual treat.

Soft, delicate cake meets rich, creamy filling in this show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone speechless.

The deep purples, blues, and hints of stardust make this roll a true conversation starter at any gathering.

Chocolate lovers and baking enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this dreamy, out-of-this-world confection.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that’s as beautiful as the night sky.

What Makes Galaxy Cake Roll Truly Out Of This World

  • Craft Stellar Swirls: Create a stunning galaxy-inspired cake with vibrant color blending techniques that transform a simple roll into an edible work of art.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this impressive dessert in just a few simple steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to wow friends and family.
  • Customize Your Cosmos: Experiment with different food color combinations and swirl patterns to make each cake roll a unique celestial masterpiece that sparks joy and creativity.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Deliver a dessert that looks professionally made but is surprisingly easy to prepare, guaranteed to impress at parties, gatherings, or as a special treat.

Ingredients List For The Dreamiest Galaxy Cake Roll

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cake roll.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake batter.
  • Large Eggs: Provides richness and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps activate the baking powder for better rising.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor.
Color and Decoration Ingredients:
  • Purple Gel Food Coloring: Creates the galaxy-inspired purple swirl.
  • Blue Gel Food Coloring: Adds blue tones to the galaxy design.
  • Teal Gel Food Coloring: Provides additional color variation.
  • Black Gel Food Coloring: Creates depth and darkness in the galaxy effect.
  • Sprinkles: Adds a decorative and playful touch to the final cake.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the creamy filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese filling.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and volume to the filling.
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates the base for the ganache glaze.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, glossy ganache.
  • Black Food Coloring: Gives the ganache a dark, galaxy-like appearance.

Easy Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe Anyone Can Follow

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Cover a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Spread a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking during cake rolling.

Step 2: Create Colorful Batter

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.

Beat eggs on high speed for 3 minutes until pale yellow.

Gradually add sugar while beating, then mix in oil, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla.

Fold in flour mixture gently until just combined.

Step 3: Design Cosmic Colors

Divide batter into 4 separate bowls.

Add gel food colors to each bowl:
  • Purple
  • Blue
  • Teal
  • Black

Mix colors evenly.

Drizzle colored batters into the prepared pan, creating swirling galaxy patterns.

Use a toothpick to enhance swirl designs if desired.

Step 4: Bake and Initial Roll

Bake for 12-13 minutes until cake springs back when touched.

Immediately flip hot cake onto powdered sugar-coated towel.

Carefully remove parchment paper, then roll cake and towel together from a short end.

Place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Filling

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Gently fold in whipped topping with a spatula until well combined.

Step 6: Fill and Re-roll Cake

Unroll cooled cake carefully.

Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border around edges.

Gently roll cake back up without the towel.

Place seam-side down on a tray.

Refrigerate until firm for at least 30 minutes.

Step 7: Create Midnight Ganache

Place chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl.

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just before boiling, then stir in black food coloring.

Pour hot cream over chocolate chips.

Let stand 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 8: Finish with Cosmic Glaze

Place chilled cake roll on a wire rack with a tray underneath.

Pour ganache over cake, using a spatula for even coverage.

Quickly add sprinkles before ganache sets.

Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Advice For Baking Perfect Galaxy Cake Roll

  • Roll the hot cake with the towel immediately after baking to help maintain flexibility and prevent splitting when filling later.
  • Use gel food colors for vibrant, intense galaxy-like swirls without altering cake batter consistency.
  • Cool cake completely before adding filling to ensure smooth spreading and prevent cream cheese mixture from melting.
  • Let chocolate mixture cool slightly before pouring to achieve smooth, glossy coverage without breaking.
  • Wrap cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Galaxy Cake Roll Styles You’ll Want To Try

  • Gluten-Free Galaxy Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly option. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Cosmic Swirl: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk and use coconut cream instead of cream cheese filling. Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for ganache.
  • Vegan Starry Night Cake: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, plant-based milk, and coconut whipped topping. Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Nebula Roll: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Reduce overall sugar content and opt for sugar-free chocolate chips in ganache.

Serve Galaxy Cake Roll At Your Next Gathering

  • Stellar Starry Showcase: Slice the galaxy cake roll on a dark-colored plate to enhance its cosmic appearance and highlight the swirled colors.
  • Celestial Celebration Plating: Garnish with edible silver or pearl sprinkles to create a shimmering galaxy effect that makes the dessert look like a sparkling universe.
  • Intergalactic Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or lavender ice cream to complement the cake's vibrant colors and provide a cool, creamy contrast.
  • Cosmic Beverage Companion: Pair with a deep purple blueberry smoothie or a midnight blue cocktail to continue the galactic theme and create a memorable dessert experience.

Store Galaxy Cake Roll For Another Day Easily

  • Store the galaxy cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moist texture.
  • Wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and galaxy-inspired design.
  • Remove from freezer and let the cake roll thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing prevents condensation and keeps the texture smooth and delectable.
  • For the best taste and presentation, serve the cake roll directly from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for just 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, beautiful cuts.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?

Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This helps the cake stay flexible and prevents cracking during the rolling process.

  • Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides more vibrant colors and doesn’t add extra liquid to the batter. Regular liquid food coloring may alter the cake’s texture and consistency.

  • What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can create a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

Print
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Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe

Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cosmic swirls of chocolate and vanilla dance through this Galaxy Cake Roll, inviting dessert enthusiasts on a celestial culinary journey. Sweet galactic patterns blend rich flavors and mesmerizing visual appeal you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Additional Cake Components:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (black, purple, teal, and blue)

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Black gel food coloring
  • Colorful sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 350F. Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and apply non-stick spray. Spread a kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust generously with powdered sugar to prevent cake sticking during rolling.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whip eggs on high speed for 3 minutes until pale yellow. Gradually incorporate sugar while continuing to beat. Mix in oil, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Fold flour mixture gently until just blended.
  3. Separate batter into 4 equal portions. Add purple, blue, teal, and black gel food colors to each bowl, mixing until colors distribute evenly. Pour colored batters into prepared pan, creating swirling patterns using a toothpick for intricate design.
  4. Bake for 12-13 minutes until cake surface springs back when touched. Immediately transfer hot cake onto sugar-dusted towel. Remove parchment paper carefully, then roll cake and towel together from a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 1-2 minutes. Incorporate whipped topping gently using a spatula until well combined.
  6. Unroll cooled cake carefully. Spread filling across cake surface, leaving a small border around edges. Roll cake again without towel and position seam-side down on a tray. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to set.
  7. Melt chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until near boiling, then mix in black food coloring. Pour hot cream over chocolate and let stand 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth and allow to cool to room temperature.
  8. Position chilled cake roll on a wire rack with a tray underneath. Pour ganache over cake, using a spatula to ensure complete and even coverage. Sprinkle decorative elements immediately before ganache solidifies. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Precise Color Swirling Use a toothpick or thin skewer to create intricate galaxy-like swirl patterns, blending colors gently without overmixing for a more authentic cosmic effect.
  • Temperature Control Ensure eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume when beating, which helps create a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
  • Moisture Preservation Cover the cake roll with plastic wrap while refrigerating to prevent drying out and maintain its soft, tender crumb.
  • Dietary Adaptations Swap regular flour for gluten-free flour blend, use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives for a vegan-friendly version of this stunning dessert.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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