Starry Night Galaxy Cake Roll

Welcome to a galaxy far, far away – right in your own kitchen! Prepare to embark on a culinary journey through the cosmos with this enchanting Galaxy Cake Roll recipe. Picture a universe of swirling colors, a creamy filling that’s out of this world, all encased in a glossy black chocolate ganache. Yes, this dessert is as mesmerizing as it sounds.

The Galaxy Cake Roll isn’t just any ordinary treat; it’s a showstopper that will leave your guests in awe. I’ve seen kids squeal with delight and even dessert skeptics reach for seconds after just one bite. The first time I attempted this recipe, let’s just say my kitchen turned into a colorful mess. But the end result was worth every stained fingertip and powdered sugar cloud. Trust me when I say, this galactic masterpiece is worth the adventure. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dessert that’s truly out of this world.

Quick Benefits

• Impressively vibrant galaxy colors that make for a visually stunning dessert
• Creamy filling with the perfect balance of stability and cloud-like texture
• Versatile – customize colors and flavorings to suit different themes and occasions
• Make ahead and freezer-friendly for easy party planning and convenience

Why You’ll Love This Starry Night Galaxy Cake Roll Recipe

• Impressive Visual Appeal:
• Delicious Flavor Combination:
• Adaptable for Different Themes:
• Crowd-Pleasing Recipe:
• Make-Ahead and Storage Friendly:
• Relatively Quick and Easy:

Ingredients for Starry Night Galaxy Cake Roll

Cake Roll

• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (black, purple, teal, and blue)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Filling

• 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (half package)
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Chocolate Ganache

• Black gel food coloring
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Colorful sprinkles for decorating
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

How to Make Starry Night Galaxy Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and coat with non-stick cooking spray. Place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking when rolling the hot cake.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. In a separate larger 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. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just incorporated.

Step 3: Create Galaxy Colors

Separate batter into 4 bowls. Mix in purple, blue, teal, and black gel food colors until evenly colored. Pour the colored batters into the pan in a swirling pattern, alternating colors. Use a toothpick for extra swirl designs if desired.

Step 4: Bake and Roll Cake

Bake for 12-13 minutes until cake springs back when touched. Invert hot cake onto a powdered sugar-coated towel, remove parchment paper, roll cake and towel together from a short end, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gently fold in whipped topping until well combined.

Step 6: Fill and Re-roll Cake

After the cake has cooled completely, unroll it. Spread the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a ½ inch border. Roll the cake back up without the towel and place seam-side down on a tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Step 7: Prepare Ganache

Put chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until almost boiling, then mix in black food coloring. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth and let cool to room temperature.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate

Place the chilled cake roll on a wire rack set over a tray. Pour ganache over the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Quickly sprinkle sprinkles over the ganache. Refrigerate for a minimum of 20 minutes before cutting.

Storage Tips

The galaxy cake roll can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days when placed in an airtight container. The texture of the cake roll actually improves after the first day as the filling sets completely. For the cleanest slices, it’s recommended to dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts to ensure neat portions. If you need to prepare the cake roll further in advance, you can freeze the filled roll without the ganache for up to two weeks. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh ganache before serving.

To enhance the presentation of the galaxy cake roll, consider serving it on a white platter drizzled with additional ganache and surrounded by fresh berries for a colorful contrast. To make the dish even more impressive for special occasions, you can add edible gold stars or silver dragées among the sprinkles. Tailor the color scheme of the cake roll to match different themes or seasons by swapping out the gel food coloring. Experiment with various flavor combinations for the filling, such as mint with the chocolate ganache, to give the dessert a refreshing twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the cake roll batter, if you’re looking to make this recipe healthier, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary restrictions. Additionally, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of milk with 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly. This will provide the necessary acidity for the batter.

In terms of the filling, if you prefer a lighter option, you can replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a tangy twist. If you’re not a fan of Cool Whip or prefer a homemade whipped cream, you can whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, and use that instead. This will give you a fresher and less sweet filling.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and out-of-this-world presentation of the Galaxy Cake Roll, consider serving it on a black platter garnished with edible gold stars and silver dragées. You can also add small rocket ship decorations around the slices to enhance the space-themed vibe, perfect for a cosmic dessert display that will impress any party guests.

To showcase the mesmerizing swirl pattern of the cake roll, arrange slices on a white serving platter drizzled with extra chocolate ganache and surrounded by fresh berries. The burst of colors and textures will create a stunning visual contrast, making each slice look like a piece of art on your dessert table. This serving suggestion elevates the Galaxy Cake Roll from delicious treat to a show-stopping centerpiece at your next gathering.

FAQs for Starry Night Galaxy Cake Roll

Can I use different colors for the galaxy cake roll?

Yes, you can swap the colors to match different themes or preferences. Experiment with different color combinations like red, orange, and yellow for a summer sunset roll or green, red, and white for a festive Christmas version. You can also create a more subtle galaxy by using various shades of blue with silver sprinkles instead of rainbow ones.

How can I store the galaxy cake roll?

The galaxy cake roll can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The texture actually improves after the first 24 hours as the filling sets completely. For the cleanest slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. If you need to make it further ahead, you can freeze the filled roll without ganache for up to two weeks – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh ganache before serving.

What can I do to prevent the cake from sticking to the towel when rolling?

To prevent the cake from sticking to the towel when rolling, make sure to generously dust the towel with powdered sugar before inverting the cake onto it. This step will help create a barrier between the cake and the towel, making it easier to roll without any sticking.

How can I enhance the presentation of the galaxy cake roll for special occasions?

You can enhance the presentation of the galaxy cake roll for special occasions by adding edible gold stars or silver dragées among the sprinkles. For a space-themed party, consider serving slices on black plates with small rocket ship decorations nearby. To highlight the swirl pattern, place slices on a white serving platter drizzled with additional ganache and surrounded by fresh berries for color contrast.

Conclusion

As you embark on your own galaxy cake roll adventure, remember that each colorful swirl and creamy bite is a testament to your creativity and dedication in the kitchen. Don’t be discouraged by any initial mishaps – like a shooting star in the night sky, your baking skills will shine brighter with each attempt. The Galaxy Cake Roll may seem like a challenging recipe, but the joy it brings to those who taste it is truly out of this world.

Whether you’re planning a celestial-themed celebration or simply craving a slice of cosmic sweetness, let this Galaxy Cake Roll be your guide to creating magical moments around the table. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner pastry artist, and roll out a masterpiece that will leave your guests starry-eyed. Let your baking journey be as limitless as the galaxy itself, and may the swirls of color in your cake roll reflect the endless possibilities that await you in the kitchen. Shine on, bakers, and may your Galaxy Cake Roll always be a stellar success!