Gorgeously spiraled cake rolls (jelly rolls and roll cakes) look tricky, but they whip up in just a few steps. Follow our cake roll recipe and step-by-step instructions (yes, there really is a step requiring you to roll up a towel inside the cake!) to learn how to make this stunning dessert.

Why do some call this a jelly roll, and others call it a cake roll?

Initially, most probably called this cake type a jelly roll because it bakes in a "jelly roll pan." Never heard of a jelly roll pan? That's because we now use 15x10x1-inch baking sheets or baking sheets with sides. As the term jelly roll pan is used less frequently, so is the name jelly roll cake. Call it what you like; we're here to help you make it.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Roll Recipe

Prepare and bake the cake roll recipe as directed.

Cake roll recipe tips:

• Use a 15x10x1-inch pan only. Other pans may be too deep, making removing the cake from the pan difficult.
• Be sure to grease and flour the pan (or line it with waxed paper or parchment paper) as directed. That way, the cake will be easily removed from the pan without tearing.
• Don't overbake. The cake is done when you lightly touch the surface with the tip of your finger, and the cake springs back.

Step 2: Remove Cake from Pan onto Towel

Next, dust a clean, lint-free kitchen towel with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately loosen the edges of the cake from the baking sheet with a flat knife.

Turn out the cake onto the prepared towel. The towel prevents the cake from sticking to itself when rolled, and the powdered sugar prevents the cake from sticking to the towel. Nothing will ruin your attempt at a cake roll like a sticking cake. Immediately peel waxed or parchment paper (if used) from the cake and discard.

Step 3: Roll Cake with Towel Inside and Cool

Starting with a short side of the cake, roll up the towel and the warm cake together into a spiral. Yes, the towel will be inside your baked cake roll. This step helps to form the cake roll shape later without any cracking.

Roll to the end of the towel. Place the cake roll in the towel on a wire rack and cool completely (about 1 hour). While your cake is cooling, whip up your filling or soften some ice cream if you're making an ice cream cake roll.

Step 4: Spread Filling on Cake Roll and Reroll

Unroll the cooled cake, leaving the cake on the towel. Spread the filling over the top of the cake to within 1 inch of the edges.

Reroll the cake, using the towel to lift and guide the cake into an even roll.

Step 5: Chill Cake Roll

Chill the cake roll in the refrigerator or freezer as directed in your recipe. Note that some cake rolls, including those filled with whipped cream, are best served within a few hours. Others, such as those with a cream cheese filling, can be stored longer—be sure to follow your recipe.

Cake Roll Recipes

Try these cake roll recipes for a classic and enticing dessert.

• Choose your own flavor Cream-Filled Cake Roll
• Red Velvet Cake Roll
• Almond Log Cake (a French New Year's celebration treat)
• Pumpkin Cake Roll
• Gingerbread Roulade with Dulce de Leche Cream Filling
• Retro 1960s Pineapple Cake Roll