Lemon Cream Roll – Light, Tangy & Perfect for Spring

Hi, I’m Chef James — and if there’s one dessert that captures the sunshine of spring in every bite, it’s this Lemon Cream Roll. Imagine a soft, spongy Lemon Cake Roll filled with a silky whipped cream frosting, brightened with fresh lemon zest and a swirl of lemon curd. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like citrus heaven and your guests think you’ve secretly trained in Paris.

Every year, as the weather starts to warm up here in Georgia, I crave light, zesty flavors. That’s why this spring dessert has become a staple at Tiramisucake.com. It’s elegant enough for Easter brunch yet simple enough for a lazy Sunday treat.

If you’re new to rolled cakes, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through every whisk, fold, and roll. By the end, you’ll feel ready to master any Swiss roll recipe in our dessert family collection. Start exploring our main pillar guide: Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try — it’s the heart of all our sweet roll creations.

For more flavor inspiration, check out these sister recipes: Chocolate Cake Roll, Matcha Swiss Roll Cake, and the coffee-infused Tiramisu Cake Roll.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍋 Bright & Zesty: Packed with fresh lemon zest and juice for an irresistible tang.
• ☁️ Featherlight Texture: The sponge cake bakes up soft and airy, perfect for rolling.
• 🍰 Creamy Filling: A dreamy blend of cream cheese filling and whipped cream frosting that’s rich but not heavy.
• 🌸 Perfect for Spring: This rolled cake is ideal for brunches, birthdays, or bridal showers.
• 🧁 Simple to Make: If you can roll a towel, you can roll this cake!
• ✨ Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill overnight — it tastes even better the next day.
• ❄️ Picture-Perfect Finish: A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look bakery-level professional.

What’s your favorite citrus dessert to celebrate springtime? 🍋 Tell me in the comments below!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for this luscious Lemon Cream Roll:

For the Sponge Cake

• 4 large eggs – Room temperature helps them whip up light and fluffy.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the batter.
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil – Keeps the sponge cake soft.
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice + 1 Tbsp lemon zest – The soul of our lemon flavor.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Measured accurately for the right texture.
• 1 tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt – Just enough lift.
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar – For rolling the warm cake.

🧁 Chef James Tip: Use a standard jelly roll pan (11” x 17”). Spray it generously with nonstick baking spray and line with parchment paper for a perfect release.

For the Lemon Cream Filling

• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 oz unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice + 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 Tbsp lemon curd (optional but adds a sunny tang!)

🛒 Where to shop: You can find all of these at Trader Joe’s, Costco, or Aldi. For the freshest lemon zest, grab organic lemons if possible — they make a real flavor difference!

For a fruity twist, you might also enjoy the Strawberry Shortcake Roll.

How to Cook – Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and coat with nonstick spray.
2. Whip the eggs and sugar:
   In a stand mixer, beat eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest for 4–5 minutes until pale and foamy. Gradually add sugar in three parts, beating well each time.
3. Fold in the dry ingredients:
   Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture with a spatula.
4. Spread and bake:
   Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden and springy to touch.
5. Roll the cake:
   Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar. Immediately invert the hot cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and roll it up tightly (towel included). Let it cool completely (1–2 hours).
6. Make the filling:
   Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice, zest, and lemon curd. Then whip in cold cream until stiff peaks form.
7. Assemble the roll:
   Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, then reroll (without the towel). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
8. Finish & serve:
   Dust with powdered sugar, garnish with lemon slices or berries, and slice into rounds.

✨ Chef James’s Extra Tip: To avoid cracks, roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable. Patience + timing = a flawless Lemon Cake Roll.

For another seasonal technique, take a look at our Pumpkin Spice Roll — the method is identical!

Recipe Tips & Variations

• 🥥 Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
• 🥄 Keto-Friendly: Swap flour for almond flour and sugar for erythritol — inspired by our Keto Chocolate Roll.
• 🎄 Festive Twist: Swirl in raspberry jam or top with candied lemon peel for Christmas brunch.
• Chef James’s Suggestion: Add a handful of blueberries or strawberries like in our colorful Ube Cake Roll for a “lemon-berry” masterpiece.

Want even more creative ideas? Don’t miss our pillar guide: Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try for inspiration!

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store your Lemon Cream Roll in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months (without powdered sugar). Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• To Serve: Simply dust again with powdered sugar before slicing.

⚠️ Food Safety Note (E-E-A-T): Always refrigerate desserts made with cream or eggs promptly. Learn more at USDA Food Safety.

FAQs – People Also Ask

What to Serve With This Recipe

Complete your dessert table with:

• Red Velvet Cake Roll for a colorful contrast.
• Coconut Snow Roll for tropical vibes.
• Tiramisu Cake Roll for coffee lovers.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Explore these other irresistible rolled cakes from Tiramisucake.com:

• Chocolate Cake Roll – classic and rich.
• Matcha Swiss Roll Cake – earthy and elegant.
• Ube Cake Roll – vibrant purple delight.
• Coconut Snow Roll – creamy coconut dream.

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Conclusion

There you have it — a Lemon Cream Roll that’s light as air, bright as sunshine, and guaranteed to impress. From its tender sponge cake to its creamy whipped frosting, this dessert proves that simple ingredients can create stunning results.

If you enjoyed this recipe, explore our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try for more variations, or check expert rolling techniques on Food Network and the USDA for safe handling tips.

Try it, share your photo, and leave a comment — I love seeing your lemony creations! 🍋