Joanna Gaines, a prominent lifestyle figure, recently unveiled a beloved family recipe: her mother-in-law Bevie's renowned chocolate cake roll. This dessert holds a special place in their holiday traditions, having been a staple for over three decades. Its delicate and airy texture makes it a refreshing alternative to heavier confections often served during festive meals.
The chocolate cake roll, a staple in the Gaines family's holiday celebrations for 35 years, made its initial public appearance in Joanna's debut Magnolia Table cookbook in 2018. Joanna herself admits to facing challenges in perfecting this recipe, yet it remains one of her most cherished from the collection. To ensure accurate instruction and share invaluable tips, Joanna invited Bevie to personally demonstrate her techniques for achieving a flawless chocolate roll.
Bevie's method emphasizes precision, beginning with the correct pan size of 15 by 10 inches. Joanna adds a modern touch by recommending spraying the parchment-lined pan with nonstick spray, a tip Bevie herself has adopted. The process continues with carefully whipping four egg whites until stiff, gradually incorporating half a cup of sugar, a step crucial for the cake's light texture. Bevie also meticulously reads the recipe every time, even after 35 years, underscoring the cake's delicate nature.
Next, four egg yolks are gently beaten with two tablespoons of cold water and a tablespoon of vanilla, then combined with the sifted dry ingredients: one-third cup flour, one-third cup cocoa powder, one teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. The dry ingredients are then folded into the egg yolk mixture, which is subsequently incorporated into the stiff egg whites. Bevie's technique involves a very gentle folding motion, treating the egg whites with utmost care to maintain their volume. The mixture is then carefully spread into the prepared pan and baked at 325°F until it springs back when lightly tapped.
Once baked and slightly cooled, the cake is gingerly rolled with parchment paper, then transferred to a sugar-dusted tea towel and unrolled. It's then filled with Cool Whip, re-rolled, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. For serving, each slice receives a final touch of Joanna's homemade hot fudge sauce, often accompanied by fresh whipped cream. This lighter, more elegant dessert is perfectly suited for holiday gatherings, providing a delightful end to a hearty meal. For those who find cake rolls too intricate, the versatile sponge cake can be transformed into a trifle, offering a simpler yet equally impressive dessert option, especially when combined with homemade custard and cranberry filling.
Ultimately, whether opting for the intricate chocolate cake roll or a more forgiving trifle, the core elements of the sponge cake remain a delicious foundation. The flexibility to adapt the recipe allows for creativity and ease in holiday preparations. Even if the rolling process doesn't go as planned, the components can still be artfully layered into a trifle, creating a stunning and equally delightful dessert without the pressure of perfection.
