Sushi Rolls Recipe

Master this eye-catching homemade sushi roll cake that looks like authentic Japanese maki! This best sponge cake recipe creates a flexible, light base perfect for rolling without cracking. The easy baking recipe combines simple techniques with stunning presentation for a dessert that will impress everyone at your table.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

45 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

12 sushi pieces

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large eggs, at room temperature</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g caster sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g self-raising flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp vegetable oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">225g mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g double cream</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">75g icing sugar, sifted</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp matcha powder (for green "avocado" filling)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 drops red food coloring (for pink "salmon" filling)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp poppy seeds (to resemble sesame)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50g chocolate sauce (for "soy sauce")</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15g white chocolate, melted (for "rice" decoration)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp green buttercream (for "wasabi")</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">33cm x 23cm Swiss roll tin</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Electric mixer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Silicone spatula</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Clean tea towel</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Small piping bag</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line your Swiss roll tin with parchment paper, ensuring it comes up the sides slightly. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together using an electric mixer for 5-7 minutes until very thick and pale. The mixture should leave a ribbon trail when the beaters are lifted - this extended beating is crucial as it incorporates air that helps the cake rise without chemical leaveners. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Sift the flour over the egg mixture and gently fold in using a large metal spoon or silicone spatula with a cutting motion. Be careful not to knock out the air you've incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and oil, folding gently until just combined. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Pour the batter into your prepared tin, tilting to ensure it spreads evenly into the corners. Bake for 10-12 minutes until springy to the touch and the edges begin to shrink away from the sides of the tin. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> While the cake bakes, place a clean tea towel on your work surface and lay a sheet of parchment paper on top. Sprinkle lightly with caster sugar (this prevents sticking). </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> When the cake is done, immediately turn it out onto the sugared parchment. Carefully peel off the baking parchment from the cake. While still warm, gently roll the cake up from the short edge, with the clean parchment paper inside. The warmth makes the cake pliable and less likely to crack. Allow to cool completely in its rolled shape, which trains the cake to roll without breaking later. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Make the filling by whisking the mascarpone, double cream, and icing sugar together until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip as the mixture can split. Divide into three portions - leave one white, color one with matcha powder for green "avocado," and mix red food coloring into the third for "salmon" pink. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the white cream evenly over the entire surface, leaving a 1cm border at the far short edge. Create stripes of the green and pink creams horizontally across the cake to mimic sushi fillings. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Re-roll the cake tightly, using the parchment paper to help you, starting from the same short edge as before. Some filling may squeeze out of the ends - this is normal. Wrap the rolled cake in the parchment and chill for at least 2 hours to firm up. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Before serving, trim both ends with a serrated knife to create clean edges. Cut the roll into 3cm slices. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top to resemble sesame seeds. If desired, drizzle plate with chocolate "soy sauce," add a small dollop of green buttercream "wasabi," and decorate with white chocolate drizzles to mimic rice grains. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> For authentic presentation, arrange your sushi cake pieces on a bamboo mat or wooden board. They're best eaten on the day of assembly but will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Sushi Rolls Recipe?

This sushi-inspired cake uses eggs, caster sugar, self-raising flour, mascarpone cheese, double cream, matcha powder for green "avocado" filling, red food coloring for "salmon" filling, poppy seeds to mimic sesame, and chocolate sauce as "soy sauce."

How to cook Sushi Rolls Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Sushi Rolls Recipe by making a light sponge cake, carefully rolling it while warm to prevent cracking, then filling with cream cheese mixtures coloured to resemble sushi ingredients. The technique involves precise temperature control and gentle handling to achieve the perfect spiral effect when sliced.

Why does my Swiss roll cake crack when I try to roll it?

Cracking usually occurs when the cake is rolled after cooling. Always roll your sponge while still warm from the oven, which keeps it flexible. Don't overbake as this dries the cake, and ensure you've beaten the eggs sufficiently to incorporate air, creating a more elastic texture.

Can I make dessert sushi rolls ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare these cake rolls up to 48 hours in advance. After assembly, wrap tightly in cling film and refrigerate. For best presentation, slice just before serving. The rolled cake actually benefits from chilling time as flavours meld and the filling firms up.

What are some creative variations for sweet sushi cakes?

Try chocolate sponge with peanut butter filling, citrus cake with berry cream, or coffee sponge with tiramisu filling. You can decorate with fruit leather "nori," coloured coconut "fish roe," or thin slices of mango for "egg." Match your serving accessories with chopsticks and bamboo mats.

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