Festive Guava and Dulce de Leche Roll Cake
A delightful twist on the traditional yule log, this Festive Guava and Dulce de Leche Roll Cake, or Brazo Gitano Navideño, is a perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Combining the lightness of a sponge cake with the rich flavors of dulce de leche and sweet guava marmalade, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. The easy-to-roll sponge is perfect for showcasing various fillings, whether you prefer Nutella, Bavarian cream, or different fruit jams. Dust it with powdered sugar or frost it for an elegant finish. This impressive dessert may look complicated, but it’s surprisingly simple to make and a festive treat that will wow your family and friends during the holiday season.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg Whites
4 (Whisked until stiff peaks)
Salt
1 pinch (Added to egg whites)
Egg Yolks
4 (Beaten with sugar)
Granulated Sugar
1 cup (125 grams) (To sweeten egg yolks)
Butter
5 tablespoons (60 grams) (Melted)
Flour
1/2 cup (100 grams) (Sifted)
Guava Marmalade
1 cup (To be spread on cake)
Dulce de Leche
(14 ounce) can (To be spread on cake)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 450°F (240°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing and lining it with wax paper, then greasing the wax paper again.
2
In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
3
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the melted butter and half of the sifted flour, mixing until just combined.
4
Gently fold in half of the beaten egg whites to lighten the batter. Then, gradually fold in the remaining flour, followed by the rest of the egg whites, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
5
Pour the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a rectangle. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 7 minutes, or until the cake is firm and pale (do not allow it to turn golden).
6
While the cake bakes, prepare your filling by mixing the dulce de leche with the guava marmalade, or your choice of filling.
7
Once the cake is done baking, immediately remove it from the oven and carefully invert it onto the prepared clean, moist towel laid flat on your counter. Gently peel off the wax paper.
8
Spread the dulce de leche and guava marmalade mixture evenly over the warm sponge cake. Starting from one edge, roll the cake tightly using the towel to assist, creating a log shape.
9
Wrap the rolled cake in the towel and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 1 day to set. Once ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator, slice, and decorate as desired with powdered sugar or frosting.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Festive Guava and Dulce de Leche Roll Cake?
Also known as Brazo Gitano Navideño, it is a light sponge cake rolled with a sweet filling of guava marmalade and dulce de leche, often served as a holiday centerpiece.
At what temperature should I bake the sponge cake?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (240°C) for a quick bake.
How do I prepare the baking sheet for the roll cake?
Grease the baking sheet, line it with wax paper, and then grease the wax paper again to ensure the cake doesn't stick.
How should the egg whites be prepared?
Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form.
What is the correct consistency for the egg yolk and sugar mixture?
Beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
When do I add the butter and flour to the batter?
Gradually add the melted butter and half of the sifted flour to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined.
What is the secret to keeping the sponge cake light?
Gently fold in the beaten egg whites in two stages, being very careful not to deflate the mixture.
How long does the sponge cake need to bake?
It takes approximately 7 minutes in a 450°F oven.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when it is firm to the touch and pale in color; do not let it turn golden.
What ingredients are used for the filling?
The filling consists of 1 cup of guava marmalade and one 14-ounce can of dulce de leche.
What should I do immediately after taking the cake out of the oven?
Immediately invert the cake onto a clean, moist towel and carefully peel off the wax paper.
How do I roll the cake without it cracking?
Spread the filling while the cake is still warm and use a moist towel to assist in rolling the cake tightly from one edge.
How long does the roll cake need to set?
Refrigerate the rolled cake in the towel for at least 3 hours or up to 1 day to allow it to set properly.
Can I use other fillings for this roll cake?
Yes, you can substitute the guava and dulce de leche with Nutella, Bavarian cream, or different fruit jams.
How should I decorate the finished cake?
You can dust the cake with powdered sugar or apply frosting for an elegant, festive finish.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 eggs, with the whites and yolks separated.
How much flour is needed for the sponge?
You will need 1/2 cup (100 grams) of sifted flour.
Does the flour need to be sifted?
Yes, sifting the flour helps maintain the lightness of the sponge cake.
Is the butter added melted or softened?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons (60 grams) of melted butter.
How much sugar is in the cake batter?
The batter uses 1 cup (125 grams) of granulated sugar.
Why is a moist towel used when rolling?
The moisture in the towel helps keep the cake flexible and prevents it from drying out or cracking while rolling.
Can I make this cake a day in advance?
Yes, the cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before serving.
Is this cake difficult to make?
While it looks impressive and complicated, it is surprisingly simple to make if you follow the rolling instructions carefully.
What is the recommended salt amount?
One pinch of salt is added to the egg whites during whisking.
Can I use any type of jam?
Yes, while guava is traditional for this version, any fruit jam or marmalade will work as a filling.
How do I prevent the cake from deflating?
The key is to fold the egg whites into the flour and yolk mixture very gently using a spatula, rather than stirring.
What shape should the batter be on the baking sheet?
Spread the batter evenly into a rectangle to make it easier to roll into a log shape.
Should the filling be mixed before spreading?
Yes, mix the dulce de leche and guava marmalade together before spreading the mixture on the cake.
Is this cake suitable for a Christmas dinner?
Absolutely, its resemblance to a Yule log and its rich flavors make it a perfect holiday dessert.
Do I roll the cake from the long side or the short side?
The recipe recommends rolling tightly from one edge to create a classic log shape.