🍰 Brazo Gitano with Chantilly Cream and Fresh Fruit
A light, elegant Swiss roll filled with pillowy whipped cream and bursts of fresh fruit. A timeless dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Looking for the perfect centerpiece for your next brunch, tea party, or celebration? This Brazo Gitano (also known as a Swiss roll or jelly roll) brings together the airy texture of sponge cake, the luxurious creaminess of Chantilly, and the vibrancy of seasonal fruit. It’s light yet satisfying, sweet without being too rich, and absolutely gorgeous on the plate.
📝 Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Chantilly Cream:
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 to 1½ cups chopped fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwi, mango, blueberries, etc.)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Make the Sponge Cake
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar for 5–7 minutes until thick, pale, and fluffy.
Sift in the flour and baking powder. Gently fold until smooth and lump-free.
Pour the batter into your tray and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch.
3. Roll the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Carefully peel off the parchment, then roll the cake up with the towel while warm. This step is key—it sets the shape without cracking later.
Let it cool completely rolled up.
4. Make the Chantilly Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the cold cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Light, creamy, and ready to spread!
5. Assemble the Roll
Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread a layer of Chantilly cream evenly over the surface.
Scatter chopped fruit across the cream. Carefully roll the cake back up (this time without the towel), keeping the filling snug but not overstuffed.
6. Decorate
Dust the top with powdered sugar for a minimalist finish—or go all out and cover the roll with more Chantilly and fresh fruit for an elegant touch.
7. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before slicing to help the cream firm up. Then slice, serve, and enjoy the oohs and aahs!
💡 Tips for Success:
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume when whipping.
- Don’t skip the towel roll—it prevents cracking!
- Let the cake cool fully before adding the cream to avoid melting.
- Choose a mix of tart and sweet fruits for flavor balance and visual appeal.
🥄 Perfect for:
- Afternoon tea parties
- Birthdays and bridal showers
- Holidays and spring/summer gatherings
- Anytime you want to impress without stress!
