Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

You can, but the cake won’t be as soft and airy. To mimic cake flour, remove two tablespoons from one cup of all-purpose flour and replace it with two tablespoons of cornstarch.

What if my cake cracks when I roll it?

Small cracks are normal. Spread plenty of frosting and dust with powdered sugar to cover any imperfections beautifully.

Can I skip using lemon juice?

Lemon juice helps stabilize egg whites, but you can substitute cream of tartar instead if preferred. Use the same amount.

How do I keep colors from blending too much?

Use a spatula gently and quickly, spreading just enough to cover evenly without overly blending the colors together.

Easter Cake Roll Recipe

Name: Easter Cake Roll Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large egg whites, room temperature; 1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed; ¼ tsp kosher salt; ¼ cup sugar; ½ cup cake flour + 1 tbsp; Pastel gel food coloring; 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup butter, unsalted, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; Powdered sugar, for dusting

This Easter Cake Roll is like a delicious celebration rolled up into one stunning dessert. Imagine a fluffy, airy sponge cake bursting with cheerful pastel colors and filled with the creamiest, dreamiest cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tasted.

It’s a show-stopping treat that’s actually incredibly easy to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute parties, or special gatherings. Every slice reveals a gorgeous swirl of color, bringing smiles and compliments from everyone lucky enough to grab a piece. This cake isn’t just delicious; it’s genuinely fun to make. You’ll love how straightforward it is to whip up something so impressive and delightful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Quick: Ready in a flash with just 12 minutes of baking. Perfect when you need an impressive dessert fast.
Beautifully Colorful: This vibrant, pastel-colored cake is sure to wow your family and guests.
Incredibly Moist and Fluffy: The soft sponge combined with rich cream cheese frosting creates a perfect texture you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

Egg Whites: The base of your cake, they create that airy, fluffy texture. Always use room-temperature egg whites for the best results.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A bit of lemon juice helps stabilize the egg whites, ensuring they whip up perfectly every time.
Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and helps the egg whites whip better.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overwhelming its delicate texture.
Cake Flour: Crucial for a super tender, fluffy cake. Regular flour won’t achieve the same softness.
Pastel Gel Food Coloring: These bright pastel shades turn a simple cake into something festive and spectacular.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream Cheese: Tangy and creamy, cream cheese provides the perfect complement to the sweet, airy sponge cake.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a smooth, rich texture to the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Ensures your frosting is perfectly sweet, silky, and easy to spread.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
Powdered Sugar for Dusting: Gives a beautifully finished look and a touch of extra sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel adventurous? Here are some tasty twists:

Chocolate Lovers: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the frosting for a creamy chocolate spin.
Fruity Flair: Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam or strawberry preserves on top of the frosting for extra fruity sweetness.
Citrus Burst: Mix fresh lemon zest into the frosting to boost the bright citrus flavors.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts inside for added texture.

How to Make Easy Pastel Easter Cake

Step 1: Whip Up the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×18 baking sheet with baking spray and line it with parchment paper. In a mixer with a whisk attachment, whip egg whites, lemon juice, and salt until foamy. Gradually add sugar, whisking until you see soft peaks. Carefully fold in cake flour until the batter is smooth.

Step 2: Add Vibrant Colors

Divide batter evenly into 4 bowls, adding a few drops of pastel gel food coloring to each bowl until you achieve vibrant shades. Alternate dollops of colored batter onto your prepared baking sheet and gently smooth out evenly with a spatula, creating a gorgeous marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake and Roll

Bake for about 12 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Cool briefly for 5 minutes, flip it onto another sheet of parchment paper, peel off the original parchment carefully, and roll tightly into a spiral. Refrigerate the rolled cake to cool completely (about 2 hours).

Step 4: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In your mixer, blend softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Fill and Finish

Unroll the chilled cake carefully, spread frosting evenly across its surface, and gently roll it back up. Dust generously with powdered sugar right before serving to make your cake even more irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Roll Gently and Quickly: Roll your cake carefully while it’s still warm to prevent cracking, and refrigerate immediately to set its shape.
Use Gel Coloring: Gel food coloring delivers brighter, more vibrant results without watering down your batter.
Frost Evenly: Spread frosting evenly, leaving a thin border around the edges, ensuring a neat, clean roll.

How to Serve

Serve slices of this Easter Cake Roll with extra powdered sugar dusted on top, garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves. It’s perfect with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. Ideal for spring gatherings, Easter brunch, or as a festive dessert after dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors develop beautifully overnight.

Freezing

Wrap the unfrosted cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add powdered sugar just before serving.

Reheating

This cake tastes best slightly chilled or at room temperature—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

You can, but the cake won’t be as soft and airy. To mimic cake flour, remove two tablespoons from one cup of all-purpose flour and replace it with two tablespoons of cornstarch.
What if my cake cracks when I roll it?

Small cracks are normal. Spread plenty of frosting and dust with powdered sugar to cover any imperfections beautifully.
Can I skip using lemon juice?

Lemon juice helps stabilize egg whites, but you can substitute cream of tartar instead if preferred. Use the same amount.
How do I keep colors from blending too much?

Use a spatula gently and quickly, spreading just enough to cover evenly without overly blending the colors together.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pastel Easter Cake brings together simplicity and beauty in the most delightful way. The gorgeous swirled colors inside create that wow moment when you slice into it, while the homemade frosting elevates it beyond a typical box mix cake. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers impressive results that will have everyone at your Easter gathering asking for seconds. The best part? You’ll know how little effort it actually took to create this showstopper!