The sweet roll with bergamot cream is a dessert with a citrus flavor, very soft and delicious, perfect for an after-dinner treat, also ideal for the Christmas holidays!
It’s a soft sponge cake roll that encloses this very fragrant bergamot cream, light and delicate, each slice emits an indescribable aroma, only those who know this citrus fruit can understand the intoxicating fresh and citrus scent.
The bergamot is a truly versatile and almost unknown citrus fruit, with notable organoleptic and healing properties, used in cooking and, above all, in the cosmetic sector, thanks to its fresh and floral scent.
Calabria now holds the world record for bergamot cultivation, this fruit ripens between November and January, the color varies between green and yellow and the peel is rich in essential oils with an intense fragrance.
As a Calabrian, I couldn’t help but use this precious fruit and flavor both the juice and zest in this delicious dessert!
For those who can’t find the fruit, a few drops of essence can be used, which are available in pastry-specific shops or online, or substitute with lemon or orange!
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE RECIPES
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 8
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Ingredients for the Sweet Roll with Bergamot Cream
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs (large)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 bergamot zest (grated)
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 eggs (small)
- Half bergamot zest (grated)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons bergamot juice
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
Tools
- 3 Bowls
- 1 Electric whisk
- Stovetops
- Saucepans
- 1 Baking pan 12 x 12 inches
- Ovens
- 1 parchment paper
Steps for the Sweet Roll with Bergamot Cream
Wash the bergamot and grate half the peel into a saucepan with the milk, place on the stove and bring almost to a boil, turn off and let cool slightly.
Beat the whole eggs with sugar in a bowl, add cornstarch and 5 tablespoons of bergamot juice and mix well with a whisk.
Gradually pour in the warm milk while continuing to whisk, then pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook slowly over low heat, stirring continuously until the cream thickens.
Pour the cream into a glass bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool before using!
To prepare the roll, separate the egg whites from the yolk and place them in two separate bowls.
Use the electric beaters to whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks and set aside.
In the other bowl, beat the yolks well with the sugar, add a little grated bergamot zest and work until a soft and frothy mixture is obtained.
Add the sifted flour, mixing well with the whipped yolks, then gradually add the egg whites, stirring from bottom to top to prevent deflating them.
Pour the batter onto a 12×12 inch rectangular baking pan lined with parchment paper, leveling the surface well with a spatula.
Bake in a preheated static oven at 392°F for about 8-10 minutes.
When the roll is baked, remove it from the oven, immediately remove it from the pan, laying it with the parchment paper on a clean kitchen towel.
Remove the parchment paper and with the help of the towel, roll up the still warm batter, then place it in the fridge to cool.ROLL FILLING
Once cooled, unroll it from the towel and place it on a sheet of parchment paper, spread and level the bergamot cream well.
Roll it up tightly, using the parchment paper, seal the side edges well and place it back in the fridge to cool for a couple of hours.
Take the roll from the fridge, trim and even out the two ends, sprinkle with powdered sugar, slice, and serve very chilled!
You can serve and decorate the sweet roll also with bergamot slices.
Tips and Variations
The roll keeps fresh for about 2 days.
You can also fill the roll with different creams or jam.
You can replace bergamot with lemon, lime, or orange.
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Also read:
Roll filled with cream and strawberries
Roll with yogurt cream without sugar
Baba with bergamot cream
Questions and Answers
What can I substitute for bergamot cream
It can be replaced with lemon custard or orange custard
Where can I find bergamot essence
If you can’t find the fruit, you can use the essence and buy it online here
