Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 packets active dry yeast (about 4 1/2 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup warm milk (120°F to 130°F)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

For Decoration:

• 5 raw eggs, dyed if desired
• Sprinkles or colored sugar for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and orange zest.
3. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
5. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
7. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
8. Punch down dough.
9. Divide into thirds.
10. Roll each portion into a 24-inch rope.
11. Braid ropes; form a circle, pinching ends to seal.
12. Place a greased baking sheet.
13. Tuck dyed eggs into braid, evenly spaced.
14. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
15. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
16. Brush dough with egg wash.
17. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
18. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
19. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool.

Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes | Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)

Celebrate Easter with a delightful Easter Cake Roll, featuring a soft lemon cake filled with a creamy cream cheese filling. This visually stunning dessert is not only perfect for the holiday but also offers a refreshing taste that’s sure to impress your guests.

This Easter Cake Roll is a perfect combination of tangy lemon and sweet cream cheese, wrapped in a light and fluffy cake. It’s a festive and delicious way to add a touch of elegance to your Easter celebrations. Enjoy the process of baking this lovely dessert and the joy it brings to your holiday table!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1/2 lemon

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat Eggs and Sugar:
   1. In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until thick and pale, about 4 minutes.
   2. Mix in vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Add Dry Ingredients:
   1. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Bake:
   1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
   2. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
6. Roll Cake:
   1. Immediately after baking, turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
   2. Peel off the parchment paper.
   3. Starting at one short end, roll the cake up in the towel.
   4. Cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Prepare Filling:
   1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
   2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, beating until creamy.
8. Unroll and Fill Cake:
   1. Carefully unroll the cooled cake.
   2. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake.
   3. Re-roll the cake without the towel.
9. Chill:
   1. Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
10. Serve:
    1. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
    2. Slice and enjoy!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 44 minutes