Authentic Brazilian Bolo de Rolo Recipe

Ingredients

6 eggs
1 3/4 cups of sugar
1 1/4 cups of flour
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup of guava paste
1/4 cup of water
Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a 17x12 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they're frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and pale.
Gradually add the flour to the egg mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Melt the butter and gradually add it to the batter, mixing well until completely incorporated.
Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared jelly roll pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cake is golden and springs back when lightly touched.
While the cake is baking, melt the guava paste with the water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until you have a smooth spreadable paste.
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately spread the hot guava paste evenly over the top.
Beginning at the short end, carefully roll up the cake and the guava paste together, peeling away the parchment paper as you roll.
Let the rolled cake cool completely, then dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the batter.
Jelly roll pan - A 17x12 inch pan used for baking the cake.
Parchment paper - Used to line the jelly roll pan to prevent sticking.
Spatula - Used for spreading the batter and smoothing the top of the cake.
Saucepan - Used for melting the guava paste with water.
Powdered sugar sifter - Used for dusting the top of the cake with powdered sugar.

Recipe variations

Replace the guava paste with strawberry or raspberry jam for a different fruit flavor.
Add a layer of cream cheese frosting before spreading the guava paste for a creamier filling.
Use whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the batter for added flavor.
Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the guava paste before rolling up the cake.
Replace the butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor.
Experiment with different fruit pastes or spreads, such as mango or passion fruit, instead of guava paste.
Create a chocolate version by spreading a layer of chocolate ganache over the cake instead of guava paste.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour in place of the all-purpose flour.

Recipe overview

Bolo de Rolo is a traditional Brazilian dessert, best known for its beautiful swirl pattern and delightful guava filling. This cake rolls layers of delicate sponge cake with smooth, sweet guava paste for a treat that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. This recipe will take you step-by-step through the process of creating your own Bolo de Rolo at home. Despite its intricate appearance, this dessert is surprisingly straightforward to make, and the end result is sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Brazil with every slice.

Common questions

Can I use a different fruit paste instead of guava? Yes, you can substitute the guava paste with other fruit pastes such as strawberry, apricot, or pineapple paste.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? It is recommended to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the cake. However, if you only have salted butter, you can use it, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe.
Can I use a different size of baking pan? The recipe calls for a 17x12 inch jelly roll pan, which is the ideal size for this cake. Using a different size may affect the thickness and baking time of the cake, so it's best to use the specified size if possible.
Can I freeze the Bolo de Rolo? Yes, you can freeze Bolo de Rolo. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a different type of flour? The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which works well for Bolo de Rolo. However, you can try using cake flour for a softer texture, or whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, though the texture and taste may vary.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the batter ingredients.
Jelly Roll Pan - A 17x12 inch pan used to bake the cake.
Parchment Paper - Used to line the jelly roll pan and prevent sticking.
Spatula - To spread the batter and smooth the top of the cake.
Saucepan - Used to melt the guava paste and water for the filling.
Powdered Sugar Shaker - To dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.

Origin stories

Bolo de Rolo is a delightful dessert lovingly crafted in the northeastern part of Brazil, particularly in the state of Pernambuco. The dish, whose name translates to "Roll Cake," has a distinguished place in the Brazilian gastronomic scene, so much so that it is considered a cultural heritage of Pernambuco. Developed from Portuguese influences on Brazilian cuisine, Bolo de Rolo is no ordinary cake. It's a testament to the culinary ingenuity of the region, transforming simple ingredients into a beautifully layered and exquisite treat. The cake's signature characteristic, the numerous fine layers alternating between dough and guava paste, require a mastery in baking that can take time to perfect, rendering each well-made Bolo de Rolo a labor of love and a cherished experience for those privileged to taste it. It's a culinary symbol of Brazil, revered and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.