Jelly Roll Pan: Is It A Must-Have?

A jelly roll pan is a rimmed baking sheet with a 1-inch lip that is designed for baking thin cakes, such as Swiss rolls, that can be rolled into a cylinder shape and filled with jelly or cream. Jelly roll pans are smaller than half-sheet pans, which are typically 18x13, and usually measure 15x10. While a jelly roll pan is ideal for achieving the right thickness for a jelly roll cake, a half-sheet pan can be used as a substitute. However, a cookie sheet is not suitable for baking jelly rolls as it does not have a rolled edge to contain the batter.

Jelly roll pan dimensions

Jelly roll pans are a type of flat sheet pan with a rim around the sides. They are designed to make thin sponge or sheet cakes that can be coated with a filling and rolled into a cylinder shape. Jelly roll pans are typically made from aluminium or aluminised steel.

There are two common sizes of jelly roll pans: the quarter size and the half size. The quarter size measures approximately 9 x 13 inches, while the half size is around 12 x 17 inches. Both sizes have a depth of 1 inch.

Jelly roll pans are typically smaller than half sheet pans, which measure 13 x 18 inches and are also around 1 inch deep. Using a half sheet pan instead of a jelly roll pan can result in a thin cake that cracks or burns, as the batter will be spread too thinly.

It is important to use the correct size of pan when baking, as using a different dimension can impact baking time and the consistency of the final product.

Jelly roll pan uses

A jelly roll pan is a rimmed baking sheet designed for baking Swiss rolls or jelly rolls. It typically measures 10 by 15 inches with a one-inch lip, making it perfect for creating a thin sponge cake that can be rolled into a cylinder. Here are some common uses for a jelly roll pan:

Baking Rolled Cakes

Jelly roll pans are ideal for making rolled cakes such as pumpkin rolls, yule logs, jelly rolls, and Swiss rolls. The pan's dimensions allow for the creation of a thin, even cake that can be easily rolled without cracking or crumbling.

Roasting Vegetables

Jelly roll pans can be used to roast large batches of vegetables. Their size and low sides make it easy to stir and turn vegetables for even cooking.

Baking Cookies

While cookie sheets are typically used for baking cookies, a jelly roll pan can also be used for this purpose. It can bake a dozen or more cookies at a time, depending on the size of the cookies.

Toasting Nuts

The jelly roll pan is perfect for toasting nuts. The low sides allow for even toasting, and the size ensures that nuts don't roll off the pan.

Cooking Asparagus

Jelly roll pans are handy for cooking asparagus. The low sides make it easy to roll or turn the asparagus during cooking.

Making Slab Pies

Pastry chefs have also used jelly roll pans to make slab pies that serve a larger number of people, typically 12–15 servings.

Jelly roll pan substitutes

If you don't have a jelly roll pan, there are several other types of baking pans that can be used for the same purpose. Here are some substitutes for a jelly roll pan:

• Half sheet pan: This is the closest substitute to a jelly roll pan. However, a half sheet pan is wider than a jelly roll pan, so using it may result in a thinner cake that cracks or burns.
• Cookie sheet: Cookie sheets are interchangeable with jelly roll pans for flat pastries. However, they are not suitable for making rolled cakes as they usually don't have a rolled edge to contain the batter.
• 9 x 13 pan: This pan is almost the same size as the typical jelly roll pan (10 x 15 inches). You will need to make some adjustments to the ingredient amounts and temperature when using this substitute.
• Full sheet pan: This pan measures 26 x 18 inches, making it more suitable for commercial kitchens. Its larger surface area will result in faster cooking times.
• Quarter sheet pan: This pan measures 13 x 9 inches, making it smaller than the standard jelly roll pan. It is suitable for making jelly rolls, roasting vegetables, or toaster cooking.
• Nordic Ware Aluminum Pan: This pan is a good substitute as it offers the same size as a jelly roll pan, so you only need to make slight adjustments to your recipe. It is made of pure aluminum and is lighter than a jelly roll pan.
• Cake pan: Choose a rectangular-shaped cake pan with a one-inch rim around the sides. This will create a thin cake that can be rolled into a cylinder shape and filled with jelly or cream.

Jelly roll pan vs. cookie sheet

A jelly roll pan is a rimmed baking sheet designed for making Swiss or jelly rolls—thin, rolled sponge cakes with fillings like jam, jelly, or cream. Jelly roll pans are usually smaller than half-size sheet pans, with a narrow design that helps delicate cake batter bake into a soft, flexible, fluffy sheet. They typically measure 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 inches, with 1-inch-deep sides that contain the runny batter and give the cake a flat, rectangular shape.

A cookie sheet, on the other hand, typically has only one rim to make it easier to handle and is ideal for baking cookies. It is often insulated to prevent baked goods from burning too quickly. Cookie sheets come in a variety of sizes, and while they are mainly used for baking cookies, they can also be used to make other baked goods such as biscuits, flatbread, and pastries. However, they are not suitable for roasting meat as they don't have rims to contain juices.

While jelly roll pans and cookie sheets have some similarities, they also have notable differences. Jelly roll pans are larger than cookie sheets, which can come in mini sizes as small as seven inches. Jelly roll pans have one-inch rims, making them ideal for working with liquid batters or juicy foods, whereas cookie sheets are designed without rims to promote even baking of cookies.

Jelly roll pan materials

Jelly roll pans can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, and even silicone. However, the most common materials used for jelly roll pans are aluminum and aluminized steel.

Aluminum jelly roll pans are typically affordable and conduct heat well, making them a popular choice for bakers. They are also lightweight and easy to handle. However, aluminum pans can be reactive to acidic foods and may not be as durable as some other materials.

Aluminized steel jelly roll pans, on the other hand, are known for their exceptional strength, even heating, and warp resistance. They are often the choice of professionals due to their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures without warping. This type of pan is also less reactive to acidic foods than aluminum pans.

In addition to the pan's material, you may also want to consider the type of coating it has. Non-stick coatings, such as silicone or Americoat, can make it easier to remove your baked goods from the pan and simplify cleanup. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions for non-stick pans, as some may not be dishwasher-safe or compatible with metal utensils.

Frequently asked questions