Smart Cutting: Maximizing Your Jelly Roll Pan

Jelly roll pans are a type of flat sheet pan with a 1-inch rim around the sides. They are used to make thin sponge or sheet cakes that can be filled with cream, jelly, or other fillings and rolled into a cylinder shape. The standard size of a jelly roll pan is 15x10 with 1-high sides, but they can also come in quarter or half sizes. When making a jelly roll cake, it is important to line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to fill the pan almost to the brim with batter to ensure a cake that is sturdy enough to roll. To get 24 cuts out of a jelly roll pan, you would need to cut the cake into small, even slices. The exact number of servings you get from a jelly roll pan cake will depend on the size of the slices you cut.

Jelly roll pan measurements

A jelly roll pan is a flat, rectangular baking sheet with raised edges. Jelly roll pans are designed for making thin sponge or sheet cakes that can be coated with creme, jelly, or other fillings and rolled into a cylinder shape.

There are two common sizes of jelly roll pans:

• 1/4 size: 9" x 13" x 1" deep.
• 1/2 size: 12" x 17" x 1" deep.

The 1/2 size jelly roll pan is often compared to a half-sheet pan, which is larger, measuring 13" x 18" x 1". When substituting a half-sheet pan for a jelly roll pan, the cake may turn out too thin and dry.

It is important to use the correct pan size when baking a jelly roll to ensure the cake is the right thickness and does not overflow the pan. Using a pan that is too small or too large can affect the cake's structure and stability, making it difficult to roll without cracking or breaking.

Additionally, the depth of the pan is crucial. Jelly roll pans typically have a 1-inch rim, which is essential for containing the batter as it rises in the oven.

When using a jelly roll pan, it is recommended to line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. This makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board or serving platter.

In summary, the standard jelly roll pan measurements are 9" x 13" x 1" or 12" x 17" x 1", with a 1-inch rim. Choosing the correct size and following the recipe instructions will help ensure a successful jelly roll cake.

Jelly roll pan alternatives

A jelly roll pan is a flat, rectangular baking sheet with raised edges that is used for preparing delicate desserts like jelly rolls and pastries. It has shallow sides and a non-stick surface, making it easy to flip the final product out onto a cutting board or serving platter.

If you don't have a jelly roll pan, there are several alternatives you can use, depending on the recipe and the size of your dish. Here are some of the best substitutes:

• Half-sheet Pan: This pan measures 13″ x 18″ and is made from heavy-gauge aluminum. It has a smooth, non-stick surface that makes cleanup easy. While it is larger than a jelly roll pan, it can be used for baking cookies, shortbread, and other treats, as well as for cooking chicken, vegetables, and roasts.
• Cookie Sheet: A classic cookie sheet is a flat, rectangular metal tray with raised edges to prevent spills. It has holes in the bottom to allow hot air to circulate and cook the food evenly. By lining your cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil, you can create deeper pans suitable for baking casseroles or other dishes that require a jelly roll pan.
• Full-sheet Pan: A full-sheet pan is a larger, multipurpose baking sheet that measures approximately 26×18 inches and is made of steel or aluminum. For recipes that call for a jelly roll pan, you can use a full-sheet pan by outlining the dimensions on parchment paper, cutting it to size, and placing it on the sheet pan.
• Quarter Sheet Pan: This smaller pan is ideal for baking or roasting single-serving dishes. It has two large handles on either side and is made of thick, durable material that promotes even cooking and browning. When using a quarter sheet pan instead of a jelly roll pan, you may need to slightly reduce the cooking time.
• Casserole Pan: A casserole pan has a wider base and deeper interior walls than a traditional baking pan, making it ideal for casseroles, lasagnas, and stuffed foods like enchiladas or meatloaf. Its deeper walls can also accommodate larger batches of goodies, making it a versatile alternative to a jelly roll pan.

How to line a jelly roll pan

To line a jelly roll pan, start by cutting a piece of parchment paper to fit the pan. The jelly roll pan is a rectangular baking sheet with a 1-inch rim on all sides, so cut the parchment paper to size. You can also use a nonstick silicone sheet if you prefer.

Once you have the parchment paper cut to size, simply place it in the pan, and it's ready to use! If you're using a nonstick silicone sheet, you may need to grease it lightly, as instructed in your recipe.

Lining your jelly roll pan with parchment paper will make it easier to remove your cake once it's baked and prevent it from sticking to the pan. It will also make cleanup a breeze!

Additionally, if you're using a substitute for a jelly roll pan, such as a cookie sheet, lining it with parchment paper or foil can help you avoid sticking and create a deeper pan for baking casseroles or other dishes.

Now that your jelly roll pan is lined and ready to go, you can pour in your batter and get baking!

How to cut a jelly roll cake

To cut a jelly roll cake, you must first make the jelly roll cake. Jelly roll cakes are made by baking a thin sponge or sheet cake in a jelly roll pan, coating it with creme, jelly, or another filling, and then rolling it into a cylinder shape.

To make the cake, you will need a jelly roll pan, which is a type of flat sheet pan with a 1-inch rim around its sides. Jelly roll pans are typically smaller than half-sheet pans, which are 18x13", and usually measure about 15x10" with 1"-high sides.

When making the cake, be sure to line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper before pouring in the batter, as this will help prevent sticking when you turn the cake out onto a plate. Most jelly roll recipes instruct you to fill the jelly roll pan almost to its brim with batter, which will produce a cake that is approximately 1" tall and substantial enough to hold the filling.

Once the cake is baked, you will need to let it cool before adding the filling and rolling it up. You can then cut the jelly roll cake into slices of your desired thickness.

To get 24 cuts out of a jelly roll cake, you will need to cut the cake into relatively thin slices. You can use a long, thin knife to cut the cake into slices, ensuring that each slice is roughly the same thickness to achieve even portions.

• Start by cutting the cake in half lengthwise with a long, thin knife.
• Then, cut each half into thirds lengthwise, so you have six sections.
• Now, cut each of the six sections into four equal slices.
• You should now have 24 slices of jelly roll cake.

You can adjust the thickness of the slices depending on your preference, but keep in mind that thinner slices may be more delicate and prone to falling apart.

How to prevent cracking when rolling a jelly roll cake

To prevent cracking when rolling a jelly roll cake, it's important to act while the cake is still warm and pliable. The first step is to trim away the very edges of the four sides with a sharp knife to avoid any crustiness. Then, roll the cake with the help of a kitchen towel or parchment paper, dusted with powdered sugar, cocoa, or caster sugar. This will help the cake hold its shape as it cools.

Once the cake is fully cooled, gently unroll it, fill it, and reroll. If you're using a filling that will melt, like whipped cream, let the cake cool to just above room temperature before unrolling. This will prevent the cake from cracking as it will still be slightly warm and pliable.

If your cake still cracks, you can cover the imperfections with extra filling or frosting. Alternatively, you can try letting the cake cool completely before filling and rolling it. This technique may work better for certain recipes, as some cakes may set too firmly if they are rolled while still warm.

Frequently asked questions