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Lemon Meringue Roulade

A delightful dessert that combines zesty lemon flavor with airy meringue and a light sponge cake, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Curd
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice Bright and tangy, gives the roulade its signature zest.
  • Zest of 1 lemon Adds fragrance and depth to the lemon flavor.
  • ⅓ cup (70g) caster sugar Helps to balance the tartness of the lemons.
  • 3 large eggs Provides a rich, creamy base for the curd.
  • 1 cup (180g) chopped white chocolate Sweet and velvety, complements the tart lemon.
For the Meringue and Cake
  • ½ cup (100g) sugar For sweetening the meringue.
  • ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour, sifted Provides structure for the sponge cake.
  • 3 Tablespoons cornstarch Helps to create a tender and light sponge.
  • 1 Tablespoon (15g) caster sugar Added for moistness.
Additional Ingredients
  • ½ cup (100ml) water To make the sugar syrup for meringue.
  • ½ cup (100g) caster sugar Used in the syrup.

Method
 

Preparation of Lemon Curd
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, caster sugar, and egg yolks. Warm over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Melt White Chocolate
  1. Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave until smooth, being careful not to overheat.
Combine and Refrigerate
  1. Gradually pour the lemon mixture over the melted chocolate in three additions, mixing until fully incorporated. Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly with cling film, and refrigerate overnight to set.
Prepare Sponge Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whip Egg Whites
  1. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, then egg yolks, and fold in sifted flour and cornstarch until well combined.
Bake the Sponge
  1. Pour batter into the prepared baking sheet, spread evenly, and bake for 8-10 minutes until springy and lightly golden.
Cool and Prepare
  1. Cover the sponge with a damp towel, invert onto the towel to cool. Brush the surface with lemon-sugar syrup before spreading chilled lemon curd evenly over the sponge.
Roll the Cake
  1. Starting from the shorter side, carefully roll the sponge cake with the filling inside, wrap tightly in a towel, and refrigerate for about an hour.
Prepare Meringue
  1. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan, heat until it reaches 240°F without stirring. Start whipping egg whites in a stand mixer until foamy, and gradually stream in hot sugar syrup until stiff peaks form.
Final Assembly
  1. Unwrap the roulade, position it on a serving platter, trim ends if necessary. Spread Italian meringue generously over the roulade.
Finish with a Torch
  1. Lightly toast the meringue with a handheld torch to achieve a golden color and subtle caramelization.

Notes

Chill your tools for best meringue results. Use room temperature eggs for better volume. Do not rush cooking the lemon curd.