Explore Swiss Roll: Savoring the Unique Deliciousness from Around the World

Perhaps not many of us know that Swiss roll is actually a variation of the classic sponge cake that has been around for a long time. This cake is said to originate from Austria and first appeared around the 19th century before spreading worldwide. Seemingly not losing its charm, Swiss roll cake then has its own unique variations in various countries. So, what are the typical Swiss roll cakes from around the world?

1. Swiss Roll
   Swiss Roll is the most commonly used term to name the roll cake in almost every country in Europe and America, and it has quite a variety of variations. For example, in the UK and Canada, it is filled with jelly, which sometimes makes it also called Jelly Roll. Meanwhile, in the United States, Swiss Roll is often made with cream and chocolate ganache. Swiss Roll in the United States has become a popular sweet snack, even produced by many commercial cake companies and made in bite-sized portions.

2. Buche de Noel
   Famous as one of the iconic Christmas dishes in various countries, this Swiss roll variant originates from France. The cake is made from a rolled sponge cake filled with cream or jam wrapped in chocolate buttercream and shaped like a log before being decorated accordingly. Buche de Noel is said to have been first made in the 19th century. According to history, this log-shaped cake was created to represent the tradition of making a yule log fireplace by people in ancient times on Christmas Eve. Interesting, isn’t it?

3. Tiger skin rolls
   Tiger skin rolls, or 虎皮蛋糕 (pronounced: Hǔ pí dàngāo) Tiger Striped Cake Roll, are a variation of Swiss Roll influenced by Chinese culture, particularly Peranakan Chinese culture. The unique appearance of this cake roll usually consists of two layers: the inner layer containing regular Swiss Roll cake and the outer layer, which is wrinkled and has brownish tiger-like stripes on the surface.

4. Pianono
   Pianono is a popular variant of Swiss Roll in Spain, South America, and the Philippines. This cake originally hails from Granada, Spain, and the name Pianono itself is derived from the word “Pio Nono,” which in Italian refers to the name of Pope Pius IX. Pianono can be made in two versions, sweet or savory. The savory version is typically filled with cheese or ham, while the sweet filling is often made with cream, jam, or even fresh fruits. Interestingly, each country has its own unique version of Pianono. For example, in the Philippines, it is known for its filling of margarine with sugar.