This Lemon Swiss Roll is light, fluffy, and filled with tangy lemon curd, making it a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. The soft sponge is easy to roll and has a fresh citrus flavour that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea.
It’s quick to make, requires just a few ingredients, and can be customised with orange for a different twist. Whether you serve it for dessert or afternoon tea, this easy Swiss roll will be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients Needed
For the Sponge:
- 4 large eggs
- 100g (4oz) caster sugar
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 100g (4oz) self-raising flour
For the Filling:
- 4 level tbsp lemon curd
How To Make Lemon Swiss Roll
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7. Butter a 33 x 23cm (13 x 9in) Swiss roll tin, then line it with non-stick baking parchment.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and frothy. The whisk should leave a trail when lifted. Sift in the flour and carefully fold it in, keeping as much air in the mixture as possible.
- Bake the Sponge: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, ensuring it spreads evenly into the corners. Give the tin a gentle shake to level the batter. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the sponge is golden brown and begins to shrink from the edges.
- Prepare the Rolling Surface: While the cake bakes, place a sheet of baking parchment on a work surface, slightly larger than the sponge tin. Sprinkle it with caster sugar.
- Turn Out the Sponge: Invert the cake onto the sugared parchment. Carefully peel off the baking parchment from the bottom of the sponge. Trim the edges with a sharp knife, then score a line 2.5cm (1in) from one shorter edge—this will help with rolling.
- Add the Filling: Let the cake cool slightly before spreading lemon curd evenly over the surface. If the cake is too hot, the curd will soak into the sponge.
- Roll the Cake: Starting from the scored edge, roll the sponge up firmly. Let it rest seam-side down before serving.

Recipe Tips
- For a different flavour, swap the lemon zest for orange zest and use orange marmalade instead of lemon curd.
- To prevent cracking, roll the sponge while it’s still warm and let it cool in shape before serving.
- For a neater look, dust with icing sugar before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
In the Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Chocolate Cupcakes
- Mary Berry Coconut Pyramids
- Mary Berry Lavender Shortbread Biscuits
- Mary Berry Shrewsbury Biscuits
Mary Berry Lemon Swiss Roll
Course: DessertsCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes10
minutes180
kcalThis Lemon Swiss Roll is light, fluffy, and filled with tangy lemon curd, making it a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. The soft sponge is easy to roll and has a fresh citrus flavour that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
- For the Sponge:
4 large eggs
100g (4oz) caster sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
100g (4oz) self-raising flour
- For the Filling:
4 level tbsp lemon curd
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7. Butter a 33 x 23cm (13 x 9in) Swiss roll tin, then line it with non-stick baking parchment.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and frothy. The whisk should leave a trail when lifted. Sift in the flour and carefully fold it in, keeping as much air in the mixture as possible.
- Bake the Sponge: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, ensuring it spreads evenly into the corners. Give the tin a gentle shake to level the batter. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the sponge is golden brown and begins to shrink from the edges.
- Prepare the Rolling Surface: While the cake bakes, place a sheet of baking parchment on a work surface, slightly larger than the sponge tin. Sprinkle it with caster sugar.
- Turn Out the Sponge: Invert the cake onto the sugared parchment. Carefully peel off the baking parchment from the bottom of the sponge. Trim the edges with a sharp knife, then score a line 2.5cm (1in) from one shorter edge—this will help with rolling.
- Add the Filling: Let the cake cool slightly before spreading lemon curd evenly over the surface. If the cake is too hot, the curd will soak into the sponge.
- Roll the Cake: Starting from the scored edge, roll the sponge up firmly. Let it rest seam-side down before serving.
Notes
- For a different flavour, swap the lemon zest for orange zest and use orange marmalade instead of lemon curd.
- To prevent cracking, roll the sponge while it’s still warm and let it cool in shape before serving.
- For a neater look, dust with icing sugar before serving.