How to Line a Swiss Roll Tin (Size and Uses)

Quick Summary: A Swiss roll tin is a shallow, straight-sided rectangular pan, usually about 15 x 10 inches and 1 inch deep, used to bake thin sponge cakes for Swiss rolls, roulades, and jelly rolls. To line it, cut parchment paper about 3 inches larger than the base, fold it to fit, snip the corners, and press it in so it extends past the edges for easy release.

What is a Swiss roll tin?

A Swiss roll tin is a shallow tin used to bake a rectangular sponge or chiffon cake, which is then rolled to make a Swiss roll cake. This type of pan is also known as a Swiss roll baking tin, jelly roll pan, or roulade baking pan.

It has straight sides with square corners and is made from various materials, most commonly aluminum or aluminized steel.

Top-quality pan has no extra metals, chemical additives, dyes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

What size is a Swiss roll tin?

A Swiss roll tin is usually about 15 x 10 inches and 1 inch deep or less. It falls in size between the larger 18 x 13" half-sheet pan and the slightly smaller 13 x 9" quarter sheet. The standard Swiss roll pan size, also called a Swiss roll tray, is 15 x 10 inches.

However, it is worth noting that different brands may have their own unique sizes for Swiss roll pans. Take, for instance, the Pyrex Swiss roll tin, which measures about 12 ½ x 9 ½ inches (32 x 24 cm).

If you enjoy making roll cakes, consider getting a jelly roll pan for hassle-free preparation of a Vanilla Swiss roll or Japanese roll cake.

But do not worry if it is not available at your local store: use this simple cake pan converter to adjust ingredient measurements for a different baking pan.

How to line a Swiss roll tin

To line a Swiss roll pan, you will need a jelly roll pan, parchment paper, and scissors. Choose a sturdy, non-stick baking paper to give your cake a smooth and wrinkle-free base once baked.

When greasing the pan for your cake, most video tutorials recommend using cooking spray or softened butter. The choice is yours.

Both methods are effective, but if you decide to grease the pan, be aware that thin parchment may wrinkle when it comes into contact with the cake batter in the oven. This could leave wrinkles on the bottom of your cake.

Please be aware that it is also necessary to line a non-stick Swiss roll pan.

Lining a Swiss roll tin includes a few steps:

1. Cut a sheet of parchment paper about 3 inches (8 cm) larger than the bottom of the tin (photo 1).

2. To ensure a perfect fit, place the paper inside the tin and neatly fold all four sides according to the pan size (photo 2).

3. Take the paper out of the tin and lay it on a work surface. With scissors, make cuts from each corner of the paper towards the center, stopping just at the point where the two paper folds join (photo 3).

4. Grease the tin, if desired, to ensure the baking paper adheres to the base of the pan.

5. Press the paper firmly to the bottom and sides of the tin. Neatly arrange the cut corners (photo 4). Double-check that the non-stick side of the paper is facing upward.

The Swiss roll pan should be lined with parchment paper, extending at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) beyond the edges. This will make it easy to remove the cake once it is done.

Conclusion

For perfect results every time, invest in a light-colored Swiss roll tin or a jelly roll pan. Also, read about 21 secrets on how to make a cake roll without cracking it.

FAQ

Is a jelly roll pan the same as a Swiss roll pan?
A jelly roll pan and a Swiss roll tin are designed to make classic Jelly rolls, Swiss rolls, cake rolls, roulade, cream rolls, or Christmas Yule logs.

What can I substitute for a jelly roll pan?
You can substitute any rimmed baking tray for a Swiss roll tin. A cookie sheet or a half- and quarter-sheet pan will also work.

What tin is best for Swiss roll?
To make a Swiss roll, choose a light-colored Swiss roll tin that reflects heat rather than a dark pan that absorbs it, which can cause the cake to brown.

Can you use a baking tray as a Swiss roll tin?
You can substitute any rimmed baking tray with parchment paper for a Swiss roll tin. However, you must adjust the ingredient measurements to fit the available baking tray and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Is a jelly roll pan just a cookie sheet?
A jelly roll pan is made specifically for baking jelly rolls and has a rim around all sides, while a cookie sheet usually has only one rim and is perfect for baking cookies.

What is a Swiss roll tin used for?
A Swiss roll tin is primarily used for baking a Swiss roll cake (aka, Jelly roll, cake roll, roulade, cream roll), brownies, blondies, and slab pies.

Is a Swiss roll tin the same as a baking tray?
The jelly roll pan, measuring 10 x 15 inches, is a compact version of the larger rimmed baking sheet (13 x 18 inches). Lining a baking tray is identical to lining a Swiss roll tin.