Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for buttering the baking sheet
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for flouring the baking sheet
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon plus a pinch fine salt
  • 6 large eggs, separated
  • 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch fine salt
  • 8 gumdrops, for decorating

Method

  • Special equipment: a 10 1/2-by-15 1/2-inch rimmed baking sheet; a large clean kitchen towel (preferably not terrycloth or microfiber)
  • For the cake: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a 10 1/2-by-15 1/2-inch baking sheet with parchment paper so it fits the bottom snuggly.
  • Butter and flour the parchment and the sides of the baking sheet.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, allspice and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Beat the egg yolks and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a large bowl until the mixture is thick and falls into heavy ribbons when the beaters are lifted, about 5 minutes.
  • Beat in the melted butter, molasses and vanilla.
  • Sift the spiced flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture and use a rubber spatula to gently fold together until just incorporated.
  • Rinse the egg beaters and beat the egg whites and remaining pinch salt with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a large bowl until frothy.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
  • Fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the cake batter to loosen it up a bit.
  • Then gently fold in the remaining whipped egg whites until just combined.
  • Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it out in an even layer.
  • Bake until the middle of the cake springs back when pressed, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • To roll up or train the cake: While the cake is still hot, use a knife to cut around the sides of the baking sheet to release the cake.
  • Dust the cake with confectioners' sugar.
  • Spread a large clean kitchen towel (preferably not terrycloth or microfiber) over the top of the cake.
  • Quickly invert the baking sheet onto the towel.
  • Tap the bottom of the baking sheet and slowly lift up; the cake should release and be positioned squarely on the towel.
  • Carefully peel away the parchment paper, making sure not to tear the cake.
  • Trim away any rough edges if desired.
  • Then, while the cake is still warm and starting at the long side of the cake, roll it up into a tight log, taking the towel with it.
  • Let the cake cool completely, rolled up just like this, about 30 minutes.
  • For the filling: Beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a medium bowl until smooth.
  • Add the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and salt and beat until thick and smooth.
  • Set aside 2 tablespoons of the filling.
  • To fill and roll the cake: Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling over the top in an even layer.
  • Then roll the cake back up (without the towel this time) and put it seam-side down on a serving platter.
  • Dip each gum drop in some of the reserved filling and evenly space them down the center of the roulade.
  • Dust the cake with more confectioners' sugar.
  • Slice and serve.