Swiss Roll vs Roulade

A Swiss roll and a roulade are often confused, but they have distinct differences. A Swiss roll is specifically a light sponge cake rolled with filling, creating a spiral pattern when sliced. It's typically made with a fatless sponge that's flexible when warm. A roulade, however, is broader term that can refer to any rolled dish, including savory options or cakes made with different bases like chocolate or nut-based batters. Roulades can be denser and richer, while Swiss rolls are characteristically light and airy. The filling ratios also differ - Swiss rolls have moderate filling to maintain structure, while roulades can accommodate heavier, more generous fillings.