Hello, dessert lovers! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of cake rolls with this Easy Strawberry Cake Roll recipe. A light and fluffy sponge cake wrapped around sweet whipped cream and fresh strawberries makes for a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake roll is guaranteed to impress.
Introduction
The Strawberry Cake Roll is a timeless dessert that’s elegant yet surprisingly easy to make. With its origins in classic European roulades, this dessert has become a favorite worldwide, thanks to its versatility and simple preparation. The combination of a soft, spongy cake, airy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s the ultimate spring or summer dessert, but it can brighten up any season with its vibrant colors and fresh taste.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
With these simple ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Directions and Preparation Method
Preparing the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs on high speed for about 5 minutes until they become thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating continuously until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula or a whisk. Be gentle to retain the airiness of the batter. Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring it reaches all corners. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cake difficult to roll.
While the cake bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel and generously dust it with powdered sugar.
Once the cake is done, immediately turn it onto the prepared towel and peel off the parchment paper. Starting with a short side, roll the cake up in the towel jelly-roll style. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This rolling step is essential to prevent cracking when filling later.
Preparing the Filling:
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This light and fluffy whipped cream will serve as the perfect base for the fresh strawberries.
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface, leaving about a ½-inch border on all sides. This ensures the filling doesn’t spill out when rolling. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the whipped cream, creating a vibrant, fruity layer.
Roll up the cake again, this time without the towel. Be gentle to maintain the shape and prevent tearing. Cover the rolled cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Additional Tips
- Perfect Roll: To ensure a smooth roll, handle the cake gently and roll it while it’s still warm. This prevents cracking and makes it easier to shape.
- Enhanced Flavor: Add a splash of lemon zest to the whipped cream for a zesty contrast to the sweetness.
- Decorative Touch: Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with melted chocolate for an elegant presentation.
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, slice them into portions and freeze them for up to 2 weeks.
Helpful Tips
The quality of ingredients can make a significant difference in this dessert. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and color. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute them with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches.
To make the rolling process easier, avoid overbaking the cake, as this can lead to dryness and cracking. Additionally, make sure to sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps in the batter, ensuring a smooth texture.
If you’re serving this dessert for a special occasion, consider decorating it with extra whipped cream, whole strawberries, or a sprig of mint for a stunning finish.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Strawberry Cake Roll is perfect for a variety of occasions, from afternoon tea to birthday parties. Pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a sophisticated treat, or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Its light and airy texture makes it an excellent choice for spring and summer gatherings, but it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 230
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 2%
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the cake roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake roll a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and covered to maintain freshness.
What if my cake cracks during rolling?
Don’t worry if minor cracks appear—they can be hidden with powdered sugar or additional whipped cream decorations.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen ones if needed. Just thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like these:
- Classic Lemon Swiss Roll
- Raspberry Cream Cheese Roll
- Chocolate Hazelnut Roulade
- Vanilla Sponge Cake with Fresh Berries
Conclusion
The Easy Strawberry Cake Roll is a dessert that combines elegance with simplicity. Its light sponge cake, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries make it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields stunning results. So why not try it for your next gathering or as a sweet surprise for your family? Enjoy every bite of this fruity, creamy delight!