✨ Recipe

Dreamy swirls of airy cake and strawberry-kissed cream—that’s what this Strawberry Cake Roll ✨ is all about. Every bite is a burst of sweet berries and luscious whipped filling rolled inside the fluffiest sponge, making it a treat that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or craving a light, fresh dessert, this showstopper is guaranteed to turn any day into something extra special, one delicious slice at a time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to create this Strawberry Cake Roll ✨. Each ingredient is here for a delicious reason, from creating that tender cake to the irresistible, creamy filling studded with fresh strawberries. Simplicity is key, so you can focus on enjoying the sweetest moments.

• Eggs (4 large, room temperature): The foundation of a fluffy and light sponge cake—room temp eggs whip up extra airy!
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the sponge while keeping it tender and moist.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp for cake, ½ tsp for filling): Adds a fragrant, cozy note that enhances both cake and cream.
• All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Just enough to give structure without weighing down the roll.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the sponge rise and stay soft.
• Salt (¼ tsp): A pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting and ¼ cup for filling): Dusting keeps things from sticking and adds a lovely snowy finish, while sweetening the luscious filling.
• Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whips up thick and dreamy for a billowy filling.
• Fresh strawberries (¾ cup, chopped): Juicy bursts of tart sweetness in every bite; pick the ripest you can find for that summertime flavor!

How to Make ✨

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This quick setup makes rolling out the cake seamless later and prevents sticking, so you get that perfect swirl every time.

Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for a full 5 minutes. You want the mixture thickened and pale, almost tripled in volume—this makes your cake ultra-light. Then blend in that fragrant vanilla extract for a swoon-worthy aroma you’ll smell as soon as it hits the oven.

Step 3: Fold and Pour

Now gently fold in your flour, baking powder, and salt. Be super gentle; overmixing will deflate all that volume! When it’s just combined, pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly—this sets the stage for a picture-perfect roll.

Step 4: Bake and Roll

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched. While it’s still warm, invert the cake onto a clean towel thoroughly dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment, and then gently roll up the cake with the towel. This step gives it a memory so it will roll up perfectly later—so satisfying!

Step 5: Whip Up the Filling ✨

While your cake cools, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. The mixture should be thick, pillowy, and utterly irresistible. Fold in those fresh strawberries for a dreamy burst of color and juicy flavor.

Step 6: Unroll and Fill

Once your rolled cake is totally cool, gently unroll. Spread the dreamy strawberry cream filling right to the edges (but not too thick or it’ll ooze out!), then re-roll the cake. A gentle touch keeps the swirl intact and your filling right where you want it.

Step 7: Dust and Chill ✨

Give your assembled cake roll a final dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty, snowy look. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—a quick rest helps meld the flavors and makes slicing a breeze. Now it’s ready to impress!

How to Serve ✨

Garnishes

To make your Strawberry Cake Roll ✨ irresistible to the eyes and tastebuds, add a few artful garnishes. Arrange more sliced fresh strawberries along the top, toss on a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving, or tuck in a few fresh mint leaves for color and a hint of coolness. A light chocolate drizzle or white chocolate shavings add extra flair if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

This cake roll shines as a dessert centerpiece, but it pairs dreamily with other light treats. Enjoy it with a cup of strawberry or green tea, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a citrusy fruit salad. The bright flavors keep the whole meal fresh and uplifting, giving you a little extra sparkle at the end of your feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn serving into a real ✨ moment! Try slicing your roll thickly and fanning the pieces on a platter, or stack thin slices into a spiral to showcase those pretty swirls. You can even tilt a few slices into parfait glasses layered with more whipped cream and berries, turning classic cake into dazzling minis for a garden party or afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some cake left after the celebration? Simply wrap the Strawberry Cake Roll ✨ snugly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to three days, making sweet snacking easy.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the magic later, you can freeze the unfilled sponge cake by wrapping it well in plastic and foil, then stashing it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before filling. Freezing filled rolls isn’t recommended as cream and strawberries may change in texture, but a plain cake base gives you flexibility for last-minute festivities.

Reheating

No reheating is required for this fuss-free treat! Just slice and enjoy chilled right from the fridge. If it’s been in the freezer, let it come to room temperature before filling and serving for the best texture and freshest flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in the filling?

Frozen strawberries tend to release more moisture and don’t have the same texture or burst of flavor as fresh berries, so I highly recommend sticking with fresh strawberries for the best result in your Strawberry Cake Roll ✨.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

You can try a rimmed baking sheet that’s roughly the same size (about 10×15 inches). Just ensure the cake batter isn’t spread too thin, as you want enough height for the sponge to roll without cracking.

How do I keep the cake from cracking when I roll it?

The key is rolling the cake while it’s still warm and slightly pliable, using a towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. This technique “teaches” the cake to roll, so it will hold its shape (with minimum cracks) when filled.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches can be delicious mixed in with the strawberries. Just keep the quantities similar and pat any extra-juicy fruits dry before adding, to maintain that perfect creamy texture.

Do I need to chill the cake roll before serving?

Yes, a quick chill in the fridge (at least 30 minutes) helps the filling set and makes slicing tidy, revealing those gorgeous ✨ swirls in every slice. Plus, it tastes delightfully refreshing chilled!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a little extra sparkle to your table, this Strawberry Cake Roll ✨ delivers every time. I promise, each fluffy swirl and berry-kissed bite feels like a tiny celebration. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this simple yet stunning dessert, and watch the smiles light up around the table!