This Strawberry Cake Roll is a dreamy bite of summer in every swirl. Soft, fluffy sponge cake hugs a cloud-like strawberry cream filling, all wrapped up and dusted in powdered sugar for good measure. It’s the ultimate showstopper dessert that’s secretly so easy to make and never fails to light up a table with its cheerful, pink-speckled spirals. If you want to wow at your next get-together, this recipe has that ✨ you’re craving—gorgeous, fresh, and utterly irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the secret to this Strawberry Cake Roll’s magic. Each ingredient has a role—whether it’s lifting the sponge cake, sweetening the cream, or delivering that burst of summer strawberry flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to capture the ✨ in every bite:
- Eggs (4 large, room temperature): These create the structure and fluffiness of your sponge—room temp eggs give the best rise.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cake and helps whip those eggs up nice and thick.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp for the cake, ½ tsp for filling): Adds warmth and highlights both cake and cream with classic bakery flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup): Just enough to hold the sponge together without making it dense.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Gives your cake that essential lift and lightness.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and wakes up all the other flavors.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting, ¼ cup for filling): Keeps the roll from sticking to the towel, dusts the final cake, and sweetens the whipped cream.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): The foundation for your dreamily rich, silky filling.
- Fresh Strawberries (¾ cup, chopped): The star! Brings bright, juicy bursts of summer to every slice.
How to Make ✨
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This little step is pure ✨—it means your sponge cake releases perfectly, ready to roll!
Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together for a full 5 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and ribbons when you lift the beaters. This adds air for a light, beautiful sponge, infusing every bite with that bakery-fresh ✨.
Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently sift and fold the flour, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Use a spatula and a soft touch so you keep all that lovely air—the batter should be light, not heavy.
Step 4: Bake the Sponge
Pour your batter into the lined pan and spread it evenly to the edges. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Keep an eye on it—overbaking is the enemy of a tender roll!
Step 5: Roll with the Towel
While the cake is still warm, lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and sprinkle it generously with powdered sugar. Quickly flip the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and, starting at the short side, gently roll it up with the towel inside. Let cool completely—this step locks in the rolling shape and is the key to that perfect ✨ spiral.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Cream Filling
Whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in your chopped strawberries so every bite is studded with summer—this filling is the stuff of ✨ dreams.
Step 7: Fill, Roll, and Finish
Once cooled, carefully unroll the sponge, spread the strawberry cream evenly all over, then re-roll (this time without the towel). Place seam-side down, dust with extra powdered sugar, and let chill for 30 minutes before slicing. When you cut your first piece and see that gorgeous swirl, you’ll know you nailed the ✨!
How to Serve ✨
Garnishes
Go all out with fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or a gentle sprinkle of extra powdered sugar over the top—each little touch adds another visual pop and extra ✨ to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a glass of bubbly lemonade. When you want an extra-refreshing bite, some fresh fruit on the side captures the full summery ✨ vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra flair, slice the roll into thick spirals and arrange them in a circle on a platter, or create individual “mini cake rolls” for a cute, picnic-style treat. Layer slices with more cream in a trifle for an unexpected ✨ dessert twist—let your creativity run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake roll tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays soft and the filling remains luscious for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy a taste of ✨ anytime!
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled cake roll (without powdered sugar topping) for up to a month. Just wrap it in plastic, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy a burst of ✨ whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just slice and enjoy, straight from the fridge—the texture and flavor are pure ✨ perfection as is!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in the filling?
Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, but if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well before using to avoid a runny filling.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet close in size (about 10×15 inches) will do the trick. Just make sure the batter spreads evenly for a perfect roll shape.
How can I keep my cake from cracking when I roll it?
Rolling the sponge while it’s still warm, right after baking, is key. The steam helps it stay flexible and gives you that smooth, crack-free ✨ swirl!
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely—this recipe is party-perfect! You can assemble and chill the cake roll a day ahead; just dust with powdered sugar right before serving for the freshest look.
Is it possible to make a chocolate version?
Definitely! Swap out ¼ cup of flour for unsweetened cocoa powder in the sponge and use the same fabulous strawberry filling for a chocolate-strawberry twist with all the ✨.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert to bring big smiles and a little extra ✨ to your day, this Strawberry Cake Roll is the answer. It’s fresh, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry cream—give it a whirl, and prepare to impress yourself!