Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake

The Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of fresh strawberries and a light, fluffy cake. It’s perfect for special occasions, summer gatherings, or just a treat for yourself. Easy to make and beautiful to look at, this roll cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it features fresh strawberries, which not only taste great but also add a vibrant color to the cake. Second, the roll cake is surprisingly simple to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Lastly, it is a fun dessert that everyone will love, making it perfect for both family gatherings and celebrations.

How to Make Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake

Ingredients:

4 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional, for strawberry swirl)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
Strawberry syrup or jam (for decoration)
Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers (for decoration)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 5-7 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla extract. Gently fold this into the batter.
If desired, take about 1/3 of the batter and mix in a few drops of red food coloring to create a pink batter. Swirl this pink batter into the white batter on the prepared pan.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
While the cake is still warm, carefully invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper.
Starting from one short end, carefully roll the cake up tightly with the towel inside. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape.
For the filling, in a cold bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries.
Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it gently. Spread the strawberry cream filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
Carefully re-roll the cake, without the towel this time.
Place the roll cake seam-side down on a serving platter.
Decorate with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of strawberry syrup or jam, and a sprinkle of crushed cookies.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake

To serve the Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake, slice it into even pieces and place them on individual plates. You can add extra fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry syrup on top for a beautiful presentation. This cake is perfect for any party or just to enjoy at home with family.

How to Store Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake

You can store the Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake in the refrigerator. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Tips to Make Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help them whip better.
Be gentle when folding the dry ingredients into the egg mixture to keep the cake light and fluffy.
For an even more vibrant strawberry color, use a higher quality red food coloring.
Dust the kitchen towel with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe by using different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed fruit filling instead of strawberries. You can also experiment with different flavors for the cream filling, like adding lemon zest or using chocolate.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the filling.

2. Is it necessary to use a jelly roll pan?
A jelly roll pan is ideal for making roll cakes because it ensures even baking. If you don’t have one, you can use a baking sheet with sides, but the cake may not roll as easily.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the decorations just before serving for the best presentation.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Swirl Roll Cake! It’s a lovely dessert that everyone will adore!