Strawberries & Cream Cake Roll (Swiss Roll)
Light, airy sponge cake wrapped around a luscious cream filling and fresh strawberries—this Strawberries & Cream Cake Roll is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the perfect dessert for weekends, celebrations, or whenever you want something that feels a little special without being overly complicated.
Despite its elegant appearance, this cake roll is surprisingly approachable. With a few simple techniques, you’ll have a soft, flexible sponge that rolls easily and holds a creamy, fruity filling that tastes like summer in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is all about balance. The sponge cake is light and fluffy, the whipped cream is smooth and slightly sweet, and the strawberries add a fresh, juicy contrast. It’s not overly heavy, making it perfect after a hearty meal.
Plus, it looks impressive when sliced—those beautiful spirals make it feel bakery-quality right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
-
4 large eggs (room temperature)
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
¾ cup all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
2 tablespoons milk
For the Filling:
-
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
-
¼ cup powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
For Dusting:
-
Powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure to cover the edges. Lightly grease the paper.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer for 4–5 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and fluffy. This step is key—it creates the structure of your sponge.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
Stir in the milk just until combined.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
Step 4: Roll While Warm
Lay a clean kitchen towel on your counter and dust it generously with powdered sugar. Turn the warm cake out onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake up with the towel. Let it cool completely while rolled—this helps prevent cracking later.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Keep it light and fluffy.
Fold in the chopped strawberries, or keep them separate if you prefer a cleaner spiral look.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake Roll
Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
If you didn’t mix strawberries into the cream, sprinkle them evenly over the top.
Gently roll the cake back up (without the towel this time), keeping it tight but not too firm.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and slice into beautiful rounds.
Tips for Success
-
Don’t overbake: A dry cake will crack when rolling
-
Roll while warm: This trains the cake to hold its shape
-
Use room temperature eggs: They whip better and create more volume
-
Chill before slicing: Helps keep clean, neat layers
Variations
-
Chocolate Version: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the batter
-
Berry Mix: Use raspberries or blueberries with strawberries
-
Cream Cheese Filling: Add cream cheese for a richer filling
-
Jam Layer: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam before the cream
Storage
Store the cake roll in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors deepen nicely after a few hours of chilling.
Serving Ideas
Serve slices with:
-
Extra fresh strawberries
-
A drizzle of strawberry sauce
-
A dollop of whipped cream
It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee for a light yet indulgent treat.
Final Thoughts
Strawberries & Cream Cake Roll is one of those desserts that feels both nostalgic and elegant. It’s soft, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor, making it perfect for weekend baking or special occasions.
Once you master this simple roll technique, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—with endless variations to explore.