Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Spring is the perfect season to indulge in delightful desserts that celebrate the freshness and flavors of the season. Among these, the Strawberry Cream Roll Cake stands out as an exquisite treat that can elevate any occasion. This light, fluffy cake, rolled delicately with luscious strawberry cream, creates a beautiful presentation while also satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply to enjoy with your family on a sunny day. With just seven simple steps, you can create this stunning dessert and impress your loved ones.
What Is Spring Desserts: Strawberry Cream Roll Cake in 7 Steps?
Spring Desserts: Strawberry Cream Roll Cake is a delicious rolled cake filled with a creamy strawberry filling. This cake uses fresh strawberries, offering a burst of flavor that embodies the spirit of spring. The cake’s sponge-like texture is soft and airy, allowing it to be rolled easily without cracking. It’s a versatile dessert that you can serve on special occasions or as a delightful ending to your everyday meals.
Why You’ll Love This
There are myriad reasons to love this Strawberry Cream Roll Cake. Firstly, its vibrant presentation makes it a showstopper on any dessert table. The combination of the cake and creamy filling creates a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. It’s also an easy dessert to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Additionally, this roll cake is adaptable; you can incorporate different fruits or flavors into the filling. Plus, it’s a delightful way to celebrate the arrival of spring!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Eggs: 3 large eggs – provide the structure and moisture needed for the cake.
- Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps in creating a delicate texture.
- Flour: 1 cup all-purpose flour – forms the base of the cake, providing structure.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon – helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the strawberries.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup – essential for making the creamy filling; it whips to fluffy peaks.
- Fresh strawberries: 1 1/2 cups, hulled and chopped – provide natural sweetness and bright flavor.
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup – sweetens the cream without adding graininess.
How to Make
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix the egg mixture: In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed. Continue mixing until the mixture turns pale and doubles in volume, which should take about 5 minutes. This creates a nice airy texture for the cake.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually, fold these dry ingredients into the beaten egg mixture. Be gentle to avoid deflating the eggs, which provide the lift.
- Add vanilla: Next, fold in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. The vanilla will enhance the flavor of the cake and complement the strawberries beautifully.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched lightly in the center. It’s important not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry cake.
- Cool and roll: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few moments. Then, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Starting from one short end, roll the cake tightly, towel and all. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled form, which helps maintain its shape.
- Prepare the filling: While the cake is cooling, make the filling by whipping 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of chopped strawberries. Once the cake is cool, unroll it carefully and spread the strawberry cream mixture evenly. Roll it back up without the towel. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
Chocolate Strawberry Roll Cake: Substitute 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder in the cake batter for a rich chocolate flavor. The creamy strawberry filling complements the chocolate cake splendidly, creating a decadent treat.
Lemon Cream Filling: For a zesty twist, swap the strawberry filling for a lemon curd whipped cream mixture. Use the same method to whip the cream, then gently fold in freshly made lemon curd instead. This bright flavor is especially refreshing during spring or summer.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this cake gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas), and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Adjust the sugar as needed, and try using a fruit puree (like banana or applesauce) to replace eggs, which can help with moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the batter. Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one. Also, not cooling the cake before rolling can cause it to crack. Make sure it’s completely cool; this step is vital for preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth roll.
Another issue can arise if the filling is too loose. Make sure to whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks to create a stable filling. If you find it too runny, consider adding a bit more powdered sugar or even a tablespoon of cornstarch to help it hold its shape.
Lastly, not using parchment paper can lead to significant sticking problems. Always line your pan for easy removal.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To store your rolled cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to enjoy it later, you can freeze the roll by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Stored in this manner, it will last for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
If you notice the filling becoming too soft after a few days, consider re-whipping the cream for an enhanced texture when serving. If the roll cake is frozen, allow it to thaw completely before slicing for neater pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling? Yes! You can definitely use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. This will ensure your filling remains thick and creamy without becoming watery.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking? To prevent cracking, it is essential to allow the cake to cool in a rolled shape using a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This will help to maintain its shape while it cools, allowing it to remain flexible for rolling later.
Can I add more flavors to the cream filling? Absolutely! You can incorporate flavors like almond extract or citrus zest for added complexity. Just remember to balance the flavors with the sweetness of your filling.
What should I do if my cake is dense? Dense cakes usually stem from overmixing the batter or not incorporating enough air into the eggs. Always mix the wet ingredients until they are just combined and ensure the eggs are beaten well to aerate the mixture.
Is this cake suitable for kids? Yes! This Strawberry Cream Roll Cake is a delightful treat for kids and adults alike. The fresh strawberries and creamy filling are not only tasty but make for a visually appealing dessert that kids will love. Just ensure to supervise any children in the kitchen, especially while using larger kitchen appliances.
Conclusion: The Spring Desserts: Strawberry Cream Roll Cake is an exquisite treat that brings delight to any occasion. By following these steps, you’ll not only enjoy making this cake but also impress everyone who gets to indulge in it. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore variations, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.
