How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Easily
If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the light, fluffy charm of a sponge cake with the fresh and juicy burst of strawberries, you’re in for a treat with our Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll. This delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake cake features a soft, airy roll layered with luscious cream and sweet strawberry slices, making it perfect for any sweet craving or special occasion. Learn to make a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll easily with our simple step-by-step recipe that guarantees a mouthwatering, show-stopping dessert every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully Light Texture: The sponge cake base is airy and soft, making every bite incredibly tender and easy to enjoy.
- Fresh and Fruity Flavor: Juicy strawberry slices paired with sweet cream create the perfect balance of natural sweetness and freshness.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday baking staples you probably already have, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for celebrations but easy enough for an everyday dessert craving.
- Quick Assembly: No complicated techniques required, ideal for beginner bakers wanting delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a part in achieving the perfect combination of softness, sweetness, and flavor.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help create that light, airy sponge base.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and adds tenderness to the cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the sponge, giving it stability while keeping it soft.
- Baking Powder: A small amount ensures the cake rises just enough without becoming dense.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Fresh Strawberries: Adds juicy fruitiness and vibrant color inside the roll.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection for that rich and creamy filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and dusts the top for a pretty finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note to both cake and cream.
Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
One of the best things about the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll is how customizable it can be. Feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
- Chocolate Twist: Swap part of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey sponge that pairs deliciously with strawberries.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream instead of heavy whipping cream.
- Mixed Berry Filling: Combine strawberries with blueberries and raspberries for a vibrant, berry-rich roll.
- Lemon Zest Addition: Add finely grated lemon zest to the batter or cream to brighten the flavors.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios inside the cream for texture contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale, usually 5-7 minutes, creating a light, airy base. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the egg mixture to maintain the airy texture. Pour this smooth batter onto your prepared pan, spreading evenly to ensure a uniform sponge.
Step 2: Bake the Sponge Cake
Bake the sponge for about 10-12 minutes, or until it springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want a soft and flexible cake that can roll without cracking.
Step 3: Roll the Sponge While Warm
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, flip it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and carefully roll the sponge up with the towel inside, letting it cool completely this way. Rolling it warm prevents cracks and helps the sponge set in the rolled shape perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This sweet, fluffy cream will be spread inside the cake, providing rich contrast to the airy sponge.
Step 5: Assemble the Swiss Roll
Unroll the cooled sponge carefully, then spread an even layer of whipped cream across the surface. Arrange sliced fresh strawberries over the cream, covering the cake as generously as you like. Gently roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, to enclose the filling inside a perfect spiral.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Wrap the Swiss roll tightly and refrigerate it for at least an hour. This chilling time helps the roll set nicely and allows the flavors to mingle. When ready, dust the top with extra powdered sugar and garnish with strawberries, if desired, before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They whip better and create a lighter sponge texture.
- Gently Fold Flour: To keep the batter airy, fold with care rather than stirring vigorously.
- Roll Immediately: Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks and makes it more flexible.
- Don’t Overfill: Use a moderate amount of cream and strawberries to avoid sogginess or squeezing out of the roll.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating helps firm up the roll, ensuring clean, neat slices.
- Use Freshest Strawberries: For the best taste and vibrant color in your Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
Garnishes
Top your Swiss roll with a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simple finish. Add whole or halved strawberries on top along with a few mint leaves for a fresh, pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream. For an added layer of flavor, serve alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or even a sparkling rosé for celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll as mini individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce. Layer slices in a parfait glass with extra cream and berries for a deconstructed take on this classic dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the Swiss roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This method keeps the cream fresh and the cake moist without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll (unfrosted) by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating is recommended. Simply allow it to come slightly to room temperature for a few minutes after refrigeration to soften the cream before slicing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and taste, you can use frozen berries if drained well to avoid excess moisture that could make the roll soggy.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Rolling the cake immediately while it’s still warm and pliable prevents cracks; using a kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar also helps the sponge hold its shape smoothly.
Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream in the filling?
You can substitute with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream if you need a non-dairy option, though the texture and taste will differ slightly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with a similar protein content to maintain the sponge’s structure and texture.
How long does the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for maximum flavor and moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll that brings together the best of a classic fruit-and-cream dessert wrapped in a soft cake spiral. It’s straightforward to make, wonderfully adaptable, and guaranteed to brighten any dessert table or satisfy a sweet tooth. Don’t hesitate to dive into this recipe and share the joy of this delicious treat with your friends and family!
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Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
Enjoy a light and airy Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll featuring a soft sponge cake layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This elegant yet simple dessert delivers a perfect balance of sweet creaminess and fruity freshness, ideal for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour)
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Filling
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, sliced
Garnish
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
- Additional Fresh Strawberries (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sponge Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and airy. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the egg mixture while maintaining the airy texture. Pour the batter onto the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake the Sponge Cake: Bake the sponge for 10-12 minutes, or until it springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and flexible for rolling.
- Roll the Sponge While Warm: Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the sponge up in the towel. Allow it to cool completely rolled up to prevent cracks and help the cake set in shape.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling: While the sponge cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a smooth, fluffy cream.
- Assemble the Swiss Roll: Unroll the cooled sponge gently and spread an even layer of whipped cream across the surface. Arrange sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the cream. Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel to enclose the filling in a spiral.
- Chill and Serve: Wrap the Swiss roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to set. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with additional strawberries and mint leaves if desired. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to achieve a lighter sponge texture.
- Fold flour gently to keep the batter airy; avoid overmixing.
- Roll the cake immediately while still warm to prevent cracking.
- Use a moderate amount of cream and strawberries to prevent sogginess and filling from spilling out.
- Chilling before slicing ensures clean, neat pieces.
- Choose the freshest strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of roll)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Strawberry shortcake, Swiss roll, sponge cake, whipped cream, strawberry dessert, gluten-free dessert