Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll

A Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll is a delightful and elegant dessert that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions. This fluffy sponge cake is rolled with a creamy strawberry filling and topped with a beautiful decoration to create a festive and show-stopping centerpiece. Easy to customize, it’s as delicious as it is stunning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, fluffy texture with a luscious strawberry filling.
• Perfect for birthdays or any celebratory event.
• Versatile and easy to decorate for a personalized touch.
• Looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• Eggs, separated into yolks and whites
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Strawberry jam or fresh strawberries (pureed)
• Optional: Mascarpone or cream cheese for extra creaminess

For Decoration:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream or buttercream (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar until pale and thick. Add vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Sift in the flour and baking powder, folding carefully to maintain the airiness.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
4. Roll the Cake: While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up tightly with the towel and let it cool completely.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the strawberry jam or puree. Add mascarpone or cream cheese if desired for a richer filling.
6. Assemble the Roll: Unroll the cooled cake and spread the strawberry filling evenly across the surface. Re-roll the cake tightly (without the towel).
7. Decorate: Dust the roll with powdered sugar, pipe whipped cream or buttercream on top, and garnish with fresh strawberries.
8. Serve: Slice and serve the cake roll chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Roll: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter and use a chocolate ganache drizzle for decoration.
• Lemon Strawberry Roll: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and use lemon curd along with the strawberry filling.
• Berry Medley Roll: Mix fresh blueberries or raspberries with the strawberry filling for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free whipped topping and substitute coconut cream for heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the assembled roll (without fresh strawberries) in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature; no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought jam for the filling?

Yes, store-bought strawberry jam works perfectly for convenience.

2. What’s the best way to prevent the cake from cracking?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm, as this makes it more pliable and less likely to crack.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the roll a day in advance. Decorate just before serving for the freshest look.

4. What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a standard baking sheet, but ensure it has a similar size and depth for even baking.

5. Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely! Substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.

6. How do I ensure my whipped cream doesn’t deflate?

Use cold heavy cream and whip it to stiff peaks before folding in other ingredients.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour.

8. How do I slice the roll neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for the best presentation.

9. Can I add food coloring for a fun twist?

Yes, a few drops of pink or red food coloring in the batter or filling can add a festive touch.

10. What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll is an elegant and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Its light, airy sponge cake combined with a creamy, fruity filling makes it a perfect choice for birthdays or any special occasion. Customize it to suit your tastes and enjoy this stunning treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Print