If you’re craving a delightful dessert that perfectly balances lightness, sweetness, and fresh fruit, then the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll is your new best friend. This luscious treat combines a fluffy sponge cake rolled with creamy filling and bursting with juicy strawberries. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a charming dessert to brighten your day, this recipe is simple enough to make at home and impressive enough to impress anyone. Dive into the world of soft cake layers, sweet cream, and vibrant strawberries with this irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy texture: The sponge cake is airy and soft, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Fresh strawberry flavor: Using fresh strawberries ensures a natural sweetness and refreshing fruitiness.
- Versatile dessert: Perfect for birthdays, tea time, or anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up.
- Impressive presentation: The rolled design adds a sophisticated look with minimal effort.
- Easy to customize: Adapt fillings and toppings based on your personal preferences or seasonal fruits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll. From the light sponge to the creamy filling and juicy berries, every component contributes to the balanced taste and texture.
- Eggs: Provide structure and lightness to the sponge cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with the sponge’s tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The basic building block for the cake’s soft body.
- Baking powder: Ensures the sponge rises evenly for a perfect roll.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it forms the creamy, smooth filling.
- Fresh strawberries: For juiciness, vibrant color, and natural sweetness in the filling and garnish.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream filling.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting the cake and lightly sweetening the whipped cream.
Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
One of the best parts about this Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll is how easily it adapts. Feel free to switch up the fillings, toppings, and even the cake base to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences.
- Chocolate twist: Incorporate cocoa powder into the sponge for a chocolaty roll with strawberries.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream or almond-based whipped cream instead of heavy cream.
- Mixed berry filling: Add blueberries or raspberries along with strawberries for more complex fruit flavors.
- Lemon zest filling: Add lemon zest to the cream filling for a tangy, bright contrast.
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios inside the roll or on top for texture.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
Preheat your oven and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together vigorously until the mixture triples in volume and turns pale. This aeration is crucial for a fluffy sponge. Gently fold in sifted flour and baking powder, ensuring no lumps remain but maintaining all the air you’ve created.
Step 2: Bake the Sponge
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake until the top springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar, peel off the parchment paper, and roll it carefully with the towel inside. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled state to prevent cracking later.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the sponge cools, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract together with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Slice fresh strawberries evenly and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Swiss Roll
Gently unroll the sponge and spread an even layer of the whipped cream. Sprinkle or layer sliced strawberries over the cream. Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, tucking in the strawberries as you go. Place the roll seam-side down for a neat finish.
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Wrap the assembled roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to help it set. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with additional strawberries or whipped cream if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
- Freshness matters: Use the freshest strawberries possible for the juiciest and most flavorful results.
- Be gentle folding in flour: Avoid deflating the batter to keep the sponge light and airy.
- Roll cake while warm: Rolling the sponge immediately after baking prevents cracks during assembly.
- Chill for clean slicing: Refrigerating the roll helps the filling set and makes slicing neat and easy.
- Use a serrated knife: This helps achieve smooth slices without squashing the roll.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
Garnishes
Top your Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll with fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and perhaps a sprig of mint for a pop of vibrant green color. You can also add delicate edible flowers for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of freshly brewed tea, or even a light fruit salad to complement the strawberry flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Swiss roll into thin rounds for a party platter, create mini rolls using small sheets of cake, or serve it alongside chocolate sauce drizzles and crushed pistachios for an upscale look that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the Swiss roll by wrapping it securely in plastic and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, take the roll out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to soften the cream filling slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their firmness and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture that could sog the sponge.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet or any shallow rectangular pan lined with parchment paper will work as long as the batter is spread evenly to the proper thickness.
How do I prevent cracks when rolling the cake?
Rolling the sponge cake while it’s still warm and flexible is key. Using a clean kitchen towel dusted with sugar helps prevent sticking and keeps the cake intact.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use whipping cream with lower fat content, but it may not whip as stiffly, impacting the filling’s texture slightly. Stabilizers or cream cheese can also be added for creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll is a family-friendly dessert that kids often enjoy for its sweet cream and fresh berry flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making a Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll at home brings the joy of fresh strawberries wrapped in a soft, airy sponge with luscious cream, creating a dessert that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, this recipe invites you to delight in the simple pleasures of homemade sweets. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this charming, delicious dessert—you won’t regret a single bite!
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Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light, fluffy, and charming Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll featuring a delicate sponge cake rolled with creamy vanilla whipped cream and fresh juicy strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you desire a refreshing and elegant dessert that is simple to make yet impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling and Garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sponge Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Whisk the eggs and granulated sugar vigorously until the mixture triples in volume and turns pale yellow. Gently sift and fold in the flour and baking powder, taking care not to deflate the batter to preserve the airy texture.
- Bake the Sponge: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While still warm, invert the cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake with the towel inside. Let it cool completely in the rolled shape to prevent cracking.
- Prepare the Filling: Whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Slice the fresh strawberries evenly and set aside.
- Assemble the Swiss Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled sponge and evenly spread the whipped cream over it. Layer the sliced strawberries on top of the cream. Gently roll the sponge back up tightly without the towel, tucking in the strawberries as you go. Place the seam side down for a neat appearance.
- Chill and Finish: Wrap the assembled roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Before serving, dust the roll with powdered sugar and garnish with additional fresh strawberries or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use the freshest strawberries possible for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Fold the flour gently to keep the batter light and airy.
- Roll the cake while it is still warm to avoid cracks.
- Chill the roll before slicing for clean and neat slices.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake smoothly without squashing it.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of roll)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
