This Easy Strawberry Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines soft white cake, sweet vanilla whipped cream, and luscious summer strawberries. Perfect for Mother’s Day brunch, Father’s Day dinner, graduation parties, or casual BBQs, it’s a simple yet impressive treat that’s sure to please any crowd. Plus, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a homemade dessert using pantry staples and seasonal fruits.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon white vinegar
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Filling and Topping:

1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
2 cups whipping cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a small dish, combine milk and vinegar; set aside to sour.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy.
Add sugar to the eggs and mix well.
Stir in the soured milk and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly into the corners.
Bake for 14-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, lay out a clean tea towel and dust it with powdered sugar.
Wash and slice the strawberries.
In a bowl, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form; refrigerate if not using immediately.
Once baked, invert the hot cake onto the prepared tea towel and gently peel off the parchment paper.
Roll the cake up in the towel, starting from a short side, and let it cool completely.
Unroll the cooled cake and trim any overcooked edges.
Set aside 1 cup of sliced strawberries and 1 cup of whipped cream for garnish.
Mix the remaining strawberries with the remaining whipped cream and spread over the unrolled cake.
Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, and place it seam-side down on a platter.
Top with the reserved whipped cream and strawberries. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice into thin pieces to serve.

Nutrients

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 4g

The Allure of Cake Rolls: A Timeless Classic

Cake rolls, also known as jelly rolls or Swiss rolls, have been around for centuries, and their popularity continues to grow due to their impressive presentation and versatility. The concept is simple: a soft, fluffy cake is baked into a thin layer, filled with sweet fillings like whipped cream, fruit, or even chocolate, and then carefully rolled into a spiral shape. The result is a stunning, elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. What makes cake rolls even more appealing is their ability to be customized. Whether you want to go with classic chocolate, fruit, or cream-based fillings, the options are endless.

The Easy Strawberry Cake Roll combines a tender sponge cake with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries and the lightness of whipped cream. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. Despite its show-stopping presentation, it’s incredibly easy to make. The key lies in the lightness of the sponge cake, which provides the perfect texture for rolling, as well as the delicate flavor pairing of strawberries and cream.

The Appeal of Fresh Strawberries in Desserts

Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits around the world. Known for their bright red color, sweet taste, and juicy texture, strawberries are a favorite addition to a wide range of desserts. In the case of the Easy Strawberry Cake Roll, fresh strawberries bring a vibrant pop of color and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy cake. Not only do they enhance the flavor of the dessert, but they also offer nutritional benefits.

Strawberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making them a healthier choice for sweet treats. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and they also contain manganese and folate. The antioxidants in strawberries, particularly anthocyanins, help to protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Additionally, strawberries are low in calories and contain a good amount of water, making them a hydrating fruit. By incorporating fresh strawberries into this cake roll, you’re not only adding flavor but also contributing to a more nutrient-dense dessert.

Whipped Cream: The Perfect Complement to Strawberries

Another key element that makes the Easy Strawberry Cake Roll so irresistible is the luscious whipped cream filling. Whipped cream is light, airy, and just sweet enough to complement the natural tanginess of the strawberries. It’s the perfect vehicle to bind the cake and fruit together, creating a soft, smooth texture that enhances the overall dessert experience.

What’s great about whipped cream is its versatility. You can make it with a variety of flavorings, such as vanilla, almond, or even citrus zest, to elevate the taste. The sweetness of the whipped cream balances the slight tartness of the strawberries, while the richness of the cream provides a satisfying contrast to the delicate sponge cake. It’s a classic combination that’s hard to beat.

Making the Perfect Sponge Cake for Rolling

The sponge cake is the foundation of any cake roll, and getting it just right is crucial to the success of the dessert. For a cake roll, the sponge cake must be soft, light, and pliable enough to roll without cracking. The secret to achieving this texture lies in the method of preparation.

In traditional sponge cakes, the eggs are beaten to incorporate air, giving the cake its light, fluffy texture. The addition of sugar creates stability in the eggs, allowing them to hold onto the air bubbles that are essential for a tender cake. The flour is then folded into the egg mixture gently, avoiding the deflation of the batter. This technique creates a cake that is not too dense, which is perfect for rolling.

The Beauty of Cake Rolls for Any Occasion

One of the most charming aspects of cake rolls is their versatility and adaptability. While the Easy Strawberry Cake Roll is perfect for summer gatherings and special occasions like Mother’s Day or picnics, it can also be enjoyed year-round. The use of seasonal fruits such as strawberries gives the cake a fresh, light flavor, but you can easily substitute other fruits depending on the time of year. For example, peaches, raspberries, or blueberries can make excellent substitutes for strawberries, offering a range of different flavors while still maintaining the cake’s light, fresh feel.

A Dessert That’s Both Light and Satisfying

Despite its indulgent appearance, the Easy Strawberry Cake Roll is surprisingly light and satisfying. The sponge cake provides the perfect base, while the whipped cream and strawberries add sweetness and freshness without being too heavy. The result is a dessert that feels decadent but is still light enough to enjoy without feeling overly full.

Conclusion: A Timeless Dessert for Any Occasion

In conclusion, the Easy Strawberry Cake Roll is a delicious, light, and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to enjoy a homemade treat, this cake roll is sure to impress. The combination of fresh strawberries, rich whipped cream, and soft sponge cake creates a balanced, satisfying dessert that’s both visually stunning and full of flavor.

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