If you’re searching for a dessert that captures the joyful spirit of celebrations and the fresh sweetness of summer, you’ve just found it with this delightful Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe. This light, airy cake swirled with fluffy whipped cream and juicy strawberries is like a festive hug on a plate, perfect for birthdays or any occasion that calls for a little extra happiness. Every bite offers a tender sponge cake paired with the natural brightness of fresh berries, making it as pretty as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an essential role in making this cake roll absolutely perfect. From the eggs that give structure and airiness to the strawberries that pack in fresh flavor and vibrant color, everything works together beautifully.
- 4 eggs: Provide the base for a light, fluffy sponge cake with a velvety texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping to create a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure without heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a perfect, airy height.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For dusting the cake, adding a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.
- 1 cup whipped cream: Adds creamy richness that complements the light sponge and fresh strawberries.
- 1 cup sliced strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they provide natural sweetness and that iconic strawberry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and lifts easily from the pan once done, which is key for rolling later on.
Step 2: Whip Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This will infuse your cake with air, giving it that irresistibly light texture that makes the Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe so special.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Sifting is an important step here, as it prevents lumps and helps the dry ingredients blend seamlessly into the egg mixture, maintaining the delicate texture of the cake.
Step 4: Fold Ingredients Gently
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Take your time here to avoid deflating the batter. This ensures your cake stays light and airy — perfect for rolling without cracking.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the top springs back gently when pressed. This quick bake time keeps the cake soft and pliable, ideal for rolling later in the process.
Step 6: Roll While Warm
Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the top with powdered sugar. Invert it onto a clean kitchen towel and, using the towel, roll the cake up from one short end to the other. This gentle rolling while the cake is warm ‘trains’ it to hold its shape and prevents cracking.
Step 7: Add the Whipped Cream and Strawberries
After the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream across the surface, then top with your fresh sliced strawberries. This combination is the heart of the Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe, delivering a perfect balance of light, creamy, and fresh.
Step 8: Chill and Slice
Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps the roll hold its shape and melds the flavors beautifully. When ready, slice with a sharp knife for neat pieces that showcase the gorgeous spiral of cream and berries inside.
How to Serve Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cake look even more inviting, sprinkle extra powdered sugar over the top or add a few whole strawberries and fresh mint leaves. These simple garnishes are an elegant way to celebrate the festive feel of the Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee. These sides enhance the delicate flavors without overpowering the cake’s freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve slices perched on colorful dessert plates alongside edible flowers or fresh berry coulis. You can also cut the roll into bite-sized pinwheels for a party platter that’s as fun to nibble on as it is to look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will maintain the moisture and prevent the whipped cream from absorbing other fridge odors, keeping every slice delicious for up to two days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake roll by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results, preserving the texture and flavors of this Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the whipped cream without melting it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work if thawed well and patted dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
Is there a substitute for whipped cream?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream or a cream cheese frosting can be used, though the texture and flavor will differ from traditional whipped cream.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a clean kitchen towel to guide it helps prevent cracking by softening the sponge and easing it into shape.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. It’s a great way to enjoy the Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe without worry.
How thin should I spread the whipped cream?
Spread a generous yet even layer about 1/4 inch thick to ensure every bite gets a creamy balance without overpowering the delicate cake and berries.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe is truly a celebration in itself, combining simple ingredients into a dessert that tastes like pure joy. Whether it’s a birthday or just a sweet craving, this cake roll never fails to impress both in flavor and appearance. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to desserts when you want to make any moment special.
Print
Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and fluffy Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll featuring a soft sponge cake filled with whipped cream and fresh sliced strawberries. This delightful dessert is perfect for celebrations and combines the sweet flavors of vanilla and berries in an elegant rolled presentation.
Ingredients
Cake
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling & Decoration
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake does not stick and is easy to remove after baking.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which incorporates air for a tender sponge.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture with care to keep the batter airy and fully combined.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the sponge springs back when lightly touched, indicating it’s fully cooked but still tender.
- Cool and roll with towel: Immediately after baking, sprinkle the cake surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Invert the warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel and carefully roll the cake together with the towel, from a short end to the other, then let it cool completely in this rolled shape to create the roll structure.
- Unroll and add filling: Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Scatter the sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream as the fresh, flavorful filling.
- Re-roll and chill: Roll the cake up again without the towel, enclosing the filling inside, and chill the roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the shape and flavors.
- Slice and serve: After chilling, slice the chilled cake roll into servings and enjoy this delicious, visually stunning Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll.
Notes
- If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries that are thawed and drained well.
- Make sure to roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracking.
- Use a clean kitchen towel dusted lightly with powdered sugar to avoid the sponge sticking to the towel during rolling.
- Whipped cream can be sweetened with a little sugar or vanilla if desired for extra flavor.
- Store leftover cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
