If you are looking for a delightful dessert that brings together fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream in one delightful package, this Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s a celebration all rolled into a sweet, tender sponge that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion, this cake roll is a charming way to share love and sweetness with those around you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of classic ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and stunning appearance of the cake roll.
- 4 eggs: The backbone of the cake’s light and airy texture, essential for that soft sponge.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect balance of sweetness and helps stabilize the egg foam.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A gentle leavening agent to boost the fluffiness just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor notes.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a delicate sweetness and helps prevent sticking during rolling.
- 1 cup whipped cream: Creates a light, creamy filling that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- 1 cup sliced strawberries: The star of the show, offering freshness, vibrant color, and tart contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper is a small but essential step that guarantees your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick. This setup lays the foundation for a perfectly smooth roll.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This stage is key to trapping air, which gives the cake that wonderfully spongy lift.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to make sure there are no lumps. Gently folding these dry ingredients into the airy egg mixture ensures your batter stays light and airy without deflating.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out carefully. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on the cake until it springs back lightly when touched—this is your sign that it’s perfectly baked.
Step 5: Roll While Warm
Right after it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the powdered sugar on top. Then gently invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel. Carefully roll it up with the towel from short end to short end and let it cool completely. Rolling now helps the cake keep its shape when filled later.
Step 6: Add the Cream and Strawberries
Once the cake has cooled, unroll it gently and spread a generous layer of whipped cream all over the surface. Next, add the bright, fresh sliced strawberries evenly over the cream, creating a juicy, sweet filling that will shine inside the roll.
Step 7: Final Roll and Chill
Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel this time, making sure the filling stays neatly inside. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the roll set, making it easier to slice and enhances the flavors melding together beautifully.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Creation
Now slice your Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe into thick, inviting pieces and prepare to impress everyone at your table with this stunning homemade treat!
How to Serve Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider garnishing each slice with a few mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh whole strawberries on the side add a pop of color and repeat the fresh flavor theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake roll pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing drink like sparkling lemonade or iced tea. If you want to keep it indulgent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side complements the berry and cream flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake sliced on a beautiful platter adorned with strawberry halves and edible flowers for a festive look. You can also make mini cake roll slices as bite-sized party favors. Wrapping each slice with a delicate ribbon ties into the birthday theme effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Making sure it is covered tightly prevents the whipped cream from absorbing any fridge odors and keeps the cake moist.
Freezing
This cake roll can be frozen for up to one month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and the texture remains wonderful.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled cake roll, it’s best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it can affect the texture of the whipped cream and the softness of the cake. Simply let it sit out for 15-20 minutes if taken straight from the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet or any shallow rectangular pan can stand in for a jelly roll pan, just be sure to match the size as closely as possible to keep the cake thin enough to roll easily.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when I roll it?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is the secret to avoiding cracks. Rolling it tightly but gently with the towel supports the sponge as it cools and shapes it into the perfect roll.
Can I substitute the whipped cream filling?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or mascarpone mixed with a bit of sugar makes a rich alternative. Just keep the filling light to avoid weighing down the cake.
Is this cake roll suitable for kids’ birthday parties?
Definitely! Kids love the fluffy texture and sweet strawberries. Plus, the colorful presentation makes it a visually fun birthday treat that appeals to all ages.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about making a Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe from scratch. It brings together simple ingredients for a show-stopping result any home baker can be proud of. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it brightens up your celebrations with its sweet, fresh flavor and charming presentation. Happy baking and even happier celebrating!
Print
Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll is a light and fluffy sponge cake filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Perfect for celebrations, this rolled cake combines a soft vanilla-flavored sponge with the sweetness of strawberries and cream, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Easy to make and visually impressive, it’s a fantastic treat for any special occasion.
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
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Filling
- 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 prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the cake.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aerates the batter, giving the cake its soft texture.
- Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture until completely combined, taking care not to deflate the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Spread it out smoothly, then bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- Invert and Roll Cake: While the cake is still warm, sprinkle powdered sugar over its surface. Invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel and carefully roll it from the short end to the short end, towel and all, letting it cool completely in this shape to form the roll without cracking.
- Unroll and Add Filling: Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Then sprinkle the sliced strawberries on top of the cream.
- Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, to encase the cream and strawberries. Place the cake roll into the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to set before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: After chilling, slice the Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll into 8 pieces and enjoy this delicious and festive dessert.
Notes
- Make sure to roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracking.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra stability, you can lightly line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper both on the bottom and sides.
- The cake roll can be topped with additional whipped cream or whole strawberries for decoration.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator; it’s best consumed within 2 days.
