If you are looking for a dessert that brings together lightness, sweetness, and a burst of fresh fruit flavor, the Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe is your perfect match. This beautiful, fluffy cake roll filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries combines both simplicity and elegance, making it an absolute showstopper for any celebration. Whether you want to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delightful homemade dessert, this recipe captures the joy of birthdays in every tender bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that tender, moist texture and irresistible flavor that makes the Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe truly special. The combination of staples like eggs and flour creates the perfect sponge, while fresh strawberries and whipped cream add refreshing sweetness and creaminess.
- 4 eggs: These provide structure and richness, helping the cake rise and stay moist.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture when beaten with the eggs.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that supports the sponge’s structure without weighing it down.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the cake, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out other flavors.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a pretty finishing touch and a slight crust to the cake surface.
- 1 cup whipped cream: Provides a creamy, airy filling that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
- 1 cup sliced strawberries: The star fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and a juicy pop in every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough once your batter is ready. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make rolling the cake easier later. This simple prep sets the stage for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, vigorously beat the 4 eggs with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial as it introduces air that helps your cake rise and remain soft and spongy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sifting ensures no lumps and helps distribute the raising agent evenly throughout the batter for an even texture.
Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Folding carefully retains the air you beat in, keeping the batter light and preventing it from becoming dense.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back to a gentle touch, indicating a perfect springy texture without drying out.
Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, dust it with 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel and roll it up from one short end to the other with the towel inside, letting it cool completely in this rolled shape. This step ensures your cake won’t crack when you fill it later.
Step 7: Add the Filling
Once completely cooled, carefully unroll the cake and spread 1 cup whipped cream evenly over the surface. Scatter 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries on top, distributing them so each slice of cake will be bursting with juicy sweetness.
Step 8: Final Roll and Chill
Roll the cake back up gently but without the towel this time, creating a neat spiral of sponge, cream, and berries. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to chill and set, making it easier to slice and enjoy.
How to Serve Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, consider topping your cake roll with extra fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few mint leaves. These simple finishes add brightness and make your cake as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side, creating an indulgent dessert experience. A light, fruity salad can also balance its richness for a perfect birthday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roll into pinwheels and serving them on a platter with drizzled strawberry sauce or chocolate. You can also serve individual slices in decorative cupcake liners for a charming party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake roll for up to a month by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving or reheating as it may compromise the cream filling and soft sponge. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a less chilled dessert.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work if thawed and drained well to avoid making the whipped cream too watery.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A shallow baking sheet or a rimmed cookie sheet of similar size will work in a pinch, just ensure it is well lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Rolling the cake while it is still warm and using a kitchen towel to support it helps prevent cracks, as the sponge is more pliable at this stage.
Can I substitute the whipped cream with something else?
Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting or mascarpone for a richer filling, but whipped cream keeps the roll light and fresh, true to the classic recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a birthday party?
Absolutely! The Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe is festive, visually appealing, and simple enough to make in advance, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional birthday cakes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about slicing into a beautifully rolled cake filled with luscious cream and vibrant strawberries. I hope you give this Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe a try and make your celebrations extra sweet and memorable. From the first fluffy bite, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite for all your birthdays to come!
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. The cake is baked in a jelly roll pan, rolled with a dusting of powdered sugar, and chilled to create a perfect, elegant dessert that’s both visually appealing and delicious for any birthday celebration.
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) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender sponge.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt throughout the flour.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet: Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg batter gradually, being careful not to overmix to maintain the airy texture.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched, indicating it is cooked through.
- Roll cake while warm: Immediately after baking, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel, then carefully roll the cake up with the towel from the short end to set its shape while cooling.
- Unroll and add filling: Once cooled, gently unroll the cake, spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface, and top with the sliced strawberries.
- Re-roll and chill: Roll the cake back up without the towel and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice the chilled cake roll and enjoy this fresh and festive strawberry dessert.
Notes
- Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the filling.
- You can substitute whipped cream with stabilized whipped cream for a firmer texture.
- Dusting the cake with powdered sugar before rolling helps prevent sticking.
- Chilling the cake roll improves slicing and flavor.
