Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll Recipe: A Fun and Festive Dessert That Will Wow Your Guests!

3. Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to prevent any lumps and ensures a smooth, airy batter.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the flour into the wet ingredients, making sure not to deflate the air you’ve beaten into the eggs. Fold until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

5. Spread the Batter onto the Pan

Pour the cake batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the batter into all corners of the pan, making sure it’s smooth and level.

6. Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Roll the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. While it’s cooling, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and then gently roll the cake from one short end to the other, with the towel helping to prevent the cake from sticking to itself. Allow the cake to cool completely while rolled in the towel.

8. Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling

In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Once it’s whipped to your desired consistency, fold in the finely chopped strawberries.

9. Unroll the Cake and Fill

Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it. Be careful not to crack it. Spread an even layer of the strawberry whipped cream filling over the entire surface of the cake, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.

10. Roll the Cake Back Up

Carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place the roll seam-side down on a serving platter.

11. Garnish and Serve

Garnish the top of the cake roll with sliced fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour for a firmer filling.

Recipe Variations:

• Chocolate Cake Roll: Substitute the vanilla cake with a chocolate sponge cake for a fun twist.
• Berries & Cream: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the filling for an even more vibrant berry flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free whipped cream and a flax egg substitution for the cake base to make a vegan-friendly version.
• Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle melted chocolate ganache over the top for an indulgent and glossy finish.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist that complements the strawberries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes! Fresh strawberries are preferred for their flavor, but frozen strawberries work well, too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

2. How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling it?
The key to avoiding cracks is to make sure the cake is fully cooled before unrolling it. Rolling the cake while it’s warm but not hot helps maintain its flexibility. Also, the cake should be soft and light—don’t overbake it.

3. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Fill and roll it the day you plan to serve it.

4. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake roll in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will keep for about 2–3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake roll, but it may alter the texture slightly.

Notes:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal volume when beating. If you’re short on time, place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to bring them to room temperature quickly.
• Filling Consistency: If you prefer a firmer filling, you can add a bit of mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream mixture for a thicker, creamier texture.
• Cake Freshness: If you like your cake to be extra moist, consider brushing the cake with a simple syrup (made from equal parts water and sugar) before rolling it up.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 55mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 23g
• Protein: 3g

Conclusion:

The Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll is a fun, light, and elegant dessert that will steal the spotlight at any birthday party. With its fluffy sponge cake, whipped cream filling, and fresh strawberries, this dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a special event, or just because, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different variations to suit your preferences and make this cake your own. Happy baking and enjoy the sweetness!