Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll

This Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll is a classic dessert reinvented with a light, airy sponge cake wrapped around sweet whipped cream and fresh, juicy strawberries. The balance of textures and flavors makes it irresistibly delightful, perfect for summer afternoons or festive celebrations.

The method of rolling the cake while warm ensures it remains tender and pliable, creating a beautiful spiral of cream and berries inside. Whether for a tea party or a casual family treat, this dessert brings a touch of elegance with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs

• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar

• 80g (2/3 cup) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 200ml heavy cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.

2. In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until thick, pale, and tripled in volume (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Gently fold in the sifted flour and baking powder, being careful not to deflate the batter. Stir in vanilla extract.

4. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

5. While warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper carefully.

6. Roll the cake up with the towel from the short edge, and let it cool completely rolled up.

7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Carefully unroll the cake and spread whipped cream evenly over the surface.

8. Arrange sliced strawberries over the cream.

9. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing.

10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal (per slice) | Servings: 8 servings

There are few desserts as visually striking and universally adored as a Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll. Combining the nostalgic flavors of classic strawberry shortcake with the elegance of a rolled sponge cake, this dessert effortlessly marries form and function. Each slice reveals a beautiful spiral of light, fluffy sponge encasing sweet whipped cream and fresh strawberries, offering a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of treat that turns ordinary days into celebrations and impresses guests without overwhelming the baker.

Whether you’re looking for a centerpiece for a spring gathering, a summer dessert table, or simply want to indulge in a bit of baking therapy, this Swiss roll is a go-to recipe that’s adaptable, rewarding, and incredibly satisfying.

A Classic Reimagined

The Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll takes inspiration from two beloved desserts: the traditional Swiss roll, a cake that originated in Central Europe, and the iconic strawberry shortcake, a treat rooted in North American and British dessert traditions. The Swiss roll is characterized by its soft sponge cake, rolled around a filling typically jam, cream, or both. Strawberry shortcake, meanwhile, is often a layered dessert featuring sweetened biscuits or sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.

Combining these two forms results in a light, fluffy dessert that incorporates the best of both worlds. Instead of layering components in a bowl or on a plate, this recipe rolls them into an elegant spiral, making for a neater presentation and a fun, hands-on baking experience. It’s the perfect way to modernize a classic while retaining its nostalgic appeal.

Mastering the Sponge

The success of any Swiss roll depends largely on the sponge cake. Unlike denser cake batters, the sponge for this roll needs to be light, pliable, and airy qualities achieved by beating eggs and sugar together until thick and ribbon-like. The absence of butter or oil makes the cake lighter and more flexible, which is essential for achieving a smooth roll without cracks.

The technique may appear intimidating to beginner bakers, but once understood, it opens up a world of dessert possibilities. The key is to work quickly but gently when folding in the flour and other dry ingredients. Overmixing can deflate the batter and result in a denser sponge, while undermixing may leave pockets of dry flour.

Additionally, rolling the cake while it’s still warm is a crucial step. This helps the sponge “learn” the rolled shape and prevents cracking when you add the filling later. Once cooled in this shape, the cake can be gently unrolled, filled, and then rolled back into a seamless, elegant dessert.

Cream, Strawberries, and Simplicity

What sets this dessert apart is its fresh, wholesome filling. Whipped cream is used instead of heavy frosting, making each bite feel light and luxurious rather than overly sweet. The cream acts as the perfect partner to fresh strawberries—its soft richness balancing the natural tartness and juiciness of the berries.

The strawberries can be sliced thinly or chopped into small chunks, depending on your texture preference. You can even macerate them briefly with a little sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness and brightness. This filling combination is especially refreshing in spring and summer when berries are at their peak ripeness.

Unlike more complicated desserts with multiple components and steps, the simplicity of the filling allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. It’s a dessert where technique elevates simplicity.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When sliced, the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll reveals an impressive spiral pattern—perfect for impressing guests or creating stunning food photos. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a final touch of elegance, while a dollop of whipped cream or a few extra strawberry slices on the side can make the presentation even more appealing.

This cake is best served chilled, allowing the cream to set and the flavors to meld. It makes for an ideal treat after a rich meal, offering just the right amount of sweetness without being too heavy. Pair it with a glass of sparkling wine, iced tea, or coffee for a complete experience.

For special occasions like birthdays, baby showers, or tea parties, consider dressing it up with edible flowers, mint leaves, or a drizzle of berry coulis. You can even transform it into a festive centerpiece by arranging several rolls in a wreath shape for a holiday table.

Customization Ideas

One of the most delightful aspects of this dessert is how versatile it is. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, there are countless ways to make it your own:

• Fruit Variations: Swap out strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of summer berries. For a tropical twist, try using mango or passionfruit puree.
• Flavored Cream: Infuse the whipped cream with vanilla bean, lemon zest, or even a touch of liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Chambord.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add a thin layer of melted white chocolate or chocolate ganache before the whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Festive Touch: Around the holidays, mix crushed candy canes into the whipped cream or add cinnamon to the sponge for a seasonal flair.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping to make the recipe vegan-friendly or suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

These tweaks allow you to personalize the Swiss roll while keeping its beloved texture and presentation intact.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other fridge odors. If you want to make it ahead of time, consider baking the sponge and rolling it (without filling) a day in advance. On the day of serving, simply unroll, fill, and chill before presenting.

This make-ahead option is especially useful when planning for events, as it allows you to serve a homemade, impressive dessert without last-minute stress.

A Perfect Recipe for Every Occasion

Whether you’re baking for family, entertaining guests, or simply craving something sweet, the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll delivers on every front. It’s elegant without being fussy, satisfying without being too rich, and versatile enough to adapt to the seasons or your pantry.

Its nostalgic charm, combined with a modern presentation, makes it a crowd-pleaser across generations. From the very first bite, it brings the freshness of strawberries and the comfort of cream together in a soft, tender embrace of sponge cake.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and visual beauty. It invites you to engage in the joy of baking without requiring complex techniques or elaborate tools. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or savoring a slice with your afternoon tea, this Swiss roll captures everything we love about homemade desserts: freshness, charm, and a touch of elegance.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this cake roll is more than just a recipe—it’s a delightful experience waiting to be rolled out, slice by slice.