Sink your teeth into the luscious flavors of this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll. With its light and fluffy cake, decadent cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries, this dessert is a showstopper fit for any occasion. Let’s embark on a journey to create this stunning masterpiece together.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar to aid in rolling
For the Filling and Topping:
- 8 ounces Challenge cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, plus more for topping, if desired
Directions:
1. Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15” or 10.5×15” cake/jelly roll pan with foil and spray with floured nonstick cooking spray.
2. Whip Up the Batter
- In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the eggs until foamy and yellow. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture thickens slightly. Mix in oil, baking powder, salt, and vanilla. Slowly add the flour until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan twice on the counter to release air bubbles.
3. Bake and Roll
- Bake the cake for 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel on the counter and sprinkle about 1/4 cup powdered sugar over it. Once baked, carefully flip the hot cake onto the towel, remove the pan and foil, then roll up the cake from the short side using the towel. Let it cool completely.
4. Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl or mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Fill and Roll
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread it with some of the whipped cream mixture. Top with chopped strawberries and roll the cake back up tightly. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.
6. Frost and Serve
- Before serving, frost the cake with the remaining whipped cream and top with fresh strawberries. Get creative with decorating using a 1M tip to create roses or simply frost as desired.
Nutritional Information and Serving
- Prep Time: 40 min
- Cooking Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 50 min
- Calories: 250
- Servings: 12
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake roll into even portions. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
- Garnish Gracefully: Before serving, adorn the cake roll with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
- Chill for Freshness: For the best texture and flavor, serve the cake roll chilled. The creamy filling and juicy strawberries will be at their peak when served cold.
- Serve with Style: Present the cake roll on a decorative serving platter or cake stand to elevate its visual appeal. Add a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
- Accompany with Coffee or Tea: Pair slices of the cake roll with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience. The combination of flavors is sure to please your palate.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Promptly: After slicing, store any leftover cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
- Cover to Prevent Drying: To prevent the cake roll from drying out, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. This helps retain its moisture and prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the delicate nature of the cake roll and the fresh strawberries, it’s not recommended to freeze the entire cake. Freezing may cause the strawberries to become mushy and the cake to lose its fluffy texture.
- Individual Portions: If you prefer to freeze portions of the cake roll, slice it into individual servings and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Thaw with Care: When ready to enjoy frozen portions, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Allow the slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Roll: Add a layer of melted chocolate over the cake before spreading the whipped cream and strawberries for a decadent twist on the classic dessert.
- Lemon Berry Bliss: Infuse lemon zest into the cake batter and fill the roll with a combination of mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, for a refreshing citrusy flavor.
- Coconut Cream Delight: Incorporate shredded coconut into the whipped cream filling and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired treat.
- Berry Medley Roll: Mix diced strawberries with other berries like raspberries and blueberries for a colorful and flavorful filling that bursts with summer sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch Surprise: Spread a thin layer of Nutella or almond butter over the cake before adding the whipped cream and strawberries for a delightful nutty flavor and texture.
- Vanilla Bean Dream: Replace the vanilla extract in the cake and filling with vanilla bean paste or the seeds scraped from a vanilla bean pod for a richer and more intense vanilla flavor.
- Mocha Berry Marvel: Mix espresso powder into the cake batter and fill the roll with a mixture of whipped cream and chocolate-covered strawberries for a sophisticated coffee-chocolate twist.
- Citrus Burst Bliss: Add a layer of lemon or orange curd alongside the whipped cream and strawberries for a tangy and bright burst of citrus flavor.
- Raspberry Lemonade Roll: Incorporate raspberry jam into the whipped cream filling and add a splash of lemon juice to the cake batter for a refreshing and tangy dessert reminiscent of a summer lemonade.
- Peaches and Cream Roll: Replace the strawberries with sliced fresh peaches or peach preserves for a delightful variation with a Southern flair.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones for the filling?
- Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the filling, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture in the cake roll.
- Can I make the cake roll ahead of time and freeze it?
- While it’s best to enjoy the cake roll fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with various fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of different berries to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- How do I prevent the cake roll from cracking when rolling it?
- To prevent the cake from cracking, make sure to roll it while it’s still warm and pliable. Using a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar helps to prevent sticking and aids in rolling.
- Can I use a different type of cream cheese for the filling?
- Yes, you can use any brand of cream cheese you prefer for the filling. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Can I omit the whipped cream filling and use a different type of frosting?
- Certainly! You can use buttercream frosting, whipped ganache, or any other frosting of your choice instead of the whipped cream filling for a different flavor profile.
- How do I store leftovers of the cake roll?
- Store leftover slices of the cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be aware that the cake may become slightly soggy over time due to the moisture from the filling.
- Can I use a different type of cake for the roll?
- While sponge cake is traditionally used for a cake roll, you can experiment with different types of cake such as chocolate or vanilla chiffon for a unique twist on the classic dessert.
- Can I make the cake roll gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to make the cake roll gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture?
- Absolutely! Chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips can be folded into the whipped cream filling for added crunch and flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the cake roll.
Savor the elegance and decadence of this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll, a perfect addition to any celebration or a delightful treat for yourself. With its heavenly combination of flavors and textures, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy. Dive into a slice and indulge in blissful sweetness!