Introduction

The Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll is a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make. With its fluffy sponge cake, creamy strawberry filling, and festive appearance, it’s perfect for birthdays or any celebratory occasion. This elegant cake roll is surprisingly simple to prepare and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• Optional: Strawberry jam for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and set aside.
2. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is thick and pale. Mix in the vanilla extract. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold it into the egg mixture until just combined.
3. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
4. Roll the cake: While the cake is still warm, carefully invert it onto the prepared towel. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake, starting from the short side, with the towel inside. Let it cool completely.
5. Prepare the filling: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
6. Assemble the cake roll: Unroll the cooled cake and spread a thin layer of strawberry jam (optional) followed by the whipped cream mixture. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel, then place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
7. Decorate: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with additional strawberries if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

The Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll is best served chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake roll (without decoration) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations

• Chocolate twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate-flavored sponge.
• Berry mix: Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a mixed berry filling.
• Light and zesty: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the whipped cream for a fresh citrusy flavor.

Tips

• Roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracking.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• Chill the cake roll before slicing for cleaner cuts and better presentation.

Small Story: Motivation Behind This Recipe

This recipe was inspired by my love for light and fruity desserts. Growing up, birthdays were always celebrated with elaborate cakes, but I wanted something different—something elegant and easy to make. The Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll became a family favorite for its stunning presentation and delightful taste. It’s now a tradition to serve this cake roll at every birthday, and I hope it brings as much joy to your celebrations as it does to ours.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Birthday Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines the lightness of a sponge cake with the freshness of strawberries and cream. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion, this cake roll is as delicious as it is beautiful. Try this recipe and make your next celebration even more memorable!

FAQs

• Can I make this cake roll ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake roll a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• What can I use instead of fresh strawberries? You can use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) or substitute with another fruit like raspberries or peaches.
• How do I prevent the cake from cracking? Roll the cake while it’s warm and handle it gently during the rolling and unrolling process.