For those with a sweet tooth, this strawberries and cream cake roll is a delight. This recipe delivers a spongy, creamy, and perfect hint of strawberry deliciousness rolled into one. With its eye-catching swirls and sweet, fruity taste, it's sure to be a hit in any gathering.
The key ingredient of this recipe, freeze-dried strawberries, might not be commonly found in everyone's pantry. These are strawberries that have been dehydrated and frozen, resulting in a concentrated strawberry flavor. They can usually be found in the dried fruit or baking aisle of the supermarket.
Key Ingredients for Strawberries and Cream Cake Roll
Cake flour: Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a tender and light cake.
Baking powder: A leavening agent used to help the cake rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Eggs: Gives structure and stability to the cake.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake.
Buttermilk: Provides a tangy flavor and helps in tenderizing the gluten, giving the cake a softer texture and more body.
Vanilla extract and vanilla bean: Provides a sweet, creamy flavor to the cake.
Confectioner's sugar: Used for dusting and frosting.
Freeze dried strawberries: Gives a concentrated strawberry flavor to the frosting.
Cream cheese: Gives the frosting a tangy and creamy texture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the frosting.
One reader, Cassi Stutzman says:
This strawberries and cream cake roll recipe is a game-changer! The cake is light and fluffy, and the strawberry cream cheese frosting is simply divine. The combination of flavors is a match made in heaven. It's a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommended!
Essential Techniques for Making a Strawberries and Cream Cake Roll
How to prepare the cake batter: Mixing the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and folding in the whipped egg whites to create a light and airy cake batter.
How to roll the cake: Rolling the cake up with a towel while it is still warm to create the cake roll shape, then allowing it to cool completely in this rolled-up form.
How to make strawberry cream cheese frosting: Processing freeze-dried strawberries into a powdery crumb, then combining with cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla to create a creamy and flavorful frosting.
How To Make Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Cake Roll
This delectable cream cake roll is truly spongy and light, and brimming with a delicious creamy, tart-sweet strawberry filling in every bite.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupcake flour,spoon and leveled
- 1tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- 4large eggs,room temperature, divided
- ¾cupgranulated sugar,divided
- 2tbspbuttermilk
- 1½tsppure vanilla extract
- ½vanilla bean,seeds scraped
- 1cupconfectioner’s sugar
For Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1cupfreeze dried strawberries
- 8ozcream cheese,(1 block), full fat, softened to room temperature
- ¼cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
- 2½cupsconfectioner’s sugar
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- salt,to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 10×15-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or grease with butter. Line it with parchment paper. Spray or grease the parchment paper.
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Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
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Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and ¼ cup of sugar together on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
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Transfer to another bowl. Using the same mixing bowl, add the egg yolks, remaining sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean. Beat together at high speed for 3 to 4 minutes or until light in color.
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Add half of the whipped egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Beat on low speed for 10 seconds. Repeat with remaining egg whites and beat on low for 10 seconds.
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Add the flour mixture and beat on low until the batter is completely combined. Do not overmix.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Give the pan a shake to make sure the batter is level and reaches the corners.
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Bake for 15 minutes or until the cake springs back when poked with a finger.
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As the cake bakes, lay a thin kitchen towel flat on the counter. Sprinkle with 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar. Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert it onto the towel.
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Peel off the parchment paper then, starting with the narrow end, begin rolling the cake up with the towel. Do this slowly and gently.
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Allow the cake to cool completely rolled up in the towel.
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Remove the cake roll from the refrigerator and allow it to sit on the counter for a few minutes to warm up.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
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Using a blender or food processor, process the freeze-dried strawberries into a powdery crumb. Set aside.
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In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese for 1 minute on high speed until completely smooth and creamy.
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Beat in the butter until combined. Add the confectioners’ sugar, strawberry powder, and vanilla and beat on medium-high speed until combined and creamy. Taste, then add a pinch of salt, if needed.
To Assemble:
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Gently and slowly unroll the cake. Flatten it out and spread the frosting evenly on top, leaving about a ½-inch border around the cake.
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Gently and slowly roll the cake back up, without the towel this time.
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Loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
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Dust with more confectioners’ sugar and garnish with some sliced strawberries. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 356.62kcal
- Fat: 12.05g
- Saturated Fat: 6.63g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.80g
- Carbohydrates: 58.54g
- Fiber: 0.45g
- Sugar: 48.29g
- Protein: 4.36g
- Cholesterol: 93.06mg
- Sodium: 269.52mg
- Calcium: 64.48mg
- Potassium: 88.04mg
- Iron: 1.33mg
- Vitamin A: 128.67µg
- Vitamin C: 7.47mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Making This Cake Roll
When rolling the cake in the towel, it's crucial to do it while the cake is still warm. This makes the cake more pliable and less likely to crack. Also, using a thin kitchen towel dusted with confectioners' sugar not only prevents the cake from sticking but also helps to absorb any excess moisture, ensuring a perfect cake roll.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Cake Roll Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the cake roll. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.
Use parchment paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake, saving time and effort in the cleanup process.
Chill the cake: Place the rolled cake in the refrigerator for a shorter amount of time to speed up the cooling process before frosting and serving.
Pre-make the frosting: Prepare the strawberry cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use, saving time during assembly.
Slice and serve: When ready to serve, slice the cake roll and plate it for a quick and elegant presentation.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Cake Roll Recipe
cake flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cake flour in a pinch. However, for every cup of cake flour, use 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and vinegar: For every cup of buttermilk, you can use 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
freeze dried strawberries - Substitute with fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries can be used instead of freeze-dried ones. Simply puree or finely chop the fresh strawberries and adjust the quantity to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to cream cheese. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a suitable substitute in the frosting.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in baking. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in recipes that call for melted butter.
confectioner's sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for confectioner's sugar by blending it in a food processor until it becomes a fine powder. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different in the final product.
Presenting Your Strawberries and Cream Cake Roll
Elevate the cake roll: Carefully slice the cake roll into even portions and place each slice on a pristine white plate. Ensure the roll is positioned elegantly, with a slight angle for a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Place a few fresh strawberries on the plate, artfully arranged around the cake roll. The vibrant red color of the strawberries will provide a striking contrast against the white plate and the cake roll.
Dust with confectioner's sugar: Lightly dust the cake roll with a fine layer of confectioner's sugar using a fine mesh sieve. This will add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to the presentation.
Drizzle with strawberry coulis: Create a delicate drizzle of strawberry coulis on the plate, adding a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor to complement the cake roll.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: Place a small, carefully piped dollop of freshly whipped cream on the plate next to the cake roll. This will add a touch of indulgence and a creamy element to the presentation.
Sprinkle with freeze-dried strawberry powder: Sprinkle a light dusting of freeze-dried strawberry powder around the plate to add a burst of intense strawberry flavor and a visually stunning element to the presentation.
Use edible flowers as a delicate garnish: Place a few carefully selected edible flowers on the plate to add a touch of natural beauty and a hint of floral fragrance to the presentation.
Serve with a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Accompany the cake roll with a small quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream on the plate to provide a contrasting temperature and a luxurious accompaniment to the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making a Strawberries and Cream Cake Roll
- Oven: An appliance used for baking and roasting food.
- Baking pan: A metal or glass pan used for baking cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking pans and preventing food from sticking.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: An electric kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients.
- Whisk attachment: A part of a stand mixer used for whipping and incorporating air into ingredients.
- Sifter: A tool used to aerate and break up clumps in dry ingredients such as flour and cocoa.
- Kitchen towel: A cloth used for drying hands, wiping surfaces, and handling hot cookware.
- Blender or food processor: Electric appliances used for blending, pureeing, or processing food into a smooth consistency.
- Paddle or whisk attachment: Attachments for a stand mixer used for mixing and beating ingredients.
- Plastic wrap: A thin plastic film used to cover and wrap food for storage.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and flipping food.
- Knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.
Storing and Freezing Your Strawberries and Cream Cake Roll
- Storing: cover the strawberries and cream cake roll tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake roll will taste best if eaten within 2-3 days.
- Freezing: yes, this cake roll can be frozen! Here's how:
- Wrap the cake roll tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure it's completely sealed and no air can get in.
- Place the wrapped cake roll in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best taste and texture.
- Thawing: when you're ready to enjoy the frozen cake roll, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can serve it chilled or let it come to room temperature for a softer texture. Enjoy within 2-3 days of thawing for best results.
Interesting Fact About Strawberries and Cream Cake Rolls
The cake roll is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy texture of the frosting. It's a perfect treat for special occasions or gatherings with friends and family.
Is Making a Strawberries and Cream Cake Roll Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this strawberries and cream cake roll recipe depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. While freeze-dried strawberries can be pricey, the remaining ingredients are relatively common pantry items. The total cost for a household of 4 people may range from $15 to $20, making it a moderately cost-effective dessert option. Considering the delightful flavors and impressive presentation, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 rating for its balance of cost and quality.
Is This Strawberry Cream Cake Roll Healthy or Unhealthy?
The strawberries and cream cake roll recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here are a few reasons why:
- The recipe uses refined flour and sugar, which are high in calories and low in nutrients.
- The cream cheese frosting is high in saturated fat and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- The recipe does not include any whole grains, fruits (aside from the strawberries), or vegetables, which are important for a balanced diet.
However, there are some positive aspects to the recipe:
- The freeze-dried strawberries provide some natural flavor and color to the frosting without adding excess sugar or artificial ingredients.
- The recipe uses buttermilk, which can add some tanginess and depth of flavor to the cake.
To make this recipe healthier, here are a few suggestions:
- Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and frosting, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the butter in the frosting to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Add some fresh or frozen berries to the cake batter or as a topping to increase the fruit content and add some natural sweetness.
- Serve smaller portions of the cake roll and pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance out the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Strawberries and Cream Cake Roll
The strawberries and cream cake roll recipe is a delightful combination of light and airy cake, luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. The technique of rolling the cake adds a touch of elegance to the dessert. The use of freeze-dried strawberries in the frosting brings a concentrated burst of flavor. The overall presentation is visually stunning, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a delightful treat for any day. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating a truly memorable dessert experience.
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Why trust this Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Cake Roll Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any strawberry and cream lover. The use of freeze-dried strawberries in the frosting ensures a concentrated burst of strawberry flavor, while the addition of buttermilk in the cake batter promises a tender and moist crumb. The step-by-step instructions and attention to detail showcase the expertise and passion behind this creation, earning the trust of users seeking a delectable dessert experience.
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