Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming about a dessert that’s both elegant and bursting with fresh, fruity flavor, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll Recipe is going to become your absolute go-to. Imagine a light, airy sponge cake that’s infused with strawberry purée, rolled up with a luscious mascarpone and whipped cream filling dotted with real strawberries, and kissed with a sweet strawberry liqueur syrup. It’s a showstopper that brings all the delightful elements of classic strawberry shortcake into a stunning and surprisingly simple roll. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe is pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll Recipe plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. The combination is simple yet essential, giving you a tender sponge, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry notes that really pop.

• 4 large eggs, room temperature: These create the airy structure needed for the sponge cake to rise beautifully.
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweet balance and helps with the sponge’s tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with warm, familiar notes.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the basic structure for the cake.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch: Keeps the sponge ultra-soft and light.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors.
• 2 tablespoons strawberry purée: Fresh or frozen, it infuses the cake with a natural strawberry essence and lovely pink hue.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for syrup): Sweetens the soaking syrup, locking moisture in.
• 2 tablespoons water (for syrup): Helps dissolve the syrup sugar evenly.
• 1 tablespoon strawberry liqueur (for syrup): Adds a subtle aromatic depth and highlights the strawberries’ sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (for filling): Stabilizes the creamy filling so it holds texture perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons cold water (for filling): Used to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves properly.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for filling): Whipped to fluffy perfection for the silky filling.
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (for filling): Adds richness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the filling delicately without graininess.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for filling): Brings brightness and sparkle to the cream.
• 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder (for filling): Concentrates strawberry flavor and adds a pretty fleck of color.
• 1 tablespoon strawberry liqueur (for filling): Enhances the strawberry notes beautifully.
• 1/4 cup diced strawberries (for filling): Adds bursts of fresh texture and juiciness between the creamy layers.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll Recipe

Step 1: Create the Perfect Egg Foam Base

Begin by whisking the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is pale and thick enough to hold soft ribbons when dripped from the whisk. This stage is crucial because it traps air that forms the light sponge’s foundation. Don’t rush it — a five-minute beat ensures your roll will be wonderfully fluffy.

Step 2: Gently Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, then carefully fold them into the egg foam in two parts. Taking your time here helps keep the batter airy. The goal is to combine the flour without losing any of the precious air bubbles that make the cake rise and bounce back when touched.

Step 3: Add Strawberry Purée with Care

Now it’s time to fold in the strawberry purée. This ingredient not only gives the batter its lovely pink color but also infuses the sponge with fresh strawberry sweetness. Fold gently just until no streaks remain to avoid deflating your fluffy batter.

Step 4: Bake and Roll the Sponge While Warm

Spread the batter evenly in a lined 10 by 15-inch jelly roll pan and pop it into a 350°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. When done, invert the sponge onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel and gently peel off the parchment paper. Roll it up with the towel immediately to prevent cracks while cooling — trust me, this little trick makes all the difference in that perfect cake roll shape.

Step 5: Bloom and Dissolve the Gelatin

Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for five minutes to bloom fully. Then microwave it briefly until dissolved, taking care not to let it set prematurely. Cooling it slightly prepares it to be folded seamlessly into the creamy filling.

Step 6: Whip the Creamy Mascarpone Filling

In a chilled bowl, whip together heavy cream, mascarpone, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Next, incorporate the gelatin mixture, lemon zest, strawberry powder, and liqueur until the peaks become medium-firm. Gently fold in the diced strawberries for a juicy, fresh surprise in every bite.

Step 7: Brush the Cake with Strawberry Syrup

Make a quick syrup by heating sugar, water, and strawberry liqueur until the sugar dissolves. Generously brush this over the unrolled cake to keep every slice moist and amplify the strawberry flavor. This extra step really elevates the whole dessert.

Step 8: Spread the Filling and Reroll

Carefully spread the luscious mascarpone cream on the cake, leaving a half-inch border. This space is important to prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll it back up. Then reroll snugly without the towel, wrap tightly in plastic, and chill for at least two hours to firm up the shape.

Step 9: Trim and Slice with Care

Once the cake roll is chilled and set, trim the ends to reveal clean edges perfect for presentation. For smooth, neat slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and dry it between each cut. This method prevents tearing and keeps your cake looking as beautiful as it tastes.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, a dusting of powdered sugar or some fresh strawberries on the side adds an extra pop of sweetness and color. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint for that little green surprise that instantly looks festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

This cake roll pairs marvelously with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a mixed berry salad or a citrusy fruit compote. These add brightness and balance out the richness of the filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the roll into bite-sized pinwheels for a charming party platter or serve individual slices with edible flowers sprinkled on top for a stunning, Instagram-worthy dessert. Another fun idea is layering slices in a trifle glass with extra strawberries and cream for a gorgeous strawberry shortcake parfait twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the sponge moist and the filling fresh, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your strawberry shortcake cake roll, slice it first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to one month frozen. Thaw slices in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Reheating

Because this cake roll is best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, bring slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enjoy the full medley of flavors and creamy textures.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the purée?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before puréeing to avoid making the batter too wet.

What if I don’t have strawberry liqueur?

You can substitute with a strawberry syrup or simply omit it; the cake will still be delicious though the liqueur adds a subtle aromatic complexity.

How long does the cake roll stay fresh?

When properly refrigerated and wrapped, the strawberry shortcake cake roll stays fresh for about three days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor start to decline.

Can I make the sponge cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake the sponge the day before and keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge. Just make sure to roll it while warm on the day you plan to assemble to avoid cracking.

Is gelatin necessary in the filling?

Gelatin stabilizes the filling for clean slices and firmness but if you prefer, you can try using whipped cream alone though the filling may be softer and less structured.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll Recipe is one of those desserts you’ll find yourself excited to make again and again. Its balance of light cake, fresh strawberries, and creamy filling is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, it’s sure to delight everyone at your table. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure strawberry happiness!

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