Strawberry Roll Cake

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Strawberry Roll Cake
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make a Strawberry Roll Cake
4. Why You'll Love This Strawberry Roll Cake Recipe
5. Recipe FAQ
6. Serving FAQ
7. Storage FAQ
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Try this easy-to-make strawberry roll cake that combines light sponge cake and sweet, fluffy filling. Perfect for summer gatherings, this delightful treat bursts with fresh strawberry flavor. Serve it at parties, potlucks, or any special occasion, and watch it disappear! It's a crowd-pleaser that’s fun to prepare and even more fun to enjoy!

This strawberry roll cake recipe is a breeze to make! You can follow the step-by-step photos and directions for a perfect result. We’ve included pro tips and tricks to make your cake even better. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions to help you along the way.

This easy strawberry roll cake is fun to make, and a quick and delicious treat. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or any special occasion, it’s sure to impress your guests.

The light sponge cake and creamy strawberry filling create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Try this recipe at home for a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love!

What you'll need to make this homemade Strawberry Cake Roll recipe:

For The Cake:

• ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of strawberry flavoring
• 3 to 5 drops of red liquid food coloring
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• ½ to ⅔ cup of powdered sugar for dusting
• Linen kitchen towel that is 2 inches longer than the top and bottom of the cake pan
• Large cutting board for the cake transfer

For The Cream Filling:

• 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of whipped topping 

For The Topping:

• 1½ cups of whipped topping  
• 6 whole strawberries, washed, dried, and cut in half

Pro tips for pro results:

Jelly roll pans are ideal for baking thin cakes that will hold up well for filling and rolling, unlike cookie sheets. Using the wrong pan may lead to uneven baking.
To prevent cracks, wrap it in a tea towel while still hot and roll and unroll the cake carefully.

Change up your strawberry roll cake by swapping out ingredients or adding something new! These options maintain the texture of the strawberry roll and complement the cake’s flavors. Here are some top suggestions:

Swap Cream Cheese: Reduced-fat cream cheese could be used in place of the regular cream cheese for a lighter version of the filling.

Substitute Strawberries: Try raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a fresh twist on the filling and topping.

Add a Zesty Touch: Mix in lemon zest or orange zest for a citrusy flavor in the sponge cake.

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and pictures for the perfect cream cheese cake roll. Be sure to check out the tips and tricks below to make it even better. Let’s get started!

For The Cake

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.

SECOND STEP: Using either a stand mixer, or a medium bowl and a handheld electric mixer on high speed, beat the eggs for 5 minutes until the eggs are a light yellow frothy texture.

THIRD STEP: Add the sugar, strawberry flavoring, red food coloring, and vegetable oil to the egg mixture and continue beating until well incorporated.

FOURTH STEP: Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.

FIFTH STEP: Evenly pour and spread the cake batter into the prepared 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan lined with a sheet of parchment paper and sprayed with nonstick spray. 

SIXTH STEP: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven.

SEVENTH STEP: Remove the cake from the oven. Using a sharp knife, carefully run the tip along the sides not covered by parchment paper.

EIGHTH STEP: Heavily dust the top of a tea towel with powdered sugar. Immediately place the powdered tea towel powdered side down on top of the cake.

NINTH STEP: Lay the cutting board on top of the tea towel. The cake pan will still be hot, so you will need to be very careful to protect your hands.

Quickly flip the cake over so that the cake is lying on top of the dusted towel and carefully and slowly peel the parchment paper off the cake and heavily dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.

TENTH STEP: Flip one end of the tea towel over one of the short ends of the cake. Carefully begin to roll one end towards the other.

Once rolled, set it aside and allow the cake to cool completely.

For The Filling

FIRST STEP: Using a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer set on medium-high, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until smooth.

SECOND STEP: Fold in the whipped topping. Set it aside.

Assembling The Cake

FIRST STEP: Once it completely cools, slowly unroll the cake. If there are a few small cracks, it will be okay.

SECOND STEP: Using a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake, avoiding the edges.

THIRD STEP: Slowly, with gentle even pressure, carefully roll the cake back into a “roll”. Tightly wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap to ensure it holds its shape.

Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to overnight. When you are ready to serve, carefully remove the plastic wrap encasing the cake roll. 

FOURTH STEP: Fill either a decorator’s bag or a quart-sized Ziploc, with a corner snipped off, with the 1½ cups of whipped topping.

FIFTH STEP: Slice ½-inch wide servings, making sure to clean off your knife after each slice to keep the beautiful cake layers intact and visible.

Cooking Tips:
Keep an eye on the cake while it bakes. Over-baking can dry it out making it hard to roll. Don't use fabric softener when washing the tea towels, as it may affect the cake's flavor. Also, skip terry cloth towels, as their lint may stick to the cake.

Whether it's a special holiday, a birthday party, or a summer picnic, this cake is a crowd-pleaser! This delicious dessert would be a perfect alternative to a traditional birthday cake if the guest of honor loves all things strawberry.

• For Summer Gatherings: Serve this strawberry roll cake at summer BBQs, pool parties, or picnics for a refreshing, fruity dessert. Its light texture and fresh strawberry flavor make it a perfect treat for hot days. Complement it with creamy fruit salad or lemon brownies for a sweet spread.

• For Birthday Parties: This cake works wonderfully for birthday celebrations, offering a fun, colorful dessert that everyone can enjoy. Its bright and fluffy look makes it a showstopper at any birthday party. Pair it with black bottom cupcakes or sour cream cookies for variety.

• For Holidays & Special Occasions: Enjoy this strawberry roll cake at holidays like Easter or Mother's Day when you want a festive, flavorful dessert. The cake's elegant appearance fits perfectly with holiday meals. Serve it with a side of banana ice cream or mini apple cheesecakes for an extra touch.

• A Burst of Fresh Flavor: This cake blends the light, airy sponge with a sweet, creamy strawberry filling. The fresh strawberries bring a vibrant, fruity taste to every bite. It's the perfect way to celebrate summer with its bright, refreshing flavor.

• A Showstopper in Presentation: With its beautiful swirl and glossy appearance, this roll cake is a showstopper at any gathering. The elegant, delicate look makes it ideal for birthdays or special events. It never fails to impress guests and is as fun to make as it is to eat.

• A Treat for All Ages: Strawberry Roll Cake is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Its sweet and creamy filling appeals to everyone, making it perfect for family gatherings. Serve it at a picnic or as a special dessert for the family, and watch it disappear!

Strawberry Roll Cake will brighten up any occasion and bring joy to every bite.

How can I prevent my strawberry roll cake from cracking?
Be gentle when rolling the cake, and always wrap it in a tea towel while it's still hot.

Can I make strawberry roll cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge to set before serving.

What’s the best way to cut the strawberry roll cake?
Use a serrated knife to slice the cake into even pieces for a neat and smooth cut.

How do I get the perfect sponge texture for my roll cake?
Whip the egg mixture well to incorporate air, ensuring a light, fluffy texture that rolls easily.

What’s the best way to serve strawberry roll cake at a party?
Slice the roll cake into neat, individual pieces and arrange them on a platter for easy serving.

Can I decorate strawberry roll cake for special occasions?
Yes! Add whipped cream, extra strawberries, or even mint leaves to make it look festive and appealing.

How do I make strawberry roll cake look more elegant?
Dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate sauce for an elegant finishing touch.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for storage of your strawberry roll cake. We’ve got you covered to ensure the cake stays fresh and delicious.

Can I make strawberry roll cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roll cake a day in advance. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh until serving.

What's the best way to store leftover strawberry roll cake?
Keep leftover strawberry roll cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze strawberry roll cake?
You can make this strawberry cream roll cake ahead of time and freeze it (without the whipped topping) for up to four months. Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap twice, then cover it with aluminum foil.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen strawberry roll cake?
Thaw the cake overnight in the fridge. To serve, let it come to room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave.