Strawberry Cream Sponge Cake Roll That Is Light, Elegant, and Perfectly Balanced

Introduction

Strawberry Cream Sponge Cake Roll is a timeless dessert that combines light sponge cake, airy cream filling, and fresh strawberries into a beautifully rolled centerpiece. This cake feels elegant yet approachable, making it ideal for celebrations, afternoon tea, or a refined homemade dessert. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its delicate texture. The sponge is soft and flexible, allowing it to roll smoothly without cracking, while the cream filling adds richness without heaviness. I first made this cake roll for a family gathering, and its presentation immediately impressed everyone at the table. The fresh strawberries add brightness and a natural sweetness that balances the cream perfectly. Despite its bakery-style appearance, this cake is surprisingly straightforward to prepare with a bit of care and patience. Once sliced, each piece reveals beautiful layers that make it as pleasing to look at as it is to eat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is light, fresh, and visually stunning. It uses simple ingredients, slices cleanly, and feels special without being overly sweet. It is perfect for make-ahead entertaining and pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Eggs form the foundation of the sponge cake, providing structure and lightness when properly whipped.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps stabilize the whipped eggs.

All-purpose flour creates a tender sponge while remaining flexible enough to roll.

Cornstarch lightens the crumb and contributes to the soft texture.

Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the sponge.

Heavy cream creates the rich yet airy filling when whipped properly.

Powdered sugar sweetens the cream without weighing it down.

Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a bright fruity contrast.

Powdered sugar for dusting helps prevent sticking and adds a delicate finish.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C and lining a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper. Whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale, thick, and tripled in volume. Gently fold in vanilla extract. Sift together flour, cornstarch, and salt, then carefully fold them into the egg mixture to avoid deflating the batter. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake until lightly golden and springy to the touch. While the cake is warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and gently invert the cake onto it. Peel away the parchment and roll the cake loosely with the towel, allowing it to cool completely. Whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream evenly, and arrange sliced strawberries over the cream. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, wrap, and chill before slicing.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves eight people. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 15 minutes and a chilling time of at least 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store the cake roll wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to two days. This dessert does not require reheating and should be served chilled for best texture.

Variations and Customizations

Strawberry Cream Sponge Cake Roll is easy to adapt. I have substituted strawberries with raspberries for a slightly tart variation that pairs well with the cream. Adding lemon zest to the sponge or cream brightens the flavor profile and complements the fruit. For a richer filling, a small amount of cream cheese can be folded into the whipped cream. You can also brush the sponge lightly with strawberry syrup before filling for added moisture. Chocolate lovers can drizzle melted chocolate over the finished roll for a decorative and flavorful finish.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dessert is light compared to layered cakes, with most of its richness coming from cream. Portion control keeps it suitable for balanced enjoyment. Fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and freshness.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Proper whipping
Whip eggs until thick and pale to ensure a light sponge.

Gentle folding
Fold dry ingredients carefully to maintain volume.

Roll while warm
Rolling the cake warm prevents cracking later.

FAQs

Why did my cake crack?

The cake may have been overbaked or rolled too late.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made one day in advance.

What cream works best?

Heavy cream with high fat content whips best.

Can I freeze this cake roll?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream filling.

Do I need cornstarch?

It helps create a softer, more flexible sponge.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Is this cake overly sweet?

No, it is balanced and lightly sweet.

Can I flavor the cream?

Yes, vanilla or citrus zest works well.

What pan size should I use?

A standard jelly roll pan works best.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Sponge Cake Roll is a classic dessert that combines light texture, fresh fruit, and elegant presentation. With its soft sponge, creamy filling, and bright strawberry flavor, it is a recipe that feels celebratory yet approachable, making it perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions.

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