Introduction
There’s something truly magical about a Swiss roll, especially when it’s filled with luscious cream and vibrant strawberries. This Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll is the perfect showstopper for any summer gathering or simply a delightful treat for your family. With a light and airy chocolate cake rolled around a rich, whipped cream filling and fresh strawberries, each slice offers a burst of flavor that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into this simple yet elegant dessert that tastes like a slice of heaven!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Additional strawberries for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is thick and pale, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined, being careful not to deflate the airy batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- As soon as you remove it from the oven, sprinkle powdered sugar over a clean kitchen towel laid flat on the counter.
- Invert the baked cake onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from one short end, roll the cake up tightly with the towel and let it cool completely in this shape.
- In a mixing bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a delightful whipped cream.
- Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it and spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries over the whipped cream, as they will add juicy sweetness to every bite.
- Roll the cake back up tightly, this time without the towel, making sure to keep the filling intact.
- Cover the Swiss roll with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Slice the roll into pieces and serve with additional strawberries for garnish, inviting everyone to enjoy this delightful dessert!
Notes or Tips
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder by a tablespoon or two.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, if strawberries aren’t in season.
- To keep the roll from sticking, make sure your towel is generously dusted with powdered sugar.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe showcases some essential baking techniques, particularly in folding. Folding is crucial for incorporating dry ingredients into the egg mixture without losing air, which keeps your cake light and fluffy. Additionally, mastering the rolling technique is key; it might take a couple of tries, but with a gentle hand, you’ll achieve that perfect spiral.
FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the Swiss roll a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just slice and serve it fresh!
- What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan? You can use a cookie sheet with raised edges as a substitute, but ensure it’s roughly the same dimensions for baking.
Conclusion
This Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful way to celebrate summer’s bounty and bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces. With its beautiful presentation and scrumptious flavors, it’s perfect for parties or a sweet family treat. So roll up your sleeves and give this charming recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!