The strawberry Swiss roll is a classic French dessert beloved for its lightness and simplicity. With its soft sponge cake, generous filling of strawberry jam, and beautiful spiral presentation, it’s perfect for impressing guests or delighting your family. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, an afternoon snack, or just to pair with a cup of tea, this roll is quick to make and requires only a few basic ingredients.

I still remember my first attempt at making this dessert on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The sweet aroma of the sponge cake baking in the oven filled my kitchen, and the satisfaction of rolling it up to reveal its beautiful spiral made me want to recreate it for every special occasion.

Follow this step-by-step recipe to create the perfect strawberry Swiss roll, even if you’re a beginner in baking. With a few tips and some care, you’ll have a dessert that’s as delicious as it is stunning.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 120 g (1/2 cup) sugar
• Strawberry jam (about 4-5 tablespoons)
• White chocolate sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
• A pinch of salt

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you begin.

Preparation

Step 1: Beat the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the 4 egg yolks with the 120 g of sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy sponge.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In another bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form. To ensure success, use eggs at room temperature and clean, dry utensils.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Gradually sift the flour and a pinch of salt into the yolk mixture, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Then, carefully fold in the whipped egg whites using a spatula, making gentle upward motions to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 4: Bake the Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Spread the batter evenly across the tray, ensuring a smooth surface. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cake is just golden and springs back when touched. Avoid overbaking to keep the sponge moist.

Step 5: Cool and Fill

Once baked, turn the sponge onto a clean, damp kitchen towel with the parchment paper still attached. Allow it to cool slightly, then carefully remove the parchment paper. Spread a generous layer of strawberry jam over the surface of the sponge.

Step 6: Roll the Cake

Using the towel for support, gently roll the cake into a tight spiral. Wrap it in aluminum foil to help it hold its shape and refrigerate for a few hours.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Once chilled, trim the ends of the roll for a neat finish. Optionally, decorate the roll with white chocolate sprinkles or dust it with powdered sugar. Slice and serve with a smile!

Tips for Success

1. Perfect Sponge Texture: Avoid overbaking the sponge to keep it soft and easy to roll.
2. Whipped Egg Whites: Make sure your mixing bowl is grease-free to achieve stiff peaks.
3. Rolling Technique: Use a damp towel to guide the roll without cracking the cake.
4. Storage: Keep the roll wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to maintain its freshness for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

1. Keep the Sponge Moist: Cover the baked sponge with a damp kitchen towel while it cools to prevent it from drying out and cracking during rolling.
2. Even Spread: When applying jam or other fillings, use an offset spatula to ensure an even layer, so each slice has a perfect balance of cake and filling.
3. Refrigeration Is Key: Chilling the roll not only sets its shape but also enhances the flavors, making it easier to slice neatly.
4. Room-Temperature Eggs: These whip up better than cold ones, giving your sponge the airy texture it needs.

Variations to Try

1. Filling Swaps:
   • Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Swap the strawberry jam for Nutella or chocolate ganache.
   • Citrusy Twist: Use orange marmalade or lemon curd for a refreshing variation.
   • Berry Medley: Mix strawberry jam with fresh raspberries or blueberries for added texture.
2. Creative Toppings:
   • Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the roll for a decorative finish.
   • Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries for a festive look.
   • Add a layer of whipped cream on top before decorating with edible flowers for a touch of elegance.
3. Flavor the Sponge:
   • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a subtle flavor boost.
   • For a more indulgent treat, stir in a bit of finely grated lemon or orange zest.

This strawberry Swiss roll is more than just a dessert—it’s a delightful experience to make and share with loved ones. Enjoy the sweet simplicity of this timeless treat! 🌟🍓

For another festive option, the Mascarpone Raspberry Yule Log elevates the traditional bûche de Noël with its rich mascarpone filling and tart raspberry accent. The combination of smooth mascarpone cheese and bright raspberries creates a sophisticated flavor profile that complements the chocolate sponge, while maintaining the same impressive visual appeal as our pumpkin version. Both alternatives share the same rolling technique as our coconut-pumpkin creation but offer different flavor experiences for your dessert table, allowing you to adapt to various seasons and occasions while maintaining that wow factor that roll cakes are known for.

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