Are you ready for a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious? Meet the Strawberry Shortcake Roulade! This delightful treat combines light cake, fresh strawberries, and creamy filling into a rolled masterpiece. Perfect for any gathering, it’s easy to make and sure to impress. In this article, I’ll share the step-by-step recipe and tips you need to create your very own roulade that will leave everyone asking for more!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Light: This roulade is a perfect balance of cake and cream, making it light and enjoyable.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh strawberries elevates the flavor and adds a vibrant color to the dessert.
- Impressive Presentation: The rolled cake looks stunning when sliced, making it a great choice for gatherings.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
To make the strawberry shortcake roulade, you need simple yet fresh ingredients. The eggs bring richness, while sugar adds sweetness. Vanilla extract gives a lovely flavor. Flour, baking powder, and salt create a light and fluffy cake.
Heavy whipping cream is perfect for a smooth, creamy filling. The powdered sugar sweetens the cream just right. Fresh strawberries are the star of the dish, adding color and taste. Finally, mint leaves add a fresh touch for garnish.
Gather these items before you start. This will help you move smoothly through the recipe. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Let some paper hang over the sides. This helps with easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, beat 4 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until thick and pale. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir well.
Baking the Cake
1. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the egg mixture. Mix gently to avoid overmixing.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes. It should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean.
Rolling the Cake
1. After baking, remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
2. Invert the cake onto the towel, removing the parchment paper. Roll it up gently from the short end. Let it cool completely while rolled.
Completing the Roulade
1. While the cake cools, whip 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form.
2. Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream evenly on the surface. Top with 2 cups of sliced strawberries.
3. Roll the cake back up carefully, using the towel to help. Place seam-side down on a serving platter.
4. Chill the roulade in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Roulade
To roll the cake well, follow these steps. First, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. After baking, let the cake cool for about 5 minutes. Invert the cake onto the towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Now, roll the cake up gently, starting from the short end. This helps keep its shape.
To achieve maximum fluffiness, beat the eggs and sugar well. Whip them until thick and pale. This step adds air to the batter. When folding in the dry ingredients, do it gently. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Serving Suggestions
When serving the roulade, slice it carefully. Use a sharp knife and cut into even pieces. This helps each slice look nice. For a lovely touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves. They add color and a bit of flavor.
You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the cake. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: For the best volume when whipping the eggs, make sure they are at room temperature. This helps create a light and fluffy cake.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredients to maintain the airiness of the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the roulade to chill for at least 30 minutes after rolling. This helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: Add fresh mint leaves or additional strawberry slices on top for an appealing presentation that enhances flavor.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can switch up your roulade with different fruits. Blueberries and raspberries work great. Both add a lovely color and taste. You can also try mixed berries for a fun twist. For the whipped cream, get creative! Chocolate or lemon flavored cream can really make the cake pop. Just mix in cocoa powder or lemon zest into the cream. This way, you can create a unique dessert each time.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, don’t worry! You can replace all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may change a bit. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or almond cream instead of heavy cream. These options still give you a rich flavor without the dairy. Adjust your sweetener as needed, and enjoy your dessert without worry!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your strawberry shortcake roulade fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This method helps prevent the cake from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container. The roulade stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. After three days, the flavor may fade, but it still tastes good!
Freezing Options
If you want to freeze the roulade, slice it into individual pieces first. Place each slice on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. This step keeps the slices from sticking together. Once frozen, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. You can enjoy the slices for up to three months.
To thaw, simply move a slice from the freezer to the fridge for several hours. This process keeps the taste and texture nice. You can also let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious roulade anytime!
FAQs
How do I prevent my roulade from cracking?
To prevent cracks, follow these tips:
- Roll the cake while it's still warm. This keeps it flexible.
- Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar for rolling. It helps avoid sticking.
- Roll tightly but gently. Don’t force it.
- If cracks do form, hide them with whipped cream or fruit.
By rolling the cake carefully and using the right tools, you can keep it intact.
Can I make the roulade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roulade in advance. Here’s how:
- Bake the cake and roll it up in the towel. Let it cool completely.
- Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to two days.
- Prepare the whipped cream and strawberries on the day you plan to serve it.
- Assemble the roulade just before serving for the best taste.
Making it ahead saves time and lets the flavors blend well.
What can I serve with strawberry shortcake roulade?
You can pair your roulade with these options:
- Fresh whipped cream adds extra creaminess.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a nice chill.
- Serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for richness.
- For drinks, consider iced tea or lemonade. They balance the sweetness.
These pairings enhance the dessert and make it even more enjoyable.
Making a strawberry shortcake roulade is both fun and rewarding. You learned about the ingredients, tools, and steps needed. The tips and variations make it easy to adjust for your taste. Store leftovers well to enjoy later.
With the right techniques, you can avoid cracks and serve it with confidence. Whether it’s a special occasion or just for fun, this dessert shines. Embrace your baking journey and impress your family with this delicious treat!
