Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll has always felt like sunshine on a plate to me. There’s something magical about that fluffy, tender sponge cake swirled with fresh strawberries and creamy frosting. This Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll recipe brings back so many happy memories of summer afternoons, the sweet scent of baking cake filling the kitchen. It’s a dessert that truly captures the essence of classic strawberry shortcake in a fun, impressive package. If you’re looking for a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple, this Strawberry Shortcake roll cake recipe easy is for you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll
This dessert is a winner for so many reasons!
- Incredible Flavor: It perfectly captures the classic taste of strawberry shortcake, with sweet strawberries and creamy frosting.
- Quick Prep Time: You can whip up this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll in just about 30 minutes of active prep.
- Light and Airy Texture: The sponge cake is wonderfully soft and fluffy, making it a delight to eat.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike adore this fun twist on a beloved dessert.
- Budget-Friendly: Using fresh strawberries and pantry staples makes this a cost-effective treat.
- Impressive Presentation: It looks beautiful on any dessert table, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings.
- Simple to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this is an Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll that even beginner bakers can master.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a light dessert or a special breakfast indulgence.
Ingredients for Your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll. For the cake, you’ll need 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. The cake base gets its structure from 4 large eggs, separated, and sweetness from 1 cup granulated sugar, divided. Moisture comes from 1/4 cup milk, while 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest add wonderful aroma and flavor. For the luscious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll filling, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar to sweeten them. The creamy frosting requires 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, and another 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, plus 1/4 cup powdered sugar for sweetness. Finally, a dusting of 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting, finishes this beautiful dessert.
How to Make a Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan, or line it with parchment paper. This is the first step for your easy strawberry shortcake cake roll, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside. This forms the dry base of your Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the 4 large eggs, separated (yolks only for now) with 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. This wet mixture will contribute to the perfect strawberry roulade recipe texture.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake for our Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll.
- Step 5: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. This will give your strawberry cream roll cake its signature lightness.
- Step 6: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter. This folding technique is key to achieving the delicate texture for your homemade strawberry shortcake cake roll recipe.
- Step 7: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. This is how you prepare the base for your strawberry shortcake dessert roll, ensuring an even bake.
- Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back lightly when touched. This ensures your strawberry shortcake cake roll frosting base is perfectly baked.
- Step 9: While the cake is baking, prepare your strawberry filling. Mash 1 cup of the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Set aside. This is part of what makes this a great strawberry shortcake jelly roll.
- Step 10: Once baked, immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper if used. This prevents your fresh strawberry cake roll from sticking and tearing.
- Step 11: Starting from one of the short ends, tightly roll up the warm cake and the towel together. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. This rolling technique is essential for a beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll.
- Step 12: While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is your strawberry shortcake cake roll frosting.
- Step 13: Once the cake roll is completely cool, unroll it carefully. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake.
- Step 14: Arrange the remaining 1/2 cup of sliced fresh strawberries over the frosting.
- Step 15: Carefully re-roll the cake, this time without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving platter. This completes your easy strawberry shortcake roll cake recipe.
- Step 16: Dust the top of the Strawberry Shortcake roll cake with additional powdered sugar before serving. This is the final touch for the best strawberry shortcake cake roll.
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll
These little tricks will guarantee your Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll is a showstopper:
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature; they whip up much better for that airy cake structure.
- Don’t overbake the cake! It should be just set and slightly springy to the touch. Overbaking makes it crack when rolled.
- Roll the cake while it’s still warm. This makes it pliable and less likely to break when you form your Strawberry Shortcake roulade recipe.
- For the cream cheese frosting, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are truly softened for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
What’s the secret to perfect strawberry shortcake cake roll?
The secret to a perfect strawberry cream roll cake lies in the technique for folding in the egg whites and not overbaking. Gently folding creates that signature light and fluffy texture essential for a great Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets.
Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layer and let it cool completely. Prepare the filling and frosting separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll a few hours before serving, or up to 24 hours in advance for best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll?
The most common mistake is overbaking, which leads to cracks. Another is trying to roll a cold cake. Always roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable to prevent it from breaking. If you’re looking for other dessert ideas, consider these Nutella layer cake recipes.
Best Ways to Serve Your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll
This beautiful Fresh strawberry cake roll is a versatile dessert that shines in many settings. For a truly classic experience, serve a generous slice of this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few extra fresh strawberries. It’s also delightful paired with a light vanilla bean ice cream for an extra touch of sweetness. For a brunch or tea party setting, a smaller slice of this Strawberry Shortcake roulade recipe makes an elegant treat. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Nutrition Facts for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll:
- Calories: approx. 300
- Fat: approx. 15g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 9g
- Protein: approx. 4g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 35g
- Fiber: approx. 2g
- Sugar: approx. 25g
- Sodium: approx. 100mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll recipe. For more information on nutritional content, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s FoodData Central.
How to Store and Reheat Your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll
Once your beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll has cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing any leftovers. For the best results and to maintain that delightful freshness, place your Strawberry Shortcake dessert roll in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with more deliciousness than you can eat in that time, freezing is a great option! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap a slice and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a slightly warm, comforting treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll
What is a Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll?
A Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that takes the beloved flavors of classic strawberry shortcake – tender sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and sweet cream – and transforms them into a beautiful rolled cake. It’s essentially a light and fluffy strawberry sponge cake baked thin, then spread with a creamy filling and fresh strawberries, and finally rolled up.
How to make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll perfectly every time?
To master How to make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll, focus on two key steps: gently folding your egg whites into the batter for maximum fluffiness, and rolling the cake while it’s still warm. This ensures it’s pliable and won’t crack. Also, don’t overbake the sponge; it should be just set and springy to the touch.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture in your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll, you can use frozen strawberries for the filling if needed. Thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and then mash them with the powdered sugar. You might need to adjust the amount of sugar slightly.
What kind of frosting is best for a Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll?
A light and creamy frosting complements the delicate sponge cake beautifully. Cream cheese frosting, as used in this recipe, is a fantastic choice because its slight tanginess balances the sweetness of the strawberries and cake. A simple whipped cream frosting is another excellent option for a lighter finish.
Variations of Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s fun to experiment with this versatile dessert! Here are a few ideas to make your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll even more exciting. For a gluten-free twist, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend, keeping all other ingredients the same for your Strawberry Shortcake Jelly Roll. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute for the frosting. For a flavor explosion, try adding a hint of lime zest instead of lemon, or even a tablespoon of good quality strawberry jam swirled into the cream cheese filling to enhance that sweet berry taste. Each variation offers a unique spin on this beloved Strawberry Shortcake roulade recipe.

Incredible Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and fluffy strawberry cake roll with fresh strawberry filling and cream cheese frosting, reminiscent of classic strawberry shortcake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan, or line it with parchment paper. This is the first step for your easy strawberry shortcake cake roll.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This forms the base of your strawberry shortcake swiss roll.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and lemon zest. This mixture will contribute to the perfect strawberry roulade recipe.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy strawberry cake roll.
- In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. This will give your strawberry cream roll cake its signature lightness.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter. This folding technique is key to achieving the texture for your homemade strawberry shortcake cake roll recipe.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. This is how you prepare the base for your strawberry shortcake dessert roll.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures your strawberry shortcake cake roll frosting base is perfectly baked.
- While the cake is baking, prepare your strawberry filling. Mash 1 cup of the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Set aside. This is part of what makes this a great strawberry shortcake jelly roll.
- Once baked, immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper if used. This prevents your fresh strawberry cake roll from sticking.
- Starting from one of the short ends, tightly roll up the warm cake and the towel together. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. This rolling technique is essential for a beautiful strawberry shortcake cake roll.
- While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is your strawberry shortcake cake roll frosting.
- Once the cake roll is completely cool, unroll it carefully. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake.
- Arrange the remaining 1/2 cup of sliced fresh strawberries over the frosting.
- Carefully re-roll the cake, this time without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving platter. This completes your easy strawberry shortcake roll cake recipe.
- Dust the top of the strawberry shortcake cake roll with additional powdered sugar before serving. This is the final touch for the best strawberry shortcake cake roll.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients for the cream cheese frosting are at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the filling.
- Chill the cake roll for at least 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- This recipe can be adapted to include other berries for a mixed berry shortcake cake roll.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: approx. 300
- Sugar: approx. 25g
- Sodium: approx. 100mg
- Fat: approx. 15g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 35g
- Fiber: approx. 2g
- Protein: approx. 4g
- Cholesterol: approx. 70mg
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