Name: Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 3 large eggs (separated, ideally room temperature); 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp (15 g) cornstarch or potato starch; 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp (120 g) granulated sugar; 7/8 cups (200 ml) heavy cream (cold); 3 tsp vanilla extract (divided: 2 tsp for cake, 1 tsp for filling); 1 tsp powdered gelatin; 2 tbsp water; 2 tbsp icing sugar (+ more for dusting and decoration); 5-7 strawberries (finely chopped for filling, plus extra for decoration)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 63 reviews

If you’ve been dreaming of a show-stopping dessert that’s both light and full of fresh flavor, this Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a soft, fluffy sponge cake rolled with a luscious, vanilla-infused whipped cream and studded with juicy strawberries that bring bursts of natural sweetness to every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on any day that needs a little sparkle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thin rectangular yellow sponge cake is laid flat on white parchment paper with a white marbled surface underneath. On top of the cake, a thick layer of smooth white cream is spread evenly. Fresh red strawberry pieces are scattered on the cream layer. The cake is then rolled up tightly into a spiral shape, creating a rolled cake with yellow outer layers and visible white cream and strawberry filling inside. The rolled cake is placed on a white plate with delicate floral designs, garnished with halved strawberries on top and dusted with a fine layer of powdered sugar being sprinkled from a small sieve. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe just right starts with a handful of essential ingredients that each play a starring role, from creating the cake’s light texture to building that perfect creamy, fruity filling. These simple staples come together to make a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Eggs (3 large, separated): Room temperature eggs help achieve maximum volume and a tender crumb in the sponge.
All-purpose flour (1/3 cup / 40 g): The base of the sponge, giving it structure without weighing it down.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp / 15 g): Keeps the cake soft and tender by lightening the flour.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp / 120 g): Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the strawberries.
Heavy cream (7/8 cup / 200 ml, cold): Whipped to cloud-like softness, forming the luscious filling.
Vanilla extract (3 tsp): Brings warm, fragrant notes that elevate both cake and filling.
Powdered gelatin (1 tsp + 2 tbsp water): Stabilizes the whipped cream for a firm, yet silky texture.
Icing sugar (2 tbsp + extra for dusting): Delicately sweetens and decorates the roll for an elegant finish.
Strawberries (5-7, finely chopped + extra for decoration): Fresh and vibrant, they add color and natural flavor bursts inside and out.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 320°F (160°C) and lining a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. The trick to a moist and airy sponge is whipping your egg whites until soft peaks form, which captures air that will puff up the cake. Then, beat the egg yolks with sugar and vanilla until creamy and pale to add richness. When combining flour, starch, and egg whites, fold gently to avoid losing all the air, which gives this Swiss roll its signature lightness.

Step 2: Bake and Roll the Cake

Once your batter is spread evenly in the pan, bake for roughly 15 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean. While the cake is still warm, carefully flip it onto a sugar-dusted parchment paper, peel off the original parchment, and roll it up gently with the new paper inside. This rolling while warm prevents cracks and trains the cake into shape, cooling for about 30 minutes before the filling is added.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Whipped Cream Filling

Bloom the gelatin in cold water, then melt it gently over simmering water and allow it to cool slightly—hot gelatin will collapse your cream. Whip the cold heavy cream with icing sugar and vanilla to soft peaks, then carefully fold in the cooled gelatin while whipping continues briefly to stabilize the cream. This step ensures your filling stays fluffy and holds up beautifully when sliced.

Step 4: Assemble the Swiss Roll

Unroll the cooled cake and spread an even layer of the whipped cream filling. Toss in the finely chopped strawberries to add juicy bursts of flavor in every slice. Roll the cake back up, this time without parchment inside, and wrap it snugly in parchment and plastic wrap to keep it moist and allow the flavors to mingle in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe

A white oval plate with subtle floral details holds a yellow rolled cake dusted with powdered sugar, topped with several halved red strawberries, and one slice laid flat showing white cream and strawberry pieces inside. A woman's hand is holding a beige scalloped plate with a slice of the same cake and two strawberry halves. The background features a blue-gray tablecloth with a beige cloth napkin, a small sifter with powdered sugar, and a clear glass vase with delicate pink flowers, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and a dusting of icing sugar on top create a simple yet sophisticated look. You could also add edible flowers or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra wow factor. These finishing touches not only add to the visual delight but complement the dessert’s fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe with a light cup of tea, coffee, or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé. For a more indulgent experience, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream on the side can never go wrong, adding creaminess and contrasting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of a simple roll slice, consider serving individual portions wrapped in parchment or cut into pinwheel rounds for a charming party platter. You can also layer slices with extra strawberries and cream in a dessert trifle glass for an elegant twist that’s easy to assemble and impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the Swiss roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain moisture and freshness. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but proper wrapping ensures it stays delicious for a little longer.

Freezing

You can freeze this Swiss roll by wrapping it securely in plastic, then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve its texture and flavor.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving as it will affect the cream and sponge negatively.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for both texture and flavor in this Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe, but if frozen strawberries are your only option, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid sogginess in the filling.

What is the purpose of gelatin in the whipped cream?

Gelatin acts as a stabilizer, helping the whipped cream hold its shape inside the roll and when sliced, preventing it from becoming runny or collapsing.

Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

Heavy cream’s fat content is what gives the filling its richness and stability. Using lighter alternatives like whipping cream with lower fat might not hold up as well or taste as decadent, so it’s best to stick with heavy cream in this recipe.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolled?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and pliable around the parchment paper “trains” the sponge. This makes it elastic and less likely to crack when you add the filling and roll it again.

Is it okay to skip the sugar dusting on the parchment paper?

The icing sugar dusting prevents the cake from sticking when you flip and roll it, making it easier to handle without tearing. Skipping this step might cause the delicate sponge to stick and break.

Final Thoughts

Ready to delight your loved ones or treat yourself to something truly special? This Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive and approachable, bringing together simple ingredients into a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortless it is to create something so gorgeous and delicious from scratch!

Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need