If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both light and show-stopping, I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll Recipe. This cake is like a fluffy, tender cloud wrapped around luscious cream cheese filling and sweet strawberry jam—perfect for a spring gathering or a cozy afternoon treat. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy Cake: The sponge is soft yet sturdy enough to roll without cracking.
- Deliciously Simple Filling: Cream cheese and Cool Whip create a smooth, creamy texture you’ll crave.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Real strawberry jam and fresh berries add perfect bursts of fruity sweetness.
- Impressive Yet Easy: This recipe looks like a bakery masterpiece but is beginner-friendly and quick to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients come together to make a perfectly balanced dessert—light cake, tangy cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberry jam. I always recommend using room temperature eggs for a better batter, plus fresh strawberries for garnish to really brighten the dish.
- All-purpose flour: Use the standard kind; it’s perfect for this tender sponge cake.
- Baking powder: Helps give the cake a light lift without weighing it down.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors overall.
- Large eggs: Room temperature eggs whip better and help the cake rise beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens subtly without overpowering the fresh strawberries.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture so the cake stays soft and pliable for rolling.
- Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderness to the sponge.
- Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking powder for a tender crumb and subtle lift.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both cake and filling.
- Cream cheese: Soften it well for a smooth filling that blends perfectly with Cool Whip.
- Cool Whip: Lightens the filling, making it fluffy without weighing it down.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and dusts the final cake roll.
- Strawberry jam: Choose a good quality jam with fruit chunks for that fresh taste and texture.
- Fresh strawberries: For garnish, adding a fresh bite and bright color.
Variations
I love that this Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll Recipe is so versatile—you can easily customize it to fit your mood or what you have on hand. Here are a few of my favorite twists to try:
- Use raspberry jam instead of strawberry: I tried this once, and the tangier raspberry gave a nice contrast that my family adored.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap out cream cheese for coconut cream and use dairy-free Cool Whip alternatives for a vegan version.
- Add sliced strawberries under the jam: I discovered this trick when I wanted extra fruit texture—adds a lovely fresh burst in every bite.
- Add a dusting of cocoa powder: For a more chocolatey vibe, dust the outside lightly before serving.
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if you’re using a darker pan)—this ensures even baking. Grease your 15×10-inch jelly roll pan well, then line it with parchment paper. Don’t forget to grease the parchment, too! This double layer of non-stick magic makes it a breeze to flip the cake later. I always set up my powdered sugar-dusted towel nearby—that’s where the magic unrolling happens.
Step 2: Whip Up the Perfect Batter
In one bowl, mix your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—and set aside. Meanwhile, beat the eggs on high speed for about 3 minutes until they turn pale and fluffy; this step is crucial because it gives you that light sponge. As you beat, slowly incorporate sugar to keep the bubbles intact. Then mix in the oil, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla—this combo keeps the cake moist and tender. Finally, gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—over-mixing can toughen the cake, so stop as soon as you don’t see flour.
Step 3: Bake and Roll While Warm
Pour the batter evenly into the lined pan and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye near the 12-minute mark—the cake is ready when it springs back to a gentle touch. Here’s the part I used to stress about: flipping out the hot cake onto the towel. But if you invert it immediately after baking and peel off the parchment carefully, you’ll find it rolls up with ease. Roll the cake with the towel from the short end and let it cool completely—about an hour—still rolled up. This helps it set without cracking.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Strawberry Filling
While the cake cools, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the thawed Cool Whip carefully until creamy—avoiding over-beating keeps the texture light and fluffy. I chill the filling in the fridge until the cake is ready to fill, which helps it spread easier.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Unroll the cake gently and spread the strawberry jam, leaving about a half-inch border all around. Spread your cream cheese filling evenly over the jam, then roll the cake back up—not too tight or the filling will squeeze out. Don’t worry if some spills—just scrape it off. Set your roll seam side down on a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let flavors meld and the filling firm up.
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Pro Tips for Making Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll Recipe
- Prep Your Towel Right: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar on the towel—it prevents your cake from sticking and tearing when you roll it up.
- Don’t Overbeat the Filling: Mix the cream cheese and Cool Whip just until smooth for the lightest texture—overworking can make it runny.
- Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake as soon as it’s out of the oven keeps it flexible and crack-free.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and good-quality cream cheese make a noticeable flavor difference—totally worth it!
How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll Recipe
Garnishes
I always dust the top with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar for that classic look. Fresh sliced strawberries on top are a must—they add vibrant color and a juicy burst that elevate each slice. Sometimes, I add a few mint leaves for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Swiss roll pairs wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or your favorite freshly brewed coffee. For something cold, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side adds a creamy balance. I’ve also served it with a small bowl of whipped cream mixed with a little lemon zest for an extra zing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love to slice the roll into bite-sized pinwheels arranged on a pretty platter with strawberry halves and edible flowers. Another fun idea I tried was layering thin slices on a dessert plate with drizzles of chocolate sauce and fresh mint—looks fancy but really it’s just my simple Swiss roll shining!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Swiss roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and honestly, it always seems to disappear way sooner in my house. The flavors actually meld more after a day, which makes it even better.
Freezing
Freezing this roll is possible but I prefer to freeze before adding the fresh strawberry garnish. Wrap tightly in plastic and then in foil, and it can keep for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge. It won’t be quite as fluffy, but still tasty in a pinch.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so I don’t really reheat it. However, if you prefer it slightly less cold, just let slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. That brings out more of the flavors without losing the creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I make the Swiss roll a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few hours or even the day before serving. Refrigerating the filled roll allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier.
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What if my cake cracks when rolling?
If the cake cracks, it usually means it cooled too much before rolling. Be sure to roll it right after baking while still warm and flexible, and roll it with a sugared towel to prevent sticking.
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Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
You totally can! Just make sure to whip it to stiff peaks and fold it gently into the cream cheese for a smooth filling. Keep in mind it might be less stable, so refrigerate well before slicing.
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Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, but results may vary slightly in texture—best to pick a blend designed for cakes.
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What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes—this homemade buttermilk works perfectly in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those desserts that feels fancy but is completely doable, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients morph into something so elegant and delicious. If you give it a go, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want to impress—without the stress. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself (and everyone around you) to this delightful strawberry cream dream!
Print
Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Strawberries and Cream Swiss Roll combines a light, fluffy sponge cake with a luscious cream cheese and Cool Whip filling layered with sweet strawberry jam. Perfectly rolled and dusted with powdered sugar, this elegant dessert is garnished with fresh strawberries for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ¼ cup Cool Whip thawed
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam
Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper and grease the parchment as well. Set aside.
- Prepare Towel: Lay a clean tea towel flat on your work surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking when rolled.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs on high speed for 3 minutes until they turn pale and frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the vegetable oil, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture; beat for an additional minute until combined.
- Combine Batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan, tilting it to spread the batter smoothly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Invert and Roll Cake: As soon as the cake is out of the oven, invert it onto the prepared powdered sugar-dusted towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from a short end, roll the cake and towel together into a tight spiral. Set the rolled cake seam side down on a wire rack and allow it to cool completely, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip gently until the mixture is creamy and fully blended. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Fill and Roll Cake: Unroll the cooled cake gently and spread a thin, even layer of strawberry jam over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly on top of the jam layer. Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel. Place the roll seam side down on a platter. Clean off any filling that squeezes out.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
- If using a darker colored jelly roll pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F to prevent over-browning.
- Using strawberry jelly instead of jam will result in a smoother filling without fruit chunks. You can also add thinly sliced fresh strawberries over the jam layer for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of roll)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg