Say hello to your new favorite dessert: the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight! Imagine all the nostalgic, sweet-tart strawberries-and-cream flavor you love, swirled inside a cloud-like vanilla sponge and showered in strawberry shortcake crumbs. This showstopping treat is a dreamy blend of soft cake, luscious cream, and bright strawberry compote that will make any day feel like a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Swirls of Fresh Strawberry: Every slice of Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight reveals ribbons of real strawberry compote for that burst of juicy berry flavor.
- Cloud-Like Cream: The filling is extra luscious and stable, thanks to a touch of skim milk powder and a secret addition of strawberry compote folded in.
- Showstopping Presentation: Rolled cakes look so impressive (even though they’re secretly easy to make!), draped in snowy whipped cream and cheerful strawberry shortcake crumbs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This Swiss roll actually tastes better once chilled, making it perfect for prepping ahead for parties or special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight is how it transforms humble ingredients into a truly memorable dessert. Each component brings something special—a feather-light sponge, zingy berry compote, fluffy whipped cream, and those irresistible crunchy crumbs up top!
- Vanilla Swiss Roll Cake: Tender, flexible, and just sweet enough, this classic sponge is the perfect canvas for all the creamy, fruity goodness.
- Strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they’re cooked down into a vibrant compote that packs every bite with pure strawberry sunshine.
- Granulated sugar: A little for the compote and filling, balancing tart berries and keeping the cake light.
- Lemon juice or water: Just a splash brightens the homemade compote and wakes up the berry flavor.
- Corn starch: Thickens the compote so it’s perfect for swirling inside your roll without getting runny.
- Heavy whipping cream (35%): The ultimate base for a billowy, stable filling and topping that won’t melt before you serve.
- Skim milk powder: A secret trick for making whipped cream extra sturdy, so slices cut beautifully and hold those signature Swiss roll spirals.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds sweet, aromatic warmth to both the cream and cake.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch in the cream and compote (because we want the real strawberry flavor to shine through).
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional): Enhances the rose-pink hue and berry intensity of the filling for that bakery-worthy look.
- Strawberry Shortcake crumbs: The signature finishing touch—crumbly, golden, and reminiscent of your favorite childhood ice cream bar.
- Icing sugar: For dusting, which helps the cake roll up smoothly and adds a bit of sweetness.
Variations
Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight is just as adaptable as it is delicious! Feel free to riff on the filling, the fruit, or even the toppings—there’s no wrong way to roll when you’re making dessert your own.
- Mixed Berry Swiss Roll: Try swapping out half the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries in your compote for a colorful, berry-packed surprise.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a couple tablespoons of cocoa powder to your sponge cake for a chocolatey backdrop that’s absolutely irresistible with the strawberry cream.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the cake for a treat everyone can enjoy—all the flavors, zero compromise.
- Lemon-Lover’s Upgrade: Increase the lemon juice in your compote and add a touch of lemon zest to the whipped cream topping for a tangy, fresh effect.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight
Step 1: Bake and Roll the Sponge
Preheat your oven and line a jelly roll pan with parchment, making sure it’s greased on all sides for easy cake release. Prepare the vanilla Swiss roll batter, then spread it evenly in the pan. After baking, it’s crucial to turn the warm cake out onto a sugared towel or parchment and roll it up tightly—this “memory” shape helps prevent cracks later. Let it cool fully while wrapped up; this sets you up for a flawless swirl.
Step 2: Simmer the Strawberry Compote
While your cake cools, stir chopped strawberries and sugar together in a saucepan and simmer just until they break down, creating a jammy base. Thicken with corn starch and a little lemon juice, then chill. You want this beautiful compote cold, thick, and ready to ripple through the cream (without making the cake soggy!).
Step 3: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream
It’s time for the cream—beat heavy whipping cream and milk powder until fluffy and stable, then blend in sugar, vanilla, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a bit of freeze-dried strawberry powder for color and punch. Gently fold in a generous spoonful of your chilled compote for a waves-of-flavor effect.
Step 4: Fill, Swirl, and Roll
Carefully unroll your cooled cake, spread it with the strawberry cream, and dollop extra compote for gorgeous streaks. Roll it back up tightly but gently—no rushing here! Wrap in plastic and chill for at least an hour. This resting time helps everything set for clean, picture-perfect slices.
Step 5: Top and Decorate
Whip up the topping cream using milk powder for dreamy stability, then frost your chilled Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight generously. Shower with strawberry shortcake crumbs just before serving, and let the admiring gasps begin!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight
- Sponge Success: Don’t overbake! The key to a flexible, crack-free roll is pulling the cake when it still feels springy and only lightly golden.
- Cream Stability: Adding skim milk powder to your whipped cream helps it keep its gorgeous shape, even after assembly and chilling.
- Cool Compote: Let your strawberry compote chill fully before assembling—warm compote will melt your filling and ruin those pretty swirls.
- Crumb Perfection: Top with shortcake crumbs just before serving to keep them crisp and crunchy for that iconic “ice cream bar” texture.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight
Garnishes
For an irresistibly festive finish, add a few extra dollops of strawberry compote on top, pile on halved fresh strawberries, and dust with a touch more icing sugar. Edible flowers or a scattering of mint leaves will really make your Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight pop on the dessert table!
Side Dishes
This dreamy dessert pairs beautifully with simple, refreshing sips—a glass of lemonade, sparkling rosé, or even iced green tea. For a party spread, it’s lovely next to a bowl of citrusy fruit salad or a platter of mini tea sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this Swiss roll into a centerpiece: slice thick rounds and layer them trifle-style in a glass bowl with extra whipped cream and berries, or serve petite pinwheel slices on tiered stands for afternoon tea. Individual mini rolls, made by cutting before filling, make for adorable plated desserts at showers or birthdays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. It stays moist and dreamy for up to three days—just be sure to cover the cut ends with a bit of plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the finished, un-topped roll (without cream or crumbs) for up to two months, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the topping and crumbs right before serving for the freshest taste and prettiest looks.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled—no need for reheating! If your roll feels a bit too cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for the creamiest, softest bite.
FAQs
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Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight without fresh strawberries?
Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries for the compote—just cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to simmer. The flavor will still be fantastic, and nobody will know the difference.
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What if my cake cracks when I roll it?
Minor cracks can usually be hidden with the whipped cream topping and those tasty crumbs. To prevent cracking, be sure to roll the cake while it’s warm and let it cool completely in its rolled-up shape—the steam keeps it supple.
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Can I make the Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, this dessert improves as it sits—the chilling time allows the flavors to meld and makes the roll easier to slice. Just wait to add the whipped cream and shortcake crumbs until right before serving for the best texture.
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Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
You can experiment with a vegan sponge cake, coconut whipping cream, and a plant-based milk powder. Substitute the dairy ingredients with your favorite non-dairy options—the beauty of Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight is how customizable it is!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both nostalgic and jaw-dropping, Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight delivers with every single slice. I hope you give it a try soon—the swirl, the cream, that bright berry pop—it’s the kind of treat that instantly makes an occasion. Enjoy every bite!
PrintStrawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
- Yield: 1 Swiss Roll Cake
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Swiss Roll is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring a light and airy vanilla swiss roll cake filled with a luscious strawberry cream filling and topped with a fluffy cream topping and strawberry shortcake crumbs.
Ingredients
Vanilla Swiss Roll Cake:
- 1 x Recipe for Vanilla Swiss Roll Cake
Strawberry Compote:
- 1 cup (130g) chopped hulled strawberries
- 2 tablespoon (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice or water
Strawberry Cream Filling:
- 1 cup (240ml) 35% heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon (6g) skim milk powder
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon freeze dried strawberry powder (optional)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) strawberry compote plus extra for dolloping
Topping:
- 1 cup (240ml) 35% heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon (6g) skim milk powder
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare cake batter: Prepare the Vanilla Swiss Roll Cake batter as instructed in the recipe.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
- Roll the cake: Invert the cake onto a tea towel, roll it up, and let it cool.
- Make strawberry compote: Cook strawberries, sugar, and corn starch until soft. Chill.
- Make filling: Whip cream, milk powder, sugar, and vanilla. Fold in strawberry compote.
- Assemble cake: Unroll cake, spread filling, add compote, roll up, and chill.
- Make topping: Whip cream, milk powder, sugar, and vanilla. Spread over cake and sprinkle with strawberry shortcake crumbs.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cake is cooled completely before filling.
- Adjust sweetness according to personal preference.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg