Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll
When you think of desserts that impress without demanding too much time, the Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll stands out. Its delicate sponge cake envelops a rich, fruity filling, making it both a visual and culinary delight. You’ll appreciate how versatile it is for various occasions, whether it’s a birthday or a spring gathering. But before you decide to whip one up, consider the fascinating history behind this classic treat and how it has evolved over the years—there’s more to this dessert than meets the eye.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll for its delightful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe features a tender sponge cake filled with creamy cheese and topped with sweet strawberries.
It’s perfect for various occasions, whether it’s an Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, or a special celebration. The soft, fluffy chiffon cake pairs beautifully with airy whipped cream and fresh strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both light and satisfying. Additionally, the cake’s light sponge texture ensures a delightful eating experience.
Making this Swiss roll is easy and quick. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes total, you’ll have it ready in no time. The straightforward method uses a simple cake mix, and a hand mixer or stand mixer makes the preparation even easier.
Plus, you’ll receive detailed steps for assembling the roll to guarantee success. This dessert is versatile and visually impressive, making it suitable for birthdays, baby showers, or Valentine’s Day.
The airy texture is perfect for spring or summer, and you can customize it with different toppings or fillings. By adding cream cheese to the filling, you also achieve stability, preventing any sagging.
With a bit of care, you’ll create a showstopper dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
History
Swiss rolls have a rich and intriguing history that dates back to the 19th century. The earliest published reference appears in the Northern Farmer journal in Utica, New York, in December 1852. This recipe, titled “To Make Jelly Cake,” describes the process of creating a rolled cake with jelly, which closely resembles our modern jelly roll. It instructs bakers to bake quickly, spread jelly while hot, roll it carefully, and wrap it in cloth until cool.
As time went on, the terminology for these desserts evolved. Names changed from Jelly Cake in 1852 to Swiss Roll by 1872, with “Jelly Roll” becoming popular in the U.S. around 1873. Notably, the Birmingham Journal in England mentioned “Swiss Rolls” in an advertisement as early as 1856, hinting that similar treats existed in England by 1842. The global recognition of the Swiss roll led to various adaptations, showcasing local flavors and ingredients.
The Swiss roll’s appeal spread globally, leading to various adaptations. In Portugal, it’s known as “Rolo de Torta,” while in Japan, you can find matcha versions.
This dessert not only connects us to the past but also showcases how different cultures have embraced and enhanced it over time.
Recipe
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll Recipe
This delightful Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll combines the light, airy texture of sponge cake with a rich and creamy filling. Perfect for dessert lovers, this treat features layers of luscious cream cheese blended with sweet strawberries, all wrapped in a soft cake that melts in your mouth.
It’s a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. To start, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of the ingredients. You can use fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor or opt for strawberry jam if you prefer a more convenient option. Whichever filling you choose, this Swiss roll is bound to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6-9 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 cups sliced strawberries or strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color.
- Gradually fold in the flour until fully incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to create a thin layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully lift the cake using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese filling by beating the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. If desired, you can add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- If you’re using fresh strawberries, slice them now. If using jam, set it aside.
- Once the cake is cooled, gently unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle the sliced strawberries (or spread the jam) on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Carefully roll the cake back up, starting from one edge, and wrap it tightly. Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Refrigerate the Swiss roll for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
When preparing your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll, keep a few tips in mind. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before unrolling it to prevent cracking. Additionally, using fresh strawberries is essential for the best flavor and texture in this dessert. Be gentle when rolling to maintain the cake’s structure, and don’t hesitate to dust the finished product with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. For added texture, consider incorporating crushed graham crackers or nuts into the filling, elevating your dessert to new delicious heights!
Enjoy your homemade Swiss roll!
Final Thoughts
After enjoying the delightful process of making your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll, it’s clear that a few key considerations can elevate your experience.
First, drying the strawberries is essential to avoid a watery filling, ensuring the flavors remain balanced. The combination of cream cheese and whipped cream creates a delightful taste that pairs beautifully with the strawberries. The use of fresh strawberries enhances the flavor profile and overall appeal of the dessert.
When rolling your cake, remember to use a towel and roll tightly to maintain its shape. This technique helps prevent any filling from squishing out. Chilling the roll for several hours or overnight sets the filling perfectly, making slicing much easier.
For presentation, dusting with powdered sugar and adding fresh strawberries will enhance the visual appeal.
During assembly, handle the cooled cake sheet gently when unrolling, and spread the filling evenly while leaving a border. If any filling squishes out, don’t worry! Use an offset spatula to push it back in.
Finally, be patient and wait until the cake is fully chilled before serving. By following these tips, you’ll create a stunning and delicious Swiss roll that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ
You might often have questions about making the perfect Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll. A common issue is cracking, which usually happens if you over-bake the sponge or roll it when it’s too cold. To prevent this, always roll the cake while it’s still slightly warm. If you do get small cracks, don’t worry—just fill them with cream, and they’ll be barely noticeable.
Accurate measurements are essential, so use a scale for the flour to avoid a dry cake. When preparing the sponge, mix room temperature eggs, sugar, and flour to create a tender texture. Making a Strawberry Cream Roll is also a great way to impress your guests at special occasions like luncheons.
For the filling, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, then fold in whipped cream for a smooth finish.
When you assemble the roll, unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and roll it back up gently. After assembling, chill the roll for at least one hour to set the filling.
Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar and add fresh strawberries for decoration. If you have leftover filling, it’s perfect alongside fresh strawberries or in delicious parfaits.
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 3-4 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6-9 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 cups sliced strawberries or strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl whip together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color.
- Gradually fold in the flour until fully incorporated taking care not to overmix.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet spreading it evenly to create a thin layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color.
- Gradually fold in the flour until fully incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to create a thin layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully lift the cake using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese filling by beating the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. If desired, you can add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- If you're using fresh strawberries, slice them now. If using jam, set it aside.
- Once the cake is cooled, gently unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle the sliced strawberries (or spread the jam) on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Carefully roll the cake back up, starting from one edge, and wrap it tightly. Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Refrigerate the Swiss roll for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
- When preparing your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Swiss Roll, keep a few tips in mind. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before unrolling it to prevent cracking. Additionally, using fresh strawberries is essential for the best flavor and texture in this dessert. Be gentle when rolling to maintain the cake's structure, and don't hesitate to dust the finished product with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. For added texture, consider incorporating crushed graham crackers or nuts into the filling, elevating your dessert to new delicious heights!