Strawberry Shortcake Roll – The Perfect Creamy Summer Dessert

The Magic of a Strawberry Shortcake Roll

Hi, I’m Chef James, and today we’re whisking up a dessert that wraps pure sunshine into every bite — my signature Strawberry Shortcake Roll. It’s everything you love about traditional shortcake, but rolled up into a soft, fluffy sponge filled with sweet whipped cream and real strawberries. This cake looks elegant enough for a celebration but is simple enough for a Sunday afternoon bake.

My love affair with strawberry cake rolls with whipped cream began in my grandmother’s kitchen. She would beat the cream by hand, hum a little tune, and gently roll the cake while it was still warm — so the sponge stayed tender and flexible. That memory became the heart of this recipe: comforting, nostalgic, and oh-so creamy.

Whether you call it a strawberry swiss roll cake, a strawberry and cream roll cake, or a classic strawberry shortcake swiss roll, it’s a treat that never fails to impress. Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or spring picnics, this cake brings together the fresh taste of berries and the buttery scent of vanilla into one swirl of happiness.

If you love rolled desserts, visit our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try — our pillar collection featuring all of my best rolls. You’ll also enjoy the tangy Lemon Cream Roll, decadent Chocolate Cake Roll, and colorful Ube Cake Roll.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Roll

• 🌸 Light yet indulgent: The strawberry shortcake roll balances a fluffy sponge with a creamy whipped filling.
• 🍓 Made with real fruit: Fresh strawberries (or frozen) bring natural color and sweetness — no dyes, no mix-ins.
• 🍰 Elegant but easy: Despite its bakery-worthy look, this easy strawberry shortcake roll recipe is beginner-friendly.
• 🕒 Make-ahead ready: Chill overnight for the perfect make-ahead strawberry shortcake that slices cleanly.
• 🎂 Family favorite: Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing, it’s the cake you’ll bake again and again.
• ❄️ Freezer-friendly: Store extra slices for instant dessert emergencies!

💬 Tell me in the comments: Do you prefer your shortcake chilled straight from the fridge or served soft and airy at room temp?

Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Roll Recipe

🧁 For the Sponge Cake

A soft strawberry sponge roll starts with the right ingredients — all simple, but each with a purpose.

• 4 large eggs (room temperature — this creates the lift)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup cake flour (lighter than all-purpose)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp fine salt
• 2 Tbsp strawberry puree (adds moisture and color)

💡 Chef James Tip: Sift the dry ingredients twice for a smoother batter — it helps the roll stay supple.

🍓 For the Whipped Cream Filling

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 3 oz softened cream cheese (for structure and tang)
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ cup diced strawberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

This blend gives a filling stable enough to slice but still as airy as a cloud.

✨ For the Strawberry Glaze

• ¼ cup strawberry puree
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Fresh berries, mint, or powdered sugar for garnish

For another beautiful sponge variation, check out my Red Velvet Cake Roll — same technique, completely different personality.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Roll (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Make the Strawberry Puree

Blend strawberries (fresh or frozen) until smooth, then simmer 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly. This puree gives natural sweetness to your strawberry jelly roll cake without artificial flavoring. Let it cool.

Step 2 – Prepare the Sponge Batter

Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes until pale and tripled in volume. Whisk in vanilla, then gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt. Add 2 Tbsp of cooled puree for that subtle pink hue.

Step 3 – Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in a 10×15-inch jelly-roll pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, just until the top springs back when touched.

Step 4 – Roll and Cool

Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. While warm, flip the cake onto the towel, peel off parchment, and roll it gently. Cooling rolled keeps it flexible and prevents cracks in your strawberry shortcake roll.

Step 5 – Prepare the Filling

Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar first, then add cold cream and vanilla. Beat until thick peaks form. Fold in diced strawberries for bursts of fresh flavor.

Step 6 – Fill and Reroll

Unroll the cooled cake, spread the whipped filling evenly, then roll it back up. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour to set the shape.

Step 7 – Glaze and Decorate

Whisk strawberry puree, sugar, and lemon juice until glossy. Drizzle over the chilled roll, then top with sliced berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

💡 Chef James Extra Tip: Always roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable. This trick keeps your strawberry shortcake swiss roll smooth, seamless, and bakery-perfect.

Recipe Tips & Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Roll

This cake is wonderfully flexible — once you master the sponge, the possibilities are endless.

• 🍰 Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Roll: Add more cream cheese and swirl in extra puree for tangy richness.
• 🥥 Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut whipped cream and almond flour for a tropical spin.
• 🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Roll: Add 2 Tbsp cocoa to the sponge and chocolate shavings on top.
• 🍧 Frozen Version: Freeze slices for 1 hour and serve half-chilled — it tastes like an ice-cream roll!
• 🧁 Shortcut Snack Cakes: Use boxed sponge mix to make mini strawberry shortcake snack cakes — great for lunch boxes.
• 🍋 Citrus Pop: Add lemon zest to the whipped cream for brightness.

🔗 Explore more variations in our Cake Roll Recipes hub for flavor inspiration.

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Roll

Refrigeration

Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh up to 3 days without drying out.

Freezing

Slice and freeze individually (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then top with glaze before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip

Bake the sponge and roll it (unfilled) the day before. Fill and decorate the next morning. The texture actually improves as the cream settles.

For safe dairy handling and refrigeration, always check the USDA Food Safety guidelines — E-E-A-T and care matter in every kitchen.

FAQs – Strawberry Shortcake Roll Questions Answered

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What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Roll

Pair this dessert with fresh flavors that enhance its light sweetness:

• 🥥 Coconut Snow Roll – tropical and creamy.
• 🍋 Lemon Cream Roll – citrusy balance.
• 💜 Ube Cake Roll – vibrant and unique.

Serve slices with hot tea, sparkling lemonade, or vanilla ice cream for a full dessert experience.

More Dessert Rolls You’ll Love

Once you’ve mastered this Strawberry Shortcake Roll, you’ll want to try its cousins:

• 🍫 Chocolate Cake Roll – a cocoa lover’s dream.
• ❤️ Red Velvet Cake Roll – classic elegance with cream-cheese filling.
• 🍵 Matcha Swiss Roll Cake – earthy and visually stunning.
• ☕ Tiramisu Cake Roll – perfect for coffee fans.

They all share the same foolproof rolling technique from our Cake Roll Recipes Pillar.

Recipe Card – Strawberry Shortcake Roll

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Conclusion – Bake Joy with Every Strawberry Shortcake Roll

There’s something timeless about slicing into a Strawberry Shortcake Roll — that swirl of pink berries and white cream feels like summer captured in dessert form. Every bite is tender, cool, and gently sweet — a harmony of flavor and texture that makes family gatherings special.

Chef James’s golden rule still stands: Bake with love, and your cake will always rise right. Whether you make it for a spring brunch or a quiet afternoon treat, this strawberry shortcake roll cake recipe delivers the warmth of homemade baking in every layer.

For more inspiration, explore our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try, and for safe baking practices, check the official USDA Food Safety guidelines.

🍓 Bake it, roll it, and tag #Tiramisucake — Chef James can’t wait to see your creations!