Delicious strawberry roll

Delicious Strawberry Roll - A Quick and Flavorful Dessert

Who doesn't love the sweet and juicy remnants of summer? This strawberry roll recipe is a perfect choice to bring a touch of sunshine to your plate, regardless of the season. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing customization according to everyone's preferences. So let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 35 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

*For the sponge:*
- 4 fresh eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (preferably fine sugar for a smoother texture)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (white wheat flour, but you can experiment with whole wheat)
- 1/2 packet of baking powder (for a fluffy sponge)
- Vanilla essence (about a teaspoon)

*For the cream:*
- 150 ml of heavy cream (ideally well chilled for easier whipping)
- 200 g of fresh strawberries (ripe and flavorful)
- Strawberry jam (optional but recommended for extra flavor)

Preparation

1. Preparing the sponge: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use a mixer to beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a firm, glossy foam. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix until you achieve a compact meringue. Begin incorporating the yolks one at a time, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.

2. Adding dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Add this mixture to the egg composition along with the vanilla essence. Gently mix with up-and-down motions to maintain the sponge's aeration.

3. Baking: Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray, smoothing the surface. Bake at 180°C for 12-15 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

4. Cooling the sponge: Once baked, turn the sponge onto another sheet of baking paper, carefully removing the parchment paper and rolling it gently. Allow it to cool completely to avoid cracking.

5. Preparing the cream: Whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm, then add the finely chopped strawberries. You can add sugar to taste, depending on the sweetness of the strawberries. Gently mix to maintain volume.

6. Assembling the roll: Unroll the cooled sponge and generously spread it with strawberry jam. Add the whipped cream and strawberry mixture, then carefully roll it up again, forming a beautiful roll. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

7. Finishing and decorating: After chilling, you can decorate the roll with melted chocolate (for a delicious contrast) and a few fresh strawberries. Slice and serve with a smile!

Practical tips and variations:

- Keeping it fresh: If you want to keep the roll longer, you can freeze it before filling. Once thawed, freshly filled, it will taste excellent.
- Flavor variations: Instead of strawberries, you can experiment with raspberries or peaches. Each fruit offers a unique flavor and can completely transform the dessert.
- Perfect serving: This roll is wonderful with chocolate sauce or vanilla ice cream. Add a touch of sophistication with a few fresh mint leaves.

Nutritional information:

This strawberry roll is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, thanks to the fresh fruits. Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, beneficial for the immune system and skin health. Depending on the serving size, a slice can contain about 150-200 calories, making this dessert a moderately caloric choice, perfect for indulgent moments!

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cream to avoid excess water.

2. How can I make this roll healthier?
- You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and use whole wheat flour for added fiber.

3. What drinks pair well with this roll?
- Fresh lemonade or fruit tea would be excellent accompaniments, providing a pleasant contrast of flavors.

This strawberry roll recipe is not only easy to make but also a source of joy during gatherings with family and friends. Cooking is an art, and each recipe has its story. So, don't forget to enjoy every step of the process and share this delicious roll with your loved ones!