Strawberry Roll

Strawberry Roll – A Sweet and Fluffy Delight

If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert that makes a visual and flavorful impact, stay with me! The strawberry roll is a homemade cake that combines a French-like texture, filled with a delicious cream cheese filling and a splash of fresh fruit. Perfect for festive occasions or to pamper your family on an ordinary day, this recipe is sure to become your favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 35 minutes (including cooling time)
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- ½ packet of baking powder
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 600 g cottage cheese
- 200 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 2 tablespoons of cappuccino
- 100 ml whipped cream
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for filling

For the glaze:
- Melted chocolate (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the sponge

Start by preparing your ingredients. Separate the egg whites from the yolks into two large bowls. It’s essential that the bowls are clean and dry to achieve a well-beaten foam.

1. Beat the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and mix on high speed until you achieve a firm and glossy foam. This is a crucial step that will give the roll a fluffy texture.
2. Mix the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy. The sugar should dissolve completely.
3. Combine the mixtures: Carefully pour the yolk mixture over the egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing the air from the foam.
4. Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour mixed with baking powder over the mixture and fold gently until combined. Avoid overmixing, or the sponge won’t be fluffy.

Step 2: Baking the sponge

5. Prepare the baking tray: Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
6. Bake the sponge: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes. You can check if the sponge is baked using the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.

Step 3: Cooling and forming the roll

7. Cool the sponge: After baking, remove the sponge from the oven and invert it onto a damp towel. Gently roll it up with the towel and let it cool completely. This step helps the sponge maintain its shape when filled.

Step 4: Preparing the cream

8. Mix the cream: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa, and cappuccino. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
9. Add the whipped cream and butter: Gradually incorporate the whipped cream and softened butter, mixing until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream. Once the mixture is ready, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly.

Step 5: Assembling the roll

10. Unroll the sponge: Once cooled, carefully unroll the sponge. It should be flexible and not crack.
11. Fill the sponge: Spread the cream cheese evenly over the entire surface of the sponge. Place a row of fresh strawberries in the center, being careful not to place them too close to the edges to avoid cream spilling out.
12. Roll carefully: Start rolling the sponge, keeping the strawberries in the center. Make sure to roll tightly but without causing cracks.

Step 6: Cooling and serving

13. Chill the roll: Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is essential to allow the flavors to meld and achieve a clean cut.
14. Serving: When you’re ready to serve, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the roll or leave it plain. Offer your guests a slice of this delicacy and enjoy their reaction!

Helpful Tips

- Choose fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key to adding a sweet-tart note and vibrant flavor to your roll. Make sure they are well-ripened!
- Customize the cream: You can add any flavor you prefer to the cream cheese, such as cocoa or coffee, and even a bit of yogurt for a fresher note.
- Variations: You can personalize the roll by adding other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches. Each variation will add a unique charm to your dessert.
- Share the love: Whenever you make this strawberry roll, don’t hesitate to share it with your loved ones! It’s a perfect dessert for parties, birthdays, or simply to bring a smile to the faces of those dear to you.

Nutritional Information

The strawberry roll is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cottage cheese provides valuable protein, while strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want to enjoy a dessert without compromising their health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different, creamier texture and taste.

2. How long can the roll be stored in the fridge?
The roll can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best when served fresh.

3. How can I make the roll gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or special gluten-free flour mixes.

The strawberry roll is not just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. I hope you enjoy every step of making this delicious cake and share it with your loved ones!