Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate, this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe will definitely win your heart. Combining the airy lightness of a sponge cake with the luscious sweetness of fresh strawberries and cream, this treat brings an irresistibly charming twist by shaping the roll into a perfect heart. The vibrant red cake, creamy filling, and fresh fruit come together in a way that feels both festive and comforting, making it an ideal dessert for special occasions or whenever you want to impress with something homemade and adorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the delicate texture, vibrant color, and luscious flavor that define this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe. From the softness of the eggs to the perfect balance of cream and fruit, every element contributes to a cake that tastes as lovely as it looks.

• 4 large eggs: Provide the structure and airiness needed for a fluffy sponge.
• 100 grams granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and stabilizes the egg foam.
• 80 grams cake flour: Keeps the sponge tender and light compared to all-purpose flour.
• 20 grams cornstarch: Adds softness and a delicate crumb texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise evenly and stay springy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sponge.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Balances the batter for smooth texture.
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring: Creates the signature bright red color of the roll.
• 150 milliliters heavy cream: Whipped for a luscious filling that contrasts the cake.
• 20 grams powdered sugar: Sweetens whipped cream and prevents it from deflating.
• 3 tablespoons strawberry jam: Adds a layer of fruity sweetness inside the roll.
• 50 grams fresh strawberries: Sliced for garnish, adding freshness and decorative appeal.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C and lining a 30 by 25 centimeter jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This step is essential because a properly prepared pan ensures easy removal of your delicate sponge later on, preventing any tears or sticking that can ruin the roll.

Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

Beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and ribbons off the beaters, which takes about 5 minutes. This aeration is what gives the sponge its light texture, so patience here really pays off in creating that fluffy base for your strawberry roll.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Gently stir in the vanilla extract just to combine. This little addition brings wonderful warmth and depth to the flavor, elevating the cake from simple sponge to a fragrantly enticing dessert.

Step 4: Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients

Sift the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt over the egg mixture. Folding these dry ingredients carefully with a spatula ensures you keep all the air you whipped in, which is vital for the cake’s rise and softness. Avoid overmixing to maintain that light, tender crumb.

Step 5: Incorporate Oil and Milk

Pour in the vegetable oil and milk, folding gently until the batter is smooth. The oil keeps the sponge moist and tender while the milk balances consistency, helping the batter spread evenly in the pan.

Step 6: Add Red Food Coloring

Mix in the red food coloring evenly to give the cake its signature striking color that signals just how special this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe really is. The bright red hue is as uplifting as the taste itself.

Step 7: Bake the Sponge

Pour batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles that could cause holes in your sponge. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cake springs back to the touch, indicating it’s fully baked but still moist underneath.

Step 8: Roll the Cake While Warm

Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar, peel off the parchment, and roll it up in the towel starting from the short side. This step trains the cake to shape nicely without cracking when it cools.

Step 9: Unroll and Layer Fillings

Once cool, unroll your sponge carefully and spread a thin, even layer of strawberry jam. Then whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, and spread it gently over the jam. The combination of sweet jam and rich cream creates a luxurious filling that keeps every bite fresh and heavenly.

Step 10: Reroll and Chill

Reroll the cake tightly without the towel, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps the roll to hold its shape and allows the flavors to marry perfectly.

Step 11: Shape into a Heart

For the charming heart shape, cut off one third of the roll from one end and place the smaller and larger rolls side by side with their cut edges facing inward. This forms the iconic two-lobed top of the heart. Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with sliced strawberries for the finishing touch.

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation and flavor with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh strawberry slices that add color, freshness, and a juicy bite. A few mint leaves or edible flowers can also lift this dessert’s charm for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This strawberry swiss roll pairs wonderfully with a light cup of tea or a serving of vanilla ice cream, balancing the sweetness and adding a cooling element that complements the whipped cream filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the roll and arranging the pieces on a platter in a spiral or layering slices between delicate wafer cookies for bite-sized treats. You could also pipe extra whipped cream around each slice and top with a strawberry half to create an elegant dessert plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining its soft texture and flavorful filling.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dessert later, freeze the roll wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When properly stored, it can last up to a month in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This swiss roll is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes after removal from the fridge to soften the cream gently without melting it.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh strawberries with another fruit?

Absolutely! Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or even kiwi slices can be delightful alternatives that add their own unique flavors and colors to this swiss roll recipe.

Is there a dairy-free option for the whipped cream filling?

Yes, you can use coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar as a dairy-free substitute. It creates a similarly luscious texture and pairs beautifully with the strawberry jam.

Why do I need to roll the sponge while it’s warm?

Rolling the sponge while warm prevents cracks and breaks by gently coaxing the cake into shape before it sets. This step is critical in achieving the smooth, flawless swirl characteristic of a swiss roll.

What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A jelly roll pan around 30 by 25 centimeters is ideal because it produces a thin, even cake layer that rolls easily. Using a pan that’s too deep or large may affect the texture and shape.

Can I make this recipe without red food coloring?

You can omit the red food coloring if you prefer a natural look; however, the vibrant red is part of the iconic appeal of a Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe. You could also experiment with natural colorants like beet juice for a similar effect.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making and sharing a dessert as charming and flavorful as this Heart-Shaped Strawberry Swiss Roll Recipe. It’s not just a cake; it’s a heartfelt creation that brings a smile with every slice. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone you love, this recipe delivers joy in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

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