Description
This Strawberry Japanese Cake Roll is the ultimate fluffy and elegant dessert. Featuring a light sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and stabilized whipped cream, this roll is perfect for any occasion. With its balance of flavors and stunning presentation, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
Produce:
- 10 small fresh organic strawberries
Refrigerated:
- 4 egg whites
- 3 egg yolks
Baking & Spices:
- 45 g cake flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 1/8 tbsp granulated sugar (for egg yolk mixture)
- 75 g granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Oils & Vinegars:
- 40 ml neutral oil
Dairy:
- 1 1/4 cup (33 g) whipping cream
- 50 ml whole fat milk
Desserts:
- 1 1/4 tsp powdered gelatin
Liquids:
- 5 tsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, 1 1/8 tbsp of granulated sugar, and neutral oil until light and creamy.
- Add milk and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Sift the cake flour, baking soda, and sea salt into the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold until smooth and lump-free.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
- In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until frothy.
- Gradually add 75 g of granulated sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold the meringue into the egg yolk batter in three additions. Ensure a light, airy mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared tray and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden and the surface springs back when touched.
- Remove the tray from the oven and transfer the cake (still on parchment paper) to a wire rack. Cover with a clean towel and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- In a small bowl, bloom the powdered gelatin in 5 tsp of water. Heat gently until dissolved, then let cool slightly.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with 2 tbsp sugar until soft peaks form.
- Add the dissolved gelatin and whip until firm peaks form.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake Roll
- Carefully peel the parchment paper off the cooled cake and place it on a fresh sheet of parchment.
- Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the cake, leaving a 1-inch border along one side.
- Arrange fresh strawberries evenly across the cream.
- Starting from the side with the filling, gently roll the cake into a tight log using the parchment paper to guide you.
- Seal the seam and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar or decorate with additional whipped cream and strawberries.
- Slice into even pieces using a serrated knife and serve chilled.
Notes
- Avoid Cracks: Keep the cake moist by covering it with a towel during cooling.
- Chill Tools: Cold bowls and whisks make whipping cream faster and more efficient.
- Gentle Rolling: Use the parchment paper to help roll the cake without breaking it.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese