I still remember the first time I made a Strawberry Cream Cake Roll—it was one of those hectic afternoons when school pickup, homework battles, and dinner prep collided. I wanted something sweet and satisfying, but also something that would sneak in a little fresh fruit and balanced nutrition. The moment my family took their first bites of this strawberry swiss roll, their eyes lit up with pure joy. It wasn’t only the delicious light sponge cake with cream and strawberries, but the smile that came with knowing I made a fresh strawberry dessert that supported their energy for the evening. That was a total win in my book!
What surprised me most about my very first homemade strawberry cake roll was how easy it was to pull together nutritious ingredients without overwhelming my busy mom brain. The cream-filled cake roll isn’t just a treat—it’s a way I keep my family nourished while honoring their taste buds. My kiddos even requested it again the next day for snack time, which felt like a small miracle during a busy week.
This Strawberry Cream Cake Roll became a staple in our rotation because it balances the joy of dessert with wholesome ingredients that support our wellbeing. It helped me see that “good nutrition” doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. If you’re a fellow nutrition-seeker juggling family meals and everyday chaos, I promise this recipe will feel like a breath of fresh air. You can find simple ways to include fruits and a little indulgence that still honors your wellness goals.
If you ever want a recipe that quiets the “is this healthy?” question without giving up dessert, this Strawberry Cream Cake Roll is for you. And because I know how much nutrition counts when time is tight, I’m excited to walk you through every step of making it your own nourishing delight. Let’s keep feeding our families with love and sanity-saving nutrition!
Speaking of family-friendly cakes with a nutritional spin, if your kids adore this, you’ll want to check out the Spiced Creamy Pumpkin Roll too—such a great fall dessert packed with fiber and warmth! Also, for something colorful and fun, the Candy Corn Poke Cake brings easy sweetness without complicated ingredients. And I always keep the recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles on hand for when I want a simple no-fuss treat for the kids.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple and nutritious ingredient list for your Strawberry Cream Cake Roll. I keep it straightforward because busy moms deserve nutrition without complexity!
- 4 large eggs (room temperature for the light sponge cake with cream)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or substitute coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (your regular grocery shelf staple – no need for fancy flours here)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free families)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (feel free to reduce for less sweetness)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (the star of this fresh strawberry dessert!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten the strawberries)
If you don’t have heavy cream, no worries—I use Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey once when cream was out, and it worked beautifully for nutrition and tang. This Strawberry Cream Cake Roll ingredient list includes wholesome items like fresh strawberries packed with vitamin C and fiber, eggs for protein and healthy fats, and a bit of sweetness that feels like a real treat.
Keep in mind, grabbing fresh strawberries in season makes this homemade strawberry cake extra special. Sometimes I slice up extra strawberries in bulk, so I’m ready for quick assembly without scrambling during school pickup. Plus, adding a squeeze of lemon juice wakes up the berry flavor and keeps them looking bright!
Here’s a quick shopping tip: You can find everything for this cream-filled cake roll at your regular store, no specialty trips needed. If budget is tight, frozen strawberries work just fine—they still hold up well when thawed and drained.
Want a nutrition hack? Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds into the whipped cream steps up the fiber and omega-3s, making this Strawberry Cream Cake Roll not only delicious but boosting those dinnertime nutrition wins!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Making your own Strawberry Cream Cake Roll is easier than you think, and I’m here to walk you through every step. This recipe became a family favorite not just because it tastes amazing, but because it fits right into busy days with simple nutrition in mind.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper for an easy release of your cake roll.
- Separate your 4 large eggs. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form—that helps keep your sponge light and fluffy!
- In another bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. This balance is crucial to the perfect texture for your light sponge cake with cream later on.
- Gently fold the egg whites into your yolk mixture. This step took me a few tries to master, but the key is patience and gentle folding so your cake stays airy.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt then carefully fold into the egg mixture. Don’t over-mix or your cake roll gets dense, and that’s the last thing busy moms need!
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- While the cake bakes, whip your 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. For a nutrition hack, I sometimes add a teaspoon of vanilla here for extra flavor without extra sugar.
- Turn the warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment and roll it up in the towel while still warm. This “rolling” step trains your cake to shape for the cream filling without cracking later.
- After your cake cools completely, unroll it and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface.
- Scatter your sliced fresh strawberries on top, drizzle lemon juice for brightness, and gently re-roll your cake into a tight spiral. Cover it with plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour to set.
Timing can be tricky with school runs and dinner prep, but in my busy kitchen, this nutritious Strawberry Cream Cake Roll usually takes about 45 minutes active time plus chilling. While it chills, I prep the next day’s school lunches—that way, no time wasted!
If your cake looks like it’s cracking a little, don’t worry! That happens sometimes depending on humidity or pan shape, but rolling it in the towel while warm usually prevents it completely. The cream filling also helps patch any minor cracks.
Making a cream-filled cake roll like this taught me that nutritious desserts can be simple and rewarding. Plus, moments spent baking with love end up feeling like mini self-care breaks amidst the nourishing chaos of mom life.
If you want more inspiration for simple nourishing sweets, take a peek at this Strawberry Cake Roll recipe on Love and Olive Oil or the Fresh Strawberry and Cream Japanese Cake Roll. These have their own family-approved twists you might love too!
How We Love to Eat This!
In my family, the Strawberry Cream Cake Roll usually disappears faster than I can set the table. My kids especially love it served chilled with a side of sliced almonds or even a handful of fresh berries for extra crunch and nutrients.
This fresh strawberry dessert also pops up for weekend brunch or after a busy day when everyone needs a little sweetness without sugar overload. Pairing it with a small fruit salad or a light smoothie bowl doubles the fiber and vitamins we aim for around here.
For picky eaters, I find serving the cake in smaller rolls or bite-sized squares helps them enjoy the flavors without feeling overwhelmed by portion size. Presentation matters, so dusting with a little extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate makes it feel special with minimal fuss.
Leftovers? They keep well covered in the fridge up to 2 days. For sweet snacks later in the week, I slice the cooled cake roll and serve alongside homemade yogurt or nut butter for a mix of protein and fun.
I also love switching up the strawberry component seasonally. When berries are less affordable, frozen are my go-to—thawed and drained to avoid sogginess. Adding a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil gave my Strawberry Cream Cake Roll a new burst of freshness that surprisingly got enthusiastic double-takes from everyone!
Friends who’ve tried my cream-filled cake roll often ask for the recipe because it feels like a treat that’s balanced and feels good on the tummy. That’s a dinnertime nutrition win I’m proud to share.
If you want some fresh spins for your family nutrition, the Easy Strawberry Cake Roll at Delicious on a Dime has lovely ideas for quick versions worth testing.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this Strawberry Cream Cake Roll really nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! The fresh strawberries provide vitamin C and fiber, eggs offer protein, and the cream adds healthy fats. It’s a balanced treat that supports energy and growth while keeping the fun of dessert alive.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Strawberry Cream Cake Roll?
A: Try cutting the cake into small, fun shapes or serve it alongside a favorite dip like yogurt or nut butter. Sometimes hands-on involvement—letting kids help spread the cream or add strawberries—can spark interest too.
Q: Can I meal prep this Strawberry Cream Cake Roll for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! Make it a day ahead and store tightly wrapped in the fridge. It actually tastes better once chilled and the flavors meld. Just slice right before serving.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream for something else?
A: Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey works well as a cream alternative if you want fewer calories or a tangy flavor. Dairy-free moms can use chilled coconut cream—just whip it like the heavy cream.
Q: Is frozen strawberries okay in this cream-filled cake roll?
A: Definitely. Just thaw completely and pat dry to prevent sogginess. Frozen berries are a great budget-friendly option without sacrificing nutrients.
Q: How do I avoid cracking when rolling the cake?
A: Roll the warm cake immediately in a powdered sugar-dusted towel to shape it while pliable, then unroll only when cooled. That trick saved me many times!
Q: Can this cake be made gluten-free?
A: You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Texture might change slightly, but many families find a suitable swap with a bit of experimentation.
Q: What’s your favorite family-tested nutrition hack for this cake?
A: I add chia seeds to the whipped cream for extra fiber and omega-3s without changing the taste. The kids don’t even notice!
Remember, if you want more sweet treats that balance nutrition with family fun, try the Spiced Creamy Pumpkin Roll, and the Candy Corn Poke Cake always delights my kids.
Final Thoughts:

This Strawberry Cream Cake Roll holds a special place in our family meals because it supports my goals of feeding the kids something nourishing with a touch of sweetness that feels like a treat, not a compromise. It’s proof that simple nutrition can live harmoniously with dessert.
My Strawberry Cream Cake Roll Nutrition Hacks have been lifesavers:
- Adding lemon juice to strawberries brightens flavor and preserves freshness.
- Folding egg whites gently keeps the sponge airy without extra fluff.
- Whipping a little vanilla right into the cream adds fragrant richness without sugar.
We also love mixing things up—sometimes swapping strawberries for raspberries or berries combined, or using coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. My youngest prefers the lighter versions with less sugar, while my oldest will happily take a decadent slice with extra cream. This flexibility makes it easy to roll out nutrition in a way that suits your family’s unique needs.
Remember, this is your recipe to make your own. Adapt it, simplify it, and love sharing it with your busy crew. If you’re the kind of mom who wants a simple fresh strawberry dessert that feels like an achievable win in the middle of your day, this Strawberry Cream Cake Roll is your go-to. May it nourish your family in every delicious bite!
For more sweet, simple nutrition recipes with family-approved flavors, don’t miss the Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles that have become my festive favorite.

Strawberry Cream Cake Roll
This Strawberry Cream Cake Roll is a light and fluffy dessert featuring a soft sponge cake rolled with rich whipped cream and fresh strawberries, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for cream)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the egg mixture gently to retain airiness.
- Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and fold until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.
- While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up in the towel starting from the short edge and let it cool completely.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over it.
- Distribute the sliced strawberries over the cream.
- Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the whipped cream or serve with a drizzle of strawberry sauce.

