Detailed preparation of the strawberry and mascarpone swiss roll cake
Start by working the eggs with the sugar until you get a frothy and slightly whitened mixture. This step is essential to give lightness to the sponge cake. Next, gradually incorporate the sifted flour with the baking powder to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth dough. Then pour the mixture onto a baking tray previously lined with parchment paper and spread it out to form a rectangle of approximately 30 cm x 25 cm, to obtain a thin and supple sponge.

Preheat your oven to 200°C and bake the dough for 7 minutes. It should bake quickly to prevent the sponge cake from drying out. Once baked, remove it from the oven immediately and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Then, roll the dough up while it’s still warm to give it its final shape. Let it rest like this for about 10 minutes so that it sets properly and doesn’t break during assembly.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by working the mascarpone with the icing sugar until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then cut them into small pieces so they fit evenly within the roulade. Carefully unroll the cooled sponge cake and soak it in a mixture of Alkermès liqueur and water, which will give it a light sweet aroma and a soft texture.

Spread the mascarpone cream generously over the entire surface of the sponge cake, then add the strawberry pieces. Next, gently roll the cake, squeezing it slightly to hold the filling in place. Wrap it in parchment paper to keep its shape and place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the structure to set and makes cutting easier.

Remove the roll from the freezer and slice it into slices about 3 cm thick to create delicious spirals. Serve your strawberry and mascarpone roll cake chilled, with a little icing sugar, fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for an even more indulgent touch. This soft and fruity dessert is perfect for a snack or a light dessert after a meal!

Gourmet variations:

This strawberry and mascarpone roulade can be adapted in several ways, depending on your tastes and the ingredients available. For an even fruitier twist, replace the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries. You can also add a squeeze of lemon zest or a few drops of vanilla extract to the mascarpone cream for an even more subtle flavor.

For a more chocolatey version, stir cocoa powder into the sponge cake batter or make a dark chocolate ganache to top the roll. Another delicious alternative is to add praline or crushed hazelnut pieces to the filling for a crunchy touch.

For a lighter version, you can replace the mascarpone with fromage blanc or ricotta mixed with a little honey. Finally, for a non-alcoholic dessert, simply substitute the Alkermès liqueur with strawberry syrup or lightly sweetened orange juice.

Practical advice:

Making the sponge cake: For a light and airy texture, whisk the eggs and sugar well until the mixture whitens and doubles in volume. Sifting the flour helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth batter.

Tips for rolling the sponge cake without breaking it: As soon as it comes out of the oven, roll the sponge cake up while it’s still warm and supple. This helps it keep its shape and prevents it from cracking when assembling.

A balanced soak: For a soft but not soggy sponge cake, apply the liqueur or syrup sparingly with a pastry brush. The sponge cake should absorb the liquid well without becoming too brittle.

An essential resting time: Placing the roll in the freezer before cutting is essential for beautiful, clean slices. If you prepare it in advance, keep it in the refrigerator and remove it 10 minutes before serving for a perfect texture.

Personalization and decoration: For an even more indulgent effect, sprinkle the roll with icing sugar, add chocolate shavings, or make whipped cream to enhance it before serving. A drizzle of red fruit coulis will also add a tangy and elegant touch.

With these tips and variations, your strawberry and mascarpone roll cake will always be a success and will adapt to all desires! 🍓✨