If you’re looking to create a show-stopping dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious, this Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine fluffy, tender cake vividly colored in red, rolled up with luscious strawberry jam and whipped cream, then magically assembled into a perfect heart shape. This delightful treat isn’t just about looks—it’s a symphony of texture and flavor that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or simply want to brighten up an ordinary afternoon, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to share and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key for this Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe. Each component plays an essential role—whether it’s lending lightness to the cake, that vivid pop of color, or the luscious filling that brings everything together in perfect harmony.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and richness while helping the batter rise beautifully.
- 100 grams granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- 80 grams cake flour: The soft flour ensures the cake is light and delicate.
- 20 grams cornstarch: Adds extra softness and keeps the cake moist.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Supports gentle rising for a fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle aromatic touch.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps the sponge moist without weighing it down.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the batter and improves texture.
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring: Creates the vibrant heart-red color that makes this roll unforgettable.
- 150 milliliters heavy cream: Whipped for the creamy filling, offering richness and softness.
- 20 grams powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and is also perfect for dusting.
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jam: Adds fruity brightness inside the roll.
- 50 grams fresh strawberries: For garnish, lending freshness and a pretty finish.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C. Get a 30 by 25 centimeter jelly roll pan ready by lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and is easy to roll later.
Step 2: Whipping Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture lightens to a pale yellow, thickens, and falls in ribbons—this takes about 5 minutes. This process is crucial to incorporate air, giving your roll that light, fluffy texture.
Step 3: Adding Vanilla
Gently stir in the vanilla extract. This brings a lovely fragrance that enhances every bite.
Step 4: Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Sift together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt right over the egg mixture. Carefully fold these into the batter with a spatula until no flour streaks remain, making sure not to deflate the air you worked so hard to build.
Step 5: Mixing in Oil, Milk, and Food Coloring
Add the vegetable oil and milk, folding gently until the batter reaches a smooth consistency. Then, mix in the red food coloring until it’s evenly blended, turning the batter a stunning shade of red that will impress everyone.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top and tapping the pan lightly on your work surface to release any air bubbles. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cake springs back when you lightly press it with your finger.
Step 7: Rolling the Cake
Right after baking, invert the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake up in the towel from one short side. This rolling step while warm prevents cracks and sets the cake’s shape. Let it cool completely before unrolling.
Step 8: Layering the Filling
Once cooled, unroll the cake gently. Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam across the surface, then whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the jam to create a creamy, fruity filling that is simply irresistible.
Step 9: Final Roll and Chill
Roll the cake up tightly again, this time without the towel. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the cake to set in its rolled shape.
Step 10: Forming the Heart Shape
Here is where the magic happens. Cut about one-third of the roll off from one end. Place the smaller and larger rolls side by side with the cut edges facing inward to form two rounded lobes of the heart. Dust the whole creation with powdered sugar and top with fresh strawberry slices for a stunning and edible decoration.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe
Garnishes
The simple elegance of powdered sugar dusted over the red roll creates a snowy contrast that looks spectacular. Add fresh strawberry slices for a juicy burst of flavor and a lovely visual touch that perfectly complements the strawberry jam inside.
Side Dishes
This Swiss roll is a dessert star on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries can elevate the experience. A cup of light herbal tea or a mild coffee also complements the sweet, creamy flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe on a white or pastel-colored platter to make the red cake pop visually. You might also place edible flowers or a drizzle of chocolate sauce around the plate for celebratory events. For a fun twist, slice the roll into individual heart-shaped servings, making it perfect for parties or romantic occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Swiss roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its moisture and freshness. Avoid leaving it uncovered to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and placed within an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a delicate, cream-filled cake, reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve it chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use different fruit jams in this Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam pairs beautifully with the red sponge, feel free to experiment with raspberry, cherry, or even apricot jams to add your personal twist on the flavor.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can skip the red food coloring and make a classic vanilla Swiss roll. The taste will still be incredible, though it won’t have the vibrant heart-red color. Alternatively, natural beet juice powder can sometimes be used as a natural coloring agent.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
The key is rolling the cake while it’s still warm using a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel. This technique sets the cake’s shape gently to avoid cracks as it cools and is essential for a smooth roll later.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy whipping cream and use a dairy-free milk alternative in the batter. Just be sure to adjust whipping times as non-dairy creams sometimes behave differently.
How many servings does this Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe make?
This recipe typically serves around 8 to 10 people, depending on slice size, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions where you want to impress guests with a heartfelt dessert.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe and experience firsthand just how fun and rewarding it is to create something beautiful and delicious. It’s a dessert that brings happiness not only through flavor but through the joy of making it yourself. Whether it’s for a loved one or a well-deserved treat, this recipe truly has a special place in the heart of any baker’s collection.
Print
Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Heart-Shaped Swiss Roll features a tender, fluffy red sponge cake filled with luscious whipped cream and strawberry jam. Rolled into a classic Swiss roll and then cleverly formed into a heart shape, it’s a perfect romantic dessert or festive treat. Fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar add a fresh, sweet finish to this visually stunning and delicious cake.
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 80 grams cake flour
- 20 grams cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
Filling and Topping
- 150 milliliters heavy cream
- 20 grams powdered sugar (divided: some for rolling towel, some for whipped cream)
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 50 grams fresh strawberries (sliced for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 30 by 25 centimeter jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed. Continue for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and ribbon-like, indicating the incorporation of air for a light sponge.
- Add vanilla extract: Carefully stir in the vanilla extract to the egg mixture, blending gently to maintain the incorporated air.
- Sift and fold dry ingredients: Sift together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt directly over the egg mixture. Gently fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula until there are no streaks visible, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the vegetable oil and milk, and fold them gently into the batter until smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate food coloring: Add the red food coloring to the batter and fold carefully until the color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Spread batter and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when gently pressed.
- Invert and roll cake: As soon as the cake is out of the oven, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel that has been sprinkled with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper immediately, then roll the cake up inside the towel starting from a short edge. This helps the cake hold its shape while cooling. Let it cool completely while rolled.
- Unroll and add filling: Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake. Spread a thin, even layer of strawberry jam over the surface. Next, whip the heavy cream with the remaining powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly on top of the jam layer.
- Re-roll and chill: Roll the cake tightly again, this time without the towel, to keep the filling inside. Wrap the roll well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the shape and chill the filling.
- Create heart shape: Remove the roll from the refrigerator and cut approximately one-third off from one end. Position both pieces side by side with the cut ends facing inward, forming the two top lobes of a heart shape. Secure if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Dust the heart-shaped Swiss roll lightly with powdered sugar. Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries attractively on top for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Be gentle when folding the batter to keep it airy and light for a soft sponge texture.
- Rolling the cake while warm helps prevent cracking in the sponge.
- Chilling the roll before shaping makes it easier to handle and helps it hold its form.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
- If you want a different flavor, you can swap strawberry jam with other fruit jams or curds.
