Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (40g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and thickened. Add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch carefully; the sponge can dry out quickly.
- Immediately invert the baked sponge cake onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from one short end, roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Let it cool completely in the rolled position. This is key to prevent cracking!
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake. Arrange sliced strawberries over the filling.
- Carefully roll the cake back up tightly, using the towel to help guide you.
- Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.
- Before serving, dust the strawberry swiss roll with powdered sugar. Slice with a serrated knife and serve.