Sponge roll sensation: Mastering fruits and flavors

Which fruits are best for a sponge roll? How do you make a perfectly flexible sponge that doesn’t crack when rolling? Check out the recipe for strawberry sponge roll and discover the secrets of this brilliant dessert.

Sponge roll is an incredibly versatile dessert that can be enhanced with various fruits, giving it a unique taste and aroma. Traditionally, strawberry sponge roll is prepared, but numerous other fruity variations are worth trying. The key to choosing the right fruits is their texture – they should be juicy but not too watery to avoid making the sponge soggy.

Best fruits for a sponge roll:

• Strawberries – a classic choice that never disappoints. Their delicate sweetness and slight tartness blend perfectly with whipped cream;
• Raspberries – ideal for balancing the sweetness of the sponge and cream. They add slight acidity and beautiful colour;
• Blueberries – their firm texture prevents excess juice, and their flavour complements the whipped cream;
• Peaches – both fresh and canned, they add a delicate, exotic character;
• Mango – sweet and juicy, it pairs perfectly with the light sponge;
• Bananas – make the roll creamier and more filling;
• Kiwi – adds a refreshing note and slight acidity, beautifully balancing the dessert's sweetness.

Fruits to avoid:

• Watermelon and melon – contain too much water, which can make the sponge wet and lose its fluffiness;
• Citrus fruits – although they might taste good, their high juice content can affect the roll's structure.

Regardless of fruit choice, it’s worth cutting them into small pieces to distribute them evenly on the sponge and make rolling easier. This way, every bite will be packed with flavour and fruity freshness.

Homemade sponge roll is a dessert that delights with its lightness and delicate flavour. With a fluffy sponge, velvety whipped cream, and fresh fruits, every bite melts in your mouth. Here is a tried-and-true recipe for strawberry sponge roll, which you can easily adapt using other favourite fruits.

Ingredients:

Sponge:

• 4 large eggs,
• 150g of sugar,
• 100g of cake flour,
• ¾ teaspoon of baking powder.

Filling:

• 200ml of heavy cream (cold),
• 2 tablespoons of icing sugar,
• 1 cup of strawberries (or other fruits).

Additional:

• Icing sugar for sprinkling.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the sponge

Bring the eggs to room temperature. Then beat them with sugar on high speed for 5–7 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift the flour with baking powder, then gradually add it to the egg mixture, stirring gently with a spatula.

Line a baking sheet measuring 30cm × 35cm with parchment paper, grease it, and spread the batter evenly. Bake at 180°C for 11 minutes. After removing from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes.

2. Forming the roll

Transfer the sponge onto a clean kitchen towel, peel off the parchment paper, and gently roll it along the longer side. Let it cool completely – this will keep the cake flexible and prevent cracking during the final rolling.

3. Preparing the filling

Whip the cold cream with icing sugar until stiff. Chop the strawberries into small pieces.

4. Assembling the roll

Carefully unroll the cooled sponge. Spread an even layer of whipped cream, leaving about 2cm of the edge free. Then scatter the chopped strawberries or other fruits.

Roll the sponge, using the towel to help, then place it on a plate. Dust with icing sugar and set aside to cool for at least 30 minutes.

5. Serving

Slice the roll and serve. It tastes great with a cup of coffee or tea.

With this recipe, you can prepare a strawberry sponge roll with a perfectly fluffy sponge and light, creamy filling. If you feel like experimenting, try versions with raspberries, blueberries, or mango – each will taste exquisite.