Rotolo con Crema Recipe: Italian Cream-Filled Swiss Roll

Name: Rotolo Con Crema
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 eggs; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 2 egg yolks; 4 oz sugar (about ½ cup); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 8 oz milk (about 1 cup); Juice of ½ lemon; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp sugar; 6 strawberries, diced; 1 tbsp sugar (for strawberries); A little lemon juice (for strawberries); Powdered sugar (for dusting); or Chocolate ganache

"When we were kids, mama would make this rotolo on special afternoons, especially when she knew we needed a little something sweet to lift our spirits..."

By Anna Prezio

@thatladyanna

June 20, 2025

By Anna Prezio

Ingredients

For the sponge Cake:
4

eggs
1

cup sugar
1

cup all-purpose flour
1

tbsp baking powder
For the custard Filling:
2

egg yolks
4

oz sugar (about ½ cup)
2

tbsp all-purpose flour
8

oz milk (about 1 cup)
Juice of ½ lemon
Whipped Cream & Strawberries:
1

cup heavy cream
2

tbsp sugar
6

strawberries, diced
1

tbsp sugar (for strawberries)
A little lemon juice (for strawberries)
Optional Topping:
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
or Chocolate ganache

Instructions

TOTAL TIME

50 Minutes

8 servings

When we were kids, mama would make this rotolo on special afternoons, especially when she knew we needed a little something sweet to lift our spirits. I remember sitting right next to her at the kitchen table, watching every step like it was magic. She’d beat the eggs and sugar until they turned pale and fluffy, then gently fold in the flour like she was handling something sacred. I never asked to help. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I loved watching her do it.

She’d talk to me while she worked. About the cake, about her childhood, sometimes about nothing at all. But the moment was everything. And the way her face lit up when I’d sneak a taste of the filling or roll the sponge with her at the end? Pure happiness. For more classic Italian dessert recipes and baking inspiration, explore our guide to Flan Crème Caramel, our post on Ciambelline al Vino, and our article on Italian Gelato.

An older woman with short white hair and glasses smiles in a kitchen, wearing an apron. In front of her are baking ingredients: eggs, strawberries, flour, chocolate chips, sugar, utensils, a Gratsi box, and a stand mixer.

These are the kinds of moments that stick with you, the ones that turn recipes into traditions. And even now, every time we make this rotolo together, it brings back that same joy we shared all those years ago.

And if you’re looking to enjoy it just like we do today, pour yourself a glass of chilled Gratsi Rosè—it pairs beautifully.

An older woman wearing glasses and an apron stands in a kitchen, smiling and holding several fresh strawberries in her outstretched hands over a baking sheet.

STEP 1: Make the Sponge Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a ½ sheet pan with parchment. Beat 4 eggs and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Fold in 1 cup flour and 1 tbsp baking powder. Spread batter on pan and bake for 15–20 min. Cover with a tea towel to cool.

A wooden kitchen counter displays flour, chocolate chips, eggs, strawberries, sugar, two glasses, and a red stand mixer, with a GRATSI sign in the background and a modern kitchen setting.

A large baking sheet filled with smooth, freshly baked cake sits on a wooden countertop in a kitchen. In the background, there’s a box labeled “GRATSI” near a stainless steel refrigerator and black cabinets.

STEP 2: Make the Custard and Filling

Custard:
Whisk 2 yolks, 4 oz sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 8 oz milk, and juice of ½ lemon. Strain, cook over double boiler until thick, then cool.

Whipped Cream & Strawberries:
Beat 1 cup cream with 2 tbsp sugar to stiff peaks. Dice 6 strawberries, mix with 1 tbsp sugar and lemon juice. Fold custard, cream, and berries together.

A sheet cake topped with white frosting and pieces of strawberries sits on a wooden surface. In the background, there is a sign that says GRATSI and a modern kitchen with dark cabinets and a stainless steel fridge.

A rolled sponge cake filled with cream and strawberries sits on a tray atop a wooden counter. In the background is a “GRATSI” sign, a refrigerator, and a person in a white shirt and apron.

STEP 3: Assemble and Serve

Assemble:
Peel parchment, spread filling, roll cake gently. Dust with icing sugar and top with fresh strawberries — or pour over chocolate ganache (½ cup chocolate + ½ cup cream, melted together). Slice and serve.