Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a showstopping dessert that combines nostalgia, whimsy, and a burst of chocolatey goodness, look no further than the Christmas Cake Roll. This festive treat is as fun to make as it is to eat, featuring a tender chocolate sponge swirled with billowy whipped cream and finished with a flurry of holiday toppings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or cozying up with loved ones by the tree, this cake roll is guaranteed to charm and delight—plus, it’s surprisingly simple to pull off, even if you’ve never rolled a cake before!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Christmas Cake Roll lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component brings its own flair—rich cocoa for depth, fluffy eggs for structure, and creamy whipped filling for that irresistible swirl. Don’t skip the optional toppings; they truly turn this dessert into a holiday masterpiece!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your sponge, providing structure while keeping things light and tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deep, chocolatey flavor that sets the stage for the ultimate holiday treat.
- Baking powder: A crucial lift for that airy, rollable cake texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Large eggs: Whipped to perfection for a soft, flexible sponge.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it achieve that beautiful rise.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the cake and the filling.
- Milk: Moistens the batter and keeps the sponge soft.
- Heavy whipping cream: The star of the filling—rich, creamy, and dreamy when whipped.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and dusts the cake for a festive finish.
- Chocolate ganache or melted chocolate (optional): For an extra layer of indulgence and glossy finish.
- Festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint (optional): Adds color and crunch for that holiday sparkle.
How to Make Christmas Cake Roll
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Gather Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease it—this ensures your Christmas Cake Roll releases effortlessly and keeps its shape. Measure out all your ingredients before you start mixing, so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for five to six minutes, until the mixture is thick and pale. This step is key for achieving a light, flexible cake. Gently mix in the vanilla extract and milk, then carefully fold in your dry ingredients just until combined—overmixing can deflate all that lovely air you just whipped in.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly to the edges. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. This short bake time keeps the cake moist and perfect for rolling.
Step 4: Roll the Warm Cake
While the cake is still hot, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting at the short end, gently roll the cake up with the towel inside—this prevents cracks and helps the cake remember its rolled shape as it cools. Let it cool completely in this rolled position.
Step 5: Whip the Cream and Fill
As your cake cools, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it, spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface, then re-roll (this time without the towel). Place seam-side down on your serving platter.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Dust the top with powdered sugar for a “snowy” effect, drizzle with chocolate ganache or melted chocolate, and shower on festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint if desired. Your Christmas Cake Roll is now ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Christmas Cake Roll
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what make your Christmas Cake Roll truly magical. A generous dusting of powdered sugar mimics fresh snow, while a drizzle of glossy ganache or melted chocolate adds decadence. Top it off with festive sprinkles or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for a playful pop of color and crunch.
Side Dishes
This cake roll pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a full holiday dessert spread, serve it alongside fresh berries, candied nuts, or even a bowl of peppermint bark for extra cheer.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Christmas Cake Roll into perfect spirals and arrange them in a wreath shape on a platter, or serve individual slices dusted with extra powdered sugar. For a dramatic centerpiece, add sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or tiny holiday figurines around the cake. You can even wrap slices in parchment and twine for sweet edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Christmas Cake Roll tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—perfect for snacking on throughout the holidays!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze your cake roll! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and add fresh garnishes for best results.
Reheating
A Christmas Cake Roll is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’d like to soften it a bit after refrigerating, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the Christmas Cake Roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing even easier. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What if my cake cracks when I roll it?
Don’t worry—a few cracks are common and can usually be hidden with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Rolling the cake while it’s warm helps minimize cracking, so don’t skip that step!
Can I use a different filling instead of whipped cream?
Definitely! Try buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a layer of jam for a fruity twist. The cake roll is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors.
How do I get clean slices?
For picture-perfect slices, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between each cut. Chilling the cake roll before slicing also helps it hold its shape beautifully.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just make sure your blend is suitable for cakes and doesn’t contain extra leaveners, so your texture stays light and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Cake Roll is a joyful, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings a little extra magic to any holiday gathering. If you’ve never tried making a rolled cake before, don’t be intimidated—the process is both fun and forgiving, and the results are truly impressive. Give it a whirl this season, and get ready to wow your friends and family with every delicious, chocolatey swirl!
Print
Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Cake Roll is a soft, moist chocolate sponge rolled with luscious whipped cream filling. Perfectly light yet decadent, it makes a stunning holiday dessert adorned with powdered sugar, chocolate ganache, and festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint. Easy to make and visually impressive, this classic rolled cake is a delicious way to celebrate the season.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Chocolate ganache or melted chocolate
- Festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure easy release of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly and aerate the mixture.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 5–6 minutes, until the mixture is thick, pale, and ribbons form when lifted.
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Mix in the vanilla extract and milk gently into the egg mixture to keep it light and airy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched, indicating it is cooked through.
- Roll the Cake While Warm: Immediately turn the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting at the short end, roll the cake up in the towel to shape it and prevent cracking. Allow it to cool completely while rolled.
- Prepare the Filling: While the cake cools, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, making a smooth and fluffy filling.
- Fill and Re-roll the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it and spread the whipped cream evenly over the entire surface. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel and place seam-side down on a serving platter for a neat presentation.
- Decorate: Dust the top with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate ganache or melted chocolate, and sprinkle festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint for a seasonal touch.
Notes
- Roll the cake while it is warm to prevent cracking during shaping.
- Try alternative fillings like buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or fruit jam for different flavors.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream fresh and the cake moist.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake for clean, even pieces without squashing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
