If you are looking for a festive, show-stopping dessert that brings a swirl of flavors and the cozy spirit of the holidays into every bite, this Christmas Cake Roll Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a soft, spiced sponge cake wrapped around a luxuriously creamy filling that balances sweet and tangy notes, creating a delightful harmony perfect for any Christmas celebration. This recipe is not only visually stunning with its spiral design and charming garnishes but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a treasured addition to your holiday baking traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Christmas Cake Roll Recipe is straightforward and rewarding—each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and create the perfect texture. From aromatic spices to rich cream cheese, every ingredient plays a vital role in making this cake an unforgettable treat.
- 3 large eggs: They provide structure and a light, airy texture when whipped properly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with the cake’s golden color.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the sponge cake and filling.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: The body of the cake, giving it that soft but sturdy crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises just right, keeping it light and fluffy.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Brings a classic Christmas spice note that complements the festive mood.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy nuance that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- ¼ cup milk: Moisturizes the batter, making the cake tender and soft.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a slight buttery taste that lifts the sponge.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Provides a delicate sweetness and festive look on the finished cake.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy peaks for the luscious filling.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings tang and creaminess for the decadent filling.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling gently without graininess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the filling’s sweetness and aroma.
- 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional): Adds warmth and a subtle festive kick to the filling.
- Sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar for garnish: Finishing touches that make your cake visually irresistible.
How to Make Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps you roll the cake easily later.
Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. This step is crucial to give the cake a soft, airy texture. Then add the vanilla extract and mix it through to infuse the base with warm flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These dry ingredients bring in the spice and structure. Gradually fold them into your egg mixture gently, being careful not to deflate the light batter you’ve just created.
Step 4: Add Milk and Butter
Heat the milk and melted butter together lightly in a small saucepan, then fold this liquid into the batter. This addition gives the cake a moist crumb and subtle buttery richness that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Bake the Sponge
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked.
Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm
Once out of the oven, invert the cake immediately onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up with the towel inside, letting it cool completely. This process helps shape the classic cake roll without cracking.
Step 7: Prepare the Filling
Beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form for a fluffy and stable texture. Separately, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture for a decadent, airy filling. Add the brandy or rum if you like a boozy undertone.
Step 8: Assemble the Roll
When your cake is fully cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the cream filling evenly across the surface. Roll it back up delicately, this time without the towel, to reveal those beautiful swirls of cake and filling.
Step 9: Chill Before Serving
Place the cake roll on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the filling set and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 10: Add the Finishing Touches
Right before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle with festive sprinkles or chocolate shavings to make your Christmas Cake Roll Recipe sparkle on the holiday table.
How to Serve Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, colorful sprinkles, or elegant chocolate shavings enhances both the appearance and taste. Consider a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for a natural, festive touch that will wow your guests at first glance.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Cake Roll pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea, a creamy eggnog, or a glass of robust mulled wine. These complementary beverages elevate the spices and creamy filling, turning your dessert experience into a cozy celebration of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, serve each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a spoonful of berry compote. Alternatively, slice into rounds and arrange on a platter with pinecones and holiday greenery for a centerpiece that’s as delightful to behold as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Cake Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, remaining moist and flavorful, so you can enjoy every last bit without worry.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dessert further in advance, wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It can keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to soften gently before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I make this Christmas Cake Roll Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For the filling, coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks combined with dairy-free cream cheese will keep the creamy texture intact.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel to guide the roll carefully. This helps the sponge to flex without breaking, making for a smooth, perfect spiral.
Can I use other liqueurs besides brandy or rum in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with orange liqueur, amaretto, or even spiced whiskey for different festive flavor twists that complement the spices in the cake.
Is this Christmas Cake Roll Recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! The instructions are simple and easy to follow, and because the ingredients are straightforward, even novice bakers can impress family and friends with this stunning dessert.
What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper?
If parchment paper isn’t available, you can grease and flour the pan very well, but be extra careful when rolling the cake out from the pan. Using a silicone baking mat is also a fantastic alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cake Roll Recipe has everything you want in a holiday dessert—joyful spices, irresistible cream filling, and a festive look that brings cheer to your table. It’s a wonderful way to add your personal touch to Christmas celebrations and create sweet memories with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how magical your holiday baking can be!
Print
Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Cake Roll is a delightful holiday dessert featuring a light, spiced sponge cake filled with a creamy, luscious whipped cream and cream cheese mixture. Rolled to perfection and garnished with festive sprinkles and chocolate shavings, it’s perfect for celebrating the season with family and friends.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional)
Garnish:
- Sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the egg mixture carefully to ensure the batter remains airy and not deflated.
- Add Milk and Butter: Warm the milk and melted butter together in a small saucepan, then fold this liquid mixture gently into the batter until smooth and well incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Roll the Cake While Warm: Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake up with the towel inside to maintain its shape and prevent cracking. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: While the cake cools, beat the heavy whipping cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Optionally stir in brandy or rum for flavor.
- Fill and Re-roll the Cake: Once the cake is cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the cream filling evenly over the surface. Then roll the cake back up without the towel to encase the filling.
- Chill and Garnish: Transfer the filled cake roll to a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to set properly. Before serving, dust with additional powdered sugar and garnish with festive sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or your choice of holiday decorations.
Notes
- Be sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
- You can substitute brandy or rum with orange juice or omit it for a child-friendly version.
- Use a damp kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to avoid sticking when rolling the cake.
- For best results, chill the cake roll thoroughly before slicing to maintain its shape.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
