Light and Festive Christmas Cake Roll for the Holidays

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Christmas Cake Roll is a wonderfully festive dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. This light and fluffy rolled cake features a delightful vanilla filling, making it an enticing centerpiece for your holiday table. The beautiful swirl of cream not only adds elegance but also promises a burst of flavor in every slice. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating your family, this cake roll brings joy and celebration to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cake Roll

This Christmas Cake Roll is not just a treat; it’s a delightful experience. Here are a few reasons to love it:

It’s visually stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
The light sponge cake paired with a creamy filling creates a heavenly taste sensation.
It’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a great option for novice bakers.
Perfect for any gathering, it impresses guests without requiring extensive baking skills.
Versatile filling options allow you to customize it to your taste.
It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional desserts like Yule log cake or pies.

This recipe is also a fantastic holiday cake roll, ensuring that it fits beautifully into your festive celebrations.

Ingredients for Christmas Cake Roll

Gather these items:

4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Cream Filling:

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup softened cream cheese (optional for thicker filling)

Optional Decorations:

Powdered sugar
Sprinkles
Fresh berries
Whipped cream rosettes
Holiday sugar decorations

How to Make Christmas Cake Roll Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Beat eggs and sugar for 4–6 minutes until pale, thick, and airy.
Step 3: Mix in vanilla extract and milk gently.
Step 4: In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently into the egg mixture.
Step 5: Fold in melted butter carefully without deflating the batter.
Step 6: Spread batter evenly into the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake springs back lightly.
Step 7: Turn cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and roll the cake with the towel inside. Cool completely.
Step 8: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream cheese until fluffy.
Step 9: Unroll the cooled cake, spread filling evenly, and roll again gently.
Step 10: Dust with powdered sugar or add festive toppings before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cake Roll

Keep these in mind:

This cake can be made a day in advance.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Feel free to customize the decorations to your liking.
To avoid cracking, ensure the sponge is cool before rolling.
Use a light touch when spreading the filling to maintain the cake’s airy texture.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cake Roll

Serving this festive cake log can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas:

Slice it into rounds and serve on a festive platter.
Garnish with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cake Roll

This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to make it ahead, prepare it a day in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap. For meal prep, keep the filling separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain its freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cake Roll

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cake Roll?

The key to a perfect Christmas Cake Roll is to ensure your egg mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the airy texture essential for rolling. Also, using a towel dusted with powdered sugar helps prevent the cake from sticking.

Can I make Christmas Cake Roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make this cake a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes it a perfect dessert for busy holiday schedules.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cake Roll?

To avoid cracking, ensure your sponge cake is completely cool before rolling it up. If it’s too warm, it may crack when you try to roll it. Also, be gentle when spreading the filling to keep the cake’s structure intact.

Variations of Christmas Cake Roll You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and fillings to make your Christmas Cake Roll uniquely yours. Consider a chocolate and peppermint cake roll for a festive twist, or try a red velvet cake roll for the holidays. For those with dietary restrictions, a gluten-free Christmas cake roll recipe can easily be adapted using gluten-free flour.

For more festive recipes, check out our Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies or Deviled Egg Christmas Trees. You can also explore Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling for a delightful dessert option.