Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
If you’re looking to dazzle your loved ones this holiday season, the Christmas Cake Roll is a true showstopper that promises equal parts wow-factor and mouthwatering flavor. Imagine a tender, chocolate-swirled sponge rolled up around a dreamy layer of whipped cream, finished with glossy ganache and a blast of festive sprinkles or peppermint. While it looks impressively intricate, every step is simpler than you’d expect, resulting in a dessert that’s rich, light, and bursting with holiday cheer. Trust me, serving up a slice of this Christmas Cake Roll instantly upgrades any celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised by how everyday pantry staples transform into something truly magical. Each ingredient in the Christmas Cake Roll recipe plays a starring role, bringing moisture, lift, structure, or flavor to create that signature look and taste. Don’t skip or swap unless you have to—these are the foundation of your holiday masterpiece!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure for your cake, keeping the roll tender yet sturdy enough to shape.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses deep chocolate flavor and delivers that classic festive color.
- Baking powder: Gives your cake a light, airy lift so it rolls without breaking.
- Salt: Just a touch wakes up all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Whipped until thick, eggs add fluff and richness, ensuring a soft, flexible sponge.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps produce that tender crumb we all love.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and roundness to both the cake and the filling.
- Milk: Keeps the batter moist for a cake roll that’s never dry.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Prevents sticking when rolling and gives a snowy touch to your sponge.
- Heavy whipping cream (for filling and topping): Whips up into a cloud-like filling and makes a silky ganache topping.
- Powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the whipped cream just right.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted into the ganache, these add richness and sheen on top.
- Festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint (optional): For that final sparkle and burst of color and crunch.
How to Make Christmas Cake Roll
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Let’s get a smooth start! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This makes sure your Christmas Cake Roll will release perfectly after baking—with no sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting isn’t just for fun—it ensures the cocoa blends in beautifully and keeps the cake delicate and lump-free.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes. You’re after a thick, pale, fluffy texture that’ll make your cake roll springy rather than dense. Add the vanilla and milk, then mix to combine.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold your sifted dry mix into the whipped egg mixture. Work slowly and lightly, just until there are no streaks of flour left—over-mixing can make the cake tough rather than tender.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, using an offset spatula for a level surface. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes; the cake is done when it springs back gently after a light touch.
Step 6: Rolling the Cake
Immediately turn your hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted well with powdered sugar. Peel away the parchment paper carefully. Starting from one short end, gently (but confidently!) roll the cake up with the towel inside. This shapes the cake and keeps it soft as it cools.
Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Filling
While your cake cools completely, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form—light, billowy, and irresistible! Chill until you’re ready to fill.
Step 8: Fill and Re-Roll
Unroll the cooled cake (don’t worry about tiny cracks—they’ll be hidden inside!), spread the whipped cream filling evenly to the edges, and gently roll it back up, towel-free this time. The result: a neat spiral of creamy goodness.
Step 9: Make the Ganache Topping
Heat the heavy cream until just steaming, pour it over your chocolate chips, and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour or drizzle the ganache over your cake roll for that rich, festive finish.
Step 10: Decorate and Chill
Add festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint to the ganache before it sets for a burst of holiday spirit. Chill the Christmas Cake Roll until set—this helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Christmas Cake Roll
Garnishes
Nothing says holiday magic like a little extra flair! Dust your Christmas Cake Roll with a snowy shower of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, or brightly colored sprinkles. Edible gold or silver stars also tuck in that wow-factor. Always garnish just before serving so your roll stays fresh and eye-catching.
Side Dishes
This cake roll is rich and creamy, so lighter side dishes pair perfectly. Try serving alongside fresh raspberries or clementine wedges for a citrusy contrast. Or, offer a dollop of extra whipped cream and a mug of hot cocoa for a truly cozy treat. The cake also sings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those who love something extra.
Creative Ways to Present
For maximum festive flair, slice your Christmas Cake Roll at the table to show off the gorgeous swirl! You can plate individual slices with a drizzle of leftover ganache or a scatter of fresh berries. Want a showpiece? Place the uncut roll on a platter decorated with holly leaves, ornaments, or a dusting of “snow” (powdered sugar). Add a sparkler or festive candle for an unforgettable holiday centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any slices left (lucky you!), cover the cake roll loosely with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The whipped cream and ganache help keep the sponge moist, but after a few days, the texture softens. Enjoy chilled or allow it to come to room temperature for maximum flavor.
Freezing
The Christmas Cake Roll freezes surprisingly well! After assembling and decorating (but before garnishing with fresh fruit or crunchy bits), wrap the roll tightly in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and garnish just before serving—no one will ever guess it wasn’t freshly made!
Reheating
This dessert is at its best served chilled or at cool room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, bring the cake out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving—gentle, natural warming keeps the cream and chocolate just right.
FAQs
Can I make the Christmas Cake Roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and assemble the Christmas Cake Roll up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to garnish and serve; this helps the flavors develop and makes slicing even easier.
What if my cake cracks when rolling?
Don’t worry—a few cracks are common and will be hidden inside once you roll and top with ganache. Dust well with powdered sugar and try to roll gently while the cake is still warm and pliable. Even imperfect rolls taste amazing!
Can I use something other than whipped cream for the filling?
Definitely! While classic whipped cream is delightful, you can try a chocolate mousse, mascarpone, or peppermint buttercream for a different flavor twist. Just keep the filling light so the roll stays easy to slice and serve.
Is it possible to make this cake roll gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes. Double-check all other ingredients for hidden gluten (like baking powder) to keep everything safe for sensitive eaters.
How do I keep my Christmas Cake Roll from sticking?
The secret is parchment paper lining and a generous dusting of powdered sugar on the towel. Don’t skip these steps! They make flipping, rolling, and unrolling your cake roll easy and mess-free.
Final Thoughts
A slice of this festive Christmas Cake Roll brings pure joy to any holiday table—it’s just as fun to make as it is to share with friends and family. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let a little holiday magic unfold in your kitchen. I promise, it’s a memory-making dessert you’ll want to bake year after year!
Print
Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and decorating)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this delightful Christmas Cake Roll, a chocolatey treat filled with whipped cream and topped with a rich ganache. Perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations!
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
- powdered sugar for dusting
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Prepare the cake: Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Add vanilla, milk, and dry ingredients. Spread batter in the pan and bake.
- Roll the cake: Dust a kitchen towel with powdered sugar, turn out the cake onto it, peel off parchment, and roll up the cake in the towel. Let cool.
- Make the filling: Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Unroll the cake, spread cream, and re-roll.
- Add the topping: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth. Pour over the cake, decorate, and chill before serving.
Notes
- The cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- For a holiday twist, use peppermint extract in the filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
