Why Make This Recipe
A Christmas Cake Roll is a delightful treat that brings holiday cheer to your home. This festive dessert combines a soft, sponge cake with a rich cream cheese filling, making it a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering. The touch of Christmas sprinkles adds a fun and colorful element, making it both tasty and visually appealing.
This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. It’s not only simple to make but also allows for creativity with decorations. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories with family and friends during the holiday season.
Equipment Needed For Christmas Cake Roll
To prepare this scrumptious Christmas Cake Roll, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
First, a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan is crucial to get the perfect cake shape. You’ll also need parchment paper to line the pan, ensuring the cake releases easily after baking. A mixing bowl is necessary for combining the ingredients, along with an electric mixer to beat the batter and filling to a fluffy texture.
Lastly, you might want a cooling rack to cool the cake properly, making it easier to handle when rolling. With these tools in hand, you’re all set to create this festive masterpiece.
What You Need to Make Christmas Cake Roll
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles, or as desired
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temp
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temp
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles, or as desired
- 1/2 cup Ghirardelli White Chocolate Melting Wafers or 1/2 cup white chocolate chips + 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles, or as desired
How to Cook Christmas Cake Roll Step by Step
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper. This step is important to ensure the cake does not stick and can be easily rolled later.
In a large mixing bowl, take the three large eggs and beat them together with the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Now, in a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Once they are mixed, carefully combine the wet and dry ingredients, being sure not to overmix. Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles at this stage, adding a festive touch to your batter.
Next, pour the batter into the lined jelly roll pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the cake springs back slightly when you touch it.
When the cake is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. While it’s still warm, roll the cake up in the parchment paper from the short side. This step is crucial as it helps retain the shape of the roll. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 1 to 2 hours.
In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Next, add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
After the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it from the parchment paper. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a few more Christmas sprinkles over the filling for that extra festive flair.
Now, it’s time to roll the cake up again, this time with the filling inside. Once rolled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the cake to set and make it easier to slice.
While the cake is chilling, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. If using chocolate chips, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help it melt smoothly. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly before spreading it over the top of the cake. Finish off by adding more Christmas sprinkles on top for an irresistible look.
Finally, let the chocolate set before carefully slicing the cake roll with a sharp knife. This festive dessert is ready to be served at your holiday gathering!
How To Make Christmas Cake Roll
Making a Christmas Cake Roll is a simple and delightful process that anyone can enjoy. Follow the easy steps outlined above, and you will create a beautiful dessert that will impress your family and friends.
With a bit of practice, rolling the cake becomes more manageable. Just remember to keep it tight, but not so tight that the filling squeezes out. The key is to allow the cake to cool completely before rolling it a second time, as this helps in maintaining its shape.
Let your creativity shine when it comes to decorating. You can customize your Christmas Cake Roll with various toppings, different types of chocolate, or seasonal sprinkles to suit your holiday theme.
How To Serve Christmas Cake Roll
Serving the Christmas Cake Roll is just as enjoyable as making it. Once cooled and sliced, place the pieces on a festive platter to showcase their beautiful swirls and decorations. You can also add some fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
For an added treat, consider serving the cake roll with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side. This enhances the flavor and provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Enjoy Right Away
The Christmas Cake Roll can be enjoyed right away after slicing, but it also makes for a delightful dessert that can be made ahead of time and served later in the day.
What To Serve With Christmas Cake Roll
This festive dessert pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and snacks. It’s a great match for traditional holiday drinks such as eggnog, hot cocoa, or spiced cider.
If you want to round out your holiday dessert table, consider serving light fruit salads or nuts alongside the cake roll. These items will balance the sweetness and provide a well-rounded assortment of flavors for your guests.
How To Store Christmas Cake Roll
To keep your Christmas Cake Roll fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted flavors from other foods in your fridge.
When stored properly, the cake roll can last up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, wrap it in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. You can defrost it in the refrigerator overnight when you are ready to enjoy.
Tips To Make Christmas Cake Roll
When making a Christmas Cake Roll, here are some handy tips to keep in mind. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, as this helps them combine more evenly.
Take your time when rolling the cake—don’t rush it! A gentle touch will help maintain the integrity of the cake, preventing cracks. If the cake does crack slightly, it’s okay; you can cover it up with frosting or chocolate.
Always line your pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly, as this ensures easy removal. Plus, using a new, sharp knife for slicing will create clean cuts and enhance the presentation of your dessert.
Variation
While this recipe is fabulous as is, you can make several variations to fit your taste. For a chocolate version, substitute part of the flour with cocoa powder. Another delightful option is to mix in different flavors, such as peppermint extract, for a refreshing twist.
You can also experiment with different fillings, like a simple whipped cream or flavored custards. Decorate with colored chocolate, nuts, or holiday candies to personalize your Rolls even more.
Best Time To Make Christmas Cake Roll
The Christmas Cake Roll is an ideal baking project for the holiday season. Making it a day or two in advance is best, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while in the fridge.
This dessert often becomes a family favorite and can be made for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a delightful end to Christmas dinner. It’s also perfect for sharing with neighbors and friends during the holiday season.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When making a Christmas Cake Roll, some common mistakes can occur. One is not allowing the cake to cool completely before unrolling it. Doing so can lead to cracks and may ruin the final appearance.
Another mistake is not folding the sprinkles gently into the batter. Overmixing can deflate the cake’s airiness, affecting its overall texture. Make sure to carefully combine the ingredients and handle the cake delicately when rolling.
Keep an eye on the baking time as well; overbaking can lead to a dry texture, making it difficult to roll. Set a timer and monitor it closely for the best results.
Nutritional Notes
The Christmas Cake Roll is a festive treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. While it’s rich and sweet, you can adjust the sugar content or filling ingredients for a slightly lighter option.
As with any dessert, it’s essential to balance it with wholesome meals and snacks. Enjoy it as part of a well-rounded holiday diet, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure you follow the conversion ratios on the package.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it springs back when pressed lightly in the center and has a slight golden color around the edges.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the drizzle?
Absolutely! You can use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile that complements the cream cheese filling beautifully.
Conclusion
The Christmas Cake Roll is a festive dessert that adds joy and color to any holiday gathering. With its soft sponge cake and creamy filling, it’s a crowd-pleaser that anyone can make. The festive sprinkles and chocolate drizzle not only enhance its taste but also make it visually stunning.
Take the time to enjoy making this dessert with your loved ones and share delicious moments together. With a little creativity and care, your Christmas Cake Roll will become a cherished holiday tradition. Happy baking!
Christmas Cake Roll
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar with vegetable oil and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, then fold in the Christmas sprinkles.
- Spread the batter evenly in the lined jelly roll pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly.
- Remove the cake from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then roll it in the parchment paper from the short side and let it cool completely on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until light and fluffy in a clean bowl.
- Mix in the sifted confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it, leaving a border.
- Sprinkle additional Christmas sprinkles over the filling.
- Roll the cake up again tightly with the filling inside, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate, cool slightly, then spread it over the top of the cake roll before adding additional sprinkles.
- Let the chocolate set before slicing and serve on a festive platter.
