Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat—the Christmas cake roll! This festive dessert is like a cozy hug on a plate, filled with luscious whipped cream and adorned with colorful red and green sprinkles. Every year, I whip this up for my family gatherings, and the smiles it brings to everyone’s faces are just priceless! It’s so much fun to watch the cake transform from a simple sponge into a beautifully decorated centerpiece, and trust me, the process is just as enjoyable as the final product. The joy of making this cake roll has become a cherished holiday tradition for me, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic it brings to your festive celebrations!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cake, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key, and this will help make the cake light and fluffy.
- 3 large eggs – They add richness and help the cake rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This little helper ensures your cake rolls up nicely!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The star of our filling; it whips up to a dreamy, fluffy texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – To sweeten the whipped cream just right.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – This adds a festive touch to our filling; it’s Christmas in a bite!
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration – Because what’s a holiday dessert without a little sparkle?
How to Prepare the Christmas Cake Roll
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want that oven nice and hot when your cake goes in!
- Next, grab a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan and grease it up really well, then line it with parchment paper. This will help your cake roll out easily later on.
- Now, in a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until they’re fluffy and pale. You want to whip some air into it; this is what makes your cake light and airy!
- Once that’s ready, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until it’s just combined—don’t overdo it or your cake might get tough!
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. It should look smooth and even—like a little canvas waiting for decoration!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- When the cake is done, take it out and let it cool for just a few minutes—don’t let it sit too long, or it’ll stick to the pan!
- Now for the fun part: turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel that’s been dusted with powdered sugar. This helps prevent sticking. Roll it up gently in the towel while it’s still warm and let it cool completely. This step is crucial for getting that perfect roll shape!
- While the cake cools, whip up the heavy cream with powdered sugar and peppermint extract until you reach stiff peaks. This is where the magic happens—fluffy, sweet goodness!
- Once the cake is cool, unroll it carefully and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Don’t skimp on this part; you want every bite to be delicious!
- Finally, re-roll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter. Decorate with festive sprinkles, and voila! Your Christmas cake roll is ready to shine at the holiday table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make – You can whip this up in just about 45 minutes, perfect for those busy holiday schedules!
- Festively decorated – The vibrant red and green sprinkles make it a showstopper on any holiday table.
- Deliciously creamy filling – The whipped cream with a hint of peppermint is absolutely heavenly!
- Perfect for sharing – This recipe yields 10 servings, making it great for family gatherings or holiday parties.
- A fun tradition – Rolling the cake is an exciting process that the whole family can enjoy together.
- Customizable – You can easily switch up the flavors or toppings to make it your own!
Tips for Success
Getting the perfect Christmas cake roll is all about a few key tricks! First, make sure your cake is completely cool before you add that luscious whipped cream filling. If it’s even a little warm, it might melt the cream and make a mess—yikes! When it comes to rolling, be gentle but firm. Start from one end and roll it up tightly but not too tight; you want to avoid cracks. Using a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar really helps, as it gives you that smooth surface to roll on. Also, don’t rush the cooling process—patience is key! And remember, if you do end up with a crack, just cover it with more sprinkles; it’ll look festive and delicious anyway!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each slice of this delightful Christmas cake roll is approximately 250 calories, making it a sweet addition to your holiday festivities. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every slice guilt-free during the holiday season!
FAQ About Christmas Cake Roll
I totally get it—questions come up when you’re making this festive Christmas cake roll! Here are some of the most common ones I get:
Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and let it cool completely. Just remember to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Fill it with whipped cream the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If peppermint isn’t your thing, no worries! You can swap it out for vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor twist. Just adjust the amount to your taste, and you’ll still have a delicious filling!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake roll in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It should be good for about 3-4 days. Just keep in mind that the cake might get a bit softer the longer it sits, so enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions—baking should be fun and stress-free!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Christmas cake roll, the possibilities are endless! I love to serve it alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or freshly brewed coffee—there’s just something about that warm beverage that pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy filling. If you want to take it up a notch, consider dusting the top with a little extra powdered sugar or even drizzling some chocolate sauce over it for a decadent touch!
Another great idea is to serve slices alongside a platter of other holiday treats—think cookies, fudge, or even some festive fruit. It creates a beautiful dessert spread that everyone will love! And don’t forget, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can elevate each bite to pure bliss. Trust me, this dessert is a showstopper that deserves to be enjoyed in style!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Christmas cake roll is super simple! Just wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This will help keep the cake fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days while it’s still nice and fluffy!
If you find yourself with a bit of leftover cake roll that you want to enjoy later, you can also freeze it! Just slice it up, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat—just enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for that perfect sweet treat!
Print
Christmas Cake Roll: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Delightful Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake roll filled with cream and decorated for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and peppermint extract until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly.
- Re-roll the cake and place seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Decorate with sprinkles and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before filling.
- You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: christmas cake roll, festive dessert, holiday baking
