Christmas Cake Roll

Why Make This Christmas Cake Roll

The Christmas Cake Roll is a delightful holiday dessert that embodies the essence of festive baking. Its soft and tender sponge cake, rolled with a light and airy whipped cream filling, creates a beautiful presentation and a mouthwatering treat. This dessert not only looks stunning on a holiday table but also offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. The gentle sweetness, combined with the festive decorations, makes it perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or a cozy evening at home. Plus, it’s a fun cake to slice and serve, with everyone eager to see the gorgeous swirl inside!

How to Make Christmas Cake Roll

Making a Christmas Cake Roll might seem intimidating at first, but it’s quite straightforward once you break it down into steps. With a bit of patience and the right technique, you’ll soon find yourself rolling up this delightful cake with ease! The process involves whipping up a simple batter, baking it until golden, and then rolling it with a creamy filling for a delightful surprise. Trust us; this is a cake that will impress your guests and bring joy to your holiday festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
• Festive sprinkles (for decoration)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold in the flour mixture until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and springs back when touched.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately invert onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll up the cake and towel together and let it cool completely.
8. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. Once the cake is cool, unroll it gently and spread the whipped cream over the surface, then carefully re-roll the cake.
10. Place seam-side down on a serving platter and decorate with festive sprinkles. Chill before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 4g

How to Serve Christmas Cake Roll

The Christmas Cake Roll shines as a festive centerpiece on any dessert table, offering slices with lovely swirls of cake and cream. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture, perhaps with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a sprinkle of additional festive decorations for a special touch. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of holiday eggnog, making it the perfect treat for family and friends gathered together.

How to Store Christmas Cake Roll

To keep your Christmas Cake Roll fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This way, you can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. If you’re making it ahead of time, consider wrapping it in plastic and aluminum foil and freezing it. It can last in the freezer for up to a month. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving, and you might need to re-whip your cream after storage for a fresh taste.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cake Roll

• Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for the best volume when beaten—this helps create a light and airy texture.
• Don’t skip the step of dusting the kitchen towel with powdered sugar—this prevents the cake from sticking and tearing.
• When rolling the cake, do so gently but firmly to maintain its shape.
• If you want a festive flavor twist, consider adding a hint of peppermint extract to the whipped cream or filling!
• For a chocolate version, swap half of the flour for cocoa powder.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Cake Roll: Substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version. Pair it with chocolate mousse or a flavored whipped cream.
• Fruit-Infused Cream: Fold in crushed berries or a fruit puree into the whipped cream for a fruity filling that brings a vibrant flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the whipped cream for added crunch and flavor.
• Coffee Delight: Add espresso powder to the batter or filling for a coffee-flavored cake roll that’s perfect for adult gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the cake roll in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the cake roll up to a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Q: What if my cake cracks while rolling?
A: If your cake cracks, don’t worry! Just use extra whipped cream to cover the cracks when you unroll and re-roll it. The decorations will also help hide any imperfections.

Q: Can I use a different filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use flavored cream cheese, mascarpone, or even a fruit jam. Just remember to adjust the sweetness levels as needed.

Conclusion

The Christmas Cake Roll is a festive and delightful treat that combines simplicity with a spectacular presentation. Its lovely flavors and charming decor make it a must-have for your holiday celebrations. With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of variations to explore, this recipe invites you to get creative in the kitchen. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and create something magical this holiday season! We’d love to hear how your Christmas Cake Roll turns out—share your baking journey with us!