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Festive Christmas roll cake with a chocolate sponge base, creamy white filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, surrounded by red berries and mint leaves on a holiday-themed table.

Christmas Roll Cake

This Christmas Roll Cake is a delicious and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With a light and fluffy chocolate sponge cake, a creamy whipped filling, and endless decoration options, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any celebration.
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Prep Time 14 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
18 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • Eggs 4 large: At room temperature for better volume when whipped.
  • Granulated Sugar ¾ cup: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
  • All-Purpose Flour ¾ cup: Be sure to sift it for a light, airy sponge.
  • Cocoa Powder 2 tbsp: For a subtle chocolate flavor and rich color.
  • Baking Powder 1 tsp: Helps the sponge rise beautifully.
  • Salt ¼ tsp: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract 1 tsp: A touch of warmth and depth.
  • For the Filling:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream 1 cup: Whipped to soft peaks for a light, creamy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar 2 tbsp: Sweetens the cream without weighing it down.
  • Vanilla Extract ½ tsp: Adds a hint of flavor to the filling.
  • For Decoration:
  • Red and Green Sprinkles: For a festive finishing touch.
  • Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusted for a snowy effect.
  • Edible Decorations: Optional but perfect for adding holiday cheer think sugar holly leaves or edible glitter.

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.
  • Whip the Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until thick, pale, and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes). This is key for a light sponge!
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in three additions to maintain the airiness.
  • Incorporate Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and fold gently until fully combined.
  • Step 2: Bake the Cake
  • Spread the Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause cracking when rolling.
  • Step 3: Roll the Cake
  • Prepare a Rolling Surface: Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
  • Flip the Cake: Carefully turn the warm cake out onto the prepared towel. Peel off the parchment paper.
  • Roll While Warm: Starting at a short end, roll the cake and towel together into a spiral. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape—it helps the cake “remember” its form!
  • Step 4: Make the Filling
  • Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip!
  • Step 5: Assemble the Cake
  • Unroll the Cake: Gently unroll the cooled sponge, being careful not to force it flat.
  • Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the whipped cream over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Re-Roll the Cake: Roll the cake back up (without the towel this time) and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
  • Step 6: Decorate
  • Dust the top with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
  • Add sprinkles or edible decorations for a festive flair.
Keyword Christmas roll cake, Holiday Cake