Christmas with my family has always been a special time of year, and one of my favorite holiday traditions is making our classic Christmas Cake Roll. There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about the soft, pillowy cake wrapped around a sweet, creamy filling – it just screams cozy Christmas vibes!
I can still remember the year my grandma taught me her secret recipe. I must have been about 10 years old, and I was so excited to learn how to make this beloved family dessert. I’ll never forget the look of pure joy on her face as she watched me carefully unroll the cake, gently spread the filling, and then expertly roll it back up. It was like a perfectly choreographed dance that we’d perfected over the years. To this day, whenever I make a Christmas Cake Roll, I can feel that same sense of wonder and connection to my cherished holiday memories.
Why This Christmas Cake Roll Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What makes this Christmas Cake Roll recipe so special is the perfect balance of light, airy cake and rich, creamy filling. The secret is in the technique – the cake is rolled up while still warm, which allows it to stay moist and supple. And the filling? Well, let’s just say it’s a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations. It’s the perfect combination of sweetness and creaminess that will have your taste buds doing a little happy dance.
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cake Roll
The key to nailing this Christmas Cake Roll is all about the technique. You see, the cake needs to be rolled up while it’s still warm and pliable, otherwise it can crack and break. And the filling? It’s gotta be the perfect consistency – not too thick and not too thin. Get that just right, and you’ve got a Christmas Cake Roll that’ll make your friends and family swoon.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cake:
- Eggs: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and lift.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake its sturdy yet tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and achieve that perfect spongy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the filling:
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, providing a rich, creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps it set up nicely.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, this creates the light, airy filling.
Step-by-Step Christmas Cake Roll Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cake Roll
Ready to get baking? This Christmas Cake Roll comes together in just a few simple steps. You’ll need a jelly roll pan, a clean kitchen towel, and about an hour of time. The end result is a showstopping dessert that’s sure to impress your holiday guests.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This will help the cake release easily after baking.
2- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake its signature light and airy texture.
3- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake can become tough.
4- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cake is springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, carefully invert it onto a clean, damp kitchen towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper, then immediately roll the cake up in the towel. This helps the cake retain its shape and prevents it from cracking.
6- Allow the cake to cool completely while rolled up in the towel, about 30 minutes. Once cooled, unroll the cake and spread the creamy filling evenly over the surface. Carefully re-roll the cake and transfer it to a serving platter, seam-side down.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to a perfect Christmas Cake Roll is all about technique. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time:
- Make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until they’re light and fluffy – this incorporates air into the batter for a super soft and spongy cake.
- When rolling the warm cake up in the towel, go slowly and gently to prevent any cracking or tearing.
- Be patient and let the cake cool completely before unrolling and filling it. Rushing this step can cause the cake to break.
- For the filling, be sure to whip the cream to stiff peaks so it holds its shape nicely when spread onto the cake.
- Don’t overfill the cake, or it may split when you try to re-roll it. Start with just a thin, even layer of filling.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cake Roll
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cake Roll
This Christmas Cake Roll is the perfect dessert to serve at your holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a glass of festive eggnog. And don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream against the soft, pillowy cake is simply divine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about this Christmas Cake Roll is that it keeps really well. Once it’s filled and rolled, you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also make the cake itself a day or two in advance and keep it rolled up in the towel until you’re ready to fill and assemble.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cake Roll
Creative Christmas Cake Roll Variations
Want to mix things up? Try swapping out the classic cream cheese filling for a seasonal flavor like pumpkin or eggnog. You could also get creative with the cake itself, using a chocolate or red velvet base for a festive twist. And don’t be afraid to get fancy with the decorations – a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkling of crushed candy canes can take your Christmas Cake Roll to the next level.
Making Christmas Cake Roll Diet-Friendly
For a healthier take on this holiday classic, you can try using a low-fat or non-dairy cream cheese in the filling. You can also opt for a gluten-free flour blend in the cake batter. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. And if you’re looking to cut down on the sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in both the cake and filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of flour besides all-purpose?
A: While all-purpose flour is the traditional choice for this Christmas Cake Roll recipe, you can absolutely experiment with other flours. Just keep in mind that using a flour with a different protein content, like whole wheat or almond flour, may affect the texture of the cake. Start by substituting up to 25% of the all-purpose flour, and adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: How can I prevent the cake from cracking when I roll it up?
A: The key to avoiding cracks is to roll the warm cake up in the damp towel as soon as it comes out of the oven. This helps the cake retain its flexibility and shape. Be sure to go slowly and gently when rolling, and don’t let the cake cool completely before rolling. If you do end up with a few small cracks, don’t worry – they’ll be covered up by the filling once you re-roll the cake.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Cake Roll in advance?
A: Absolutely! In fact, this dessert actually gets better with a little time. You can make the cake itself a day or two ahead and keep it rolled up in the towel in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, just unroll, spread on the filling, and re-roll. The filled and assembled cake can also be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: How many people does this Christmas Cake Roll serve?
A: This recipe makes one 10-inch cake roll, which should serve 8-10 people. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake the cakes on two separate jelly roll pans. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: What should I do if the cake sticks to the towel when I try to unroll it?
A: If you find that the cake is sticking to the towel when you go to unroll it, don’t panic! Gently work a knife or offset spatula under the cake to slowly release it. You can also try lightly dusting the towel with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before rolling the warm cake up. This helps create a barrier to prevent sticking.
Christmas Cake Roll
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Christmas Cake Roll is a delightful and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With a soft, swirled sponge cake and a creamy, indulgent filling, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 3 large eggs
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
5. – Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
6. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when touched.
7. – While the cake is baking, prepare the filling by beating the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
8. – Once the cake is done, immediately invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
9. – Working quickly, spread the filling evenly over the warm cake. Starting from the short end, tightly roll up the cake, using the towel to help.
10. – Carefully transfer the rolled cake to a serving plate, seam-side down.
11. – Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
– For best results, use room temperature ingredients for the filling.
– Dust the cake roll with additional powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.
– This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a classic Christmas Cake Roll to capture the magic of the holiday season. With its soft, pillowy texture and creamy, dreamy filling, this dessert is sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get ready to bake up a batch of Christmas cheer. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
