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The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a show-stopping Christmas Roll Cake? With its light and fluffy sponge, tart cranberry filling, and creamy whipped cream, this festive dessert is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s not just delicious—it’s a feast for the eyes, too!
Whether you’re hosting a grand family dinner or cozying up by the fire, this cake is guaranteed to spread cheer. Ready to impress your loved ones? Let’s dive into the details!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Roll Cake
- Stunning Presentation: This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, adorned with festive decorations.
- Deliciously Balanced Flavor: The tart cranberries and sweet whipped cream create a flavor harmony that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
- Perfect for the Season: The snowy powdered sugar and holiday-inspired garnishes make this cake a true celebration of Christmas.
- Customizable: From fillings to decorations, you can make this dessert uniquely yours.
What Does This Cake Taste Like?
The first bite is pure magic—a tender sponge cake that melts in your mouth, complemented by the vibrant zing of cranberries and the rich, creamy goodness of whipped cream. The festive toppings add a fun crunch and bursts of sweetness. It’s the holiday season captured in a dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
the Cake:
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Cranberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration:
- Extra whipped cream
- Red and green edible decorations (holly, berries, gold stars)
- Powdered sugar
Tools You’ll Need
- 15×10-inch baking sheet: To bake the sponge evenly.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking.
- Clean kitchen towel: For rolling the cake.
- Mixer: For whipping cream and mixing batter.
- Spatula: For spreading layers.
How to Make the Christmas Roll Cake
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture.
- Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched.
Make the Cranberry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (10-12 minutes).
- Let it cool completely.
Whip the Cream
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Roll
- Turn the cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel while still warm.
- Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Spread whipped cream over the cake, leaving 1 inch from the edges.
- Add cranberry filling on top of the whipped cream.
- Roll the cake tightly using the towel as a guide.
Chill and Decorate
- Chill the rolled cake for at least 1 hour.
- Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with whipped cream, edible decorations, and fruits.
What to Serve With Christmas Roll Cake
- Mulled Wine: Complements the tart cranberries with warm spices.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A cozy pairing with the creamy filling.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds extra indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure fluffier batter.
- Work Quickly: Roll the cake while it’s warm to avoid cracks.
- Chill Before Serving: Allows the flavors to meld and the roll to set.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Absolutely! Just thaw them before cooking to avoid excess liquid.
Can I Substitute the Cranberry Filling?
Yes, try raspberry jam, lemon curd, or chocolate ganache for a twist.
My Cake Cracked! What Can I Do?
Disguise cracks with whipped cream and decorations—it’ll still taste amazing!
A Festive Showstopper
This Christmas Roll Cake is the perfect blend of elegance, flavor, and festivity. Easy to make but impressive to serve, it’s a dessert you’ll come back to year after year.
Looking for more holiday treats? Check out these festive favorites:
I can’t wait to hear how your cake turns out! Share your creations on Pinterest or tag me in your photos. Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄❤️
PrintChristmas Roll Cake – A Festive Delight!
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Roll Cake is a light and fluffy sponge filled with tart cranberry filling and creamy whipped cream, rolled to perfection and beautifully decorated for the holiday season. A stunning and delicious centerpiece for your festive celebrations!
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- For the Cranberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Decoration:
- Extra whipped cream
- Red and green edible decorations (holly, berries, gold stars)
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15×10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly greased.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Mix in vanilla extract.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together; fold gently into the egg mixture.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until it springs back when touched.
- For the cranberry filling: Cook cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (10-12 minutes). Let cool.
- For the whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Turn the baked cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel while warm. Peel off the parchment paper.
- Spread whipped cream over the cake, leaving a 1-inch border. Add cranberry filling on top of the whipped cream.
- Roll the cake tightly using the towel to guide. Chill for at least 1 hour to set.
- Decorate with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and festive edible decorations. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitutions: Swap cranberries with raspberries or try lemon curd for a tangy twist.
- Pro Tip: Roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracks.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Christmas, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg