Christmas Roll Cake – A Festive Delight!

The magic of the holiday season isn’t complete without a stunning dessert centerpiece. And this Christmas Roll Cake is just that! A soft, chocolate sponge rolled around fluffy whipped cream, topped with a glossy ganache—it’s festive, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a crowd-pleasing treat to bring along, this cake will steal the show!

Ready to wow your guests with this dreamy Christmas Roll Cake? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Roll Cake

• Festive Flavor and Look: Chocolatey sponge with snowy whipped cream inside and a ganache as glossy as a winter night sky—this cake screams holiday vibes!
• Simple Yet Impressive: It looks like a masterpiece but is surprisingly straightforward to make.
• Customizable Decorations: From powdered sugar “snow” to edible glitter, this cake gives you endless ways to dress it up for the season.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your celebration.

The combination of light sponge, airy whipped cream, and rich chocolate ganache makes every bite unforgettable. I promise—it’s like the spirit of Christmas wrapped in a cake!

this Recipe

Ingredients for Christmas Roll Cake 🎅🍫

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk

Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ganache Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Necessary Tools

• 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen towel for rolling the cake
• Hand or stand mixer for whipping cream
• Saucepan for heating cream
• Spatula for spreading ganache

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make the Christmas Roll Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease the jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Make the Cake Batter

• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
• Stir in vanilla extract and milk.
• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined (be careful not to overmix).

3. Bake the Cake

• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up in a clean kitchen towel with the parchment paper inside. This step ensures the cake holds its shape without cracking.
• Let the rolled cake cool completely.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling

• In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

5. Fill the Cake

• Once the cake is completely cooled, unroll it gently and remove the towel.
• Spread the whipped cream evenly across the cake’s surface.
• Roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place it on a serving platter.

6. Make the Ganache

• Heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer (but don’t let it boil).
• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

7. Decorate the Cake

• Pour the ganache over the rolled cake, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
• Let the ganache set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Festive Decoration Ideas 🎁

• Sugared Cranberries and Greenery: Add a natural, snowy touch with sugared cranberries and sprigs of pine.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust powdered sugar over the cake to create a snow-covered look.
• Chocolate Curls: Use a vegetable peeler to make chocolate shavings and sprinkle them over the ganache.
• Gold Glitter or Holiday Sprinkles: Add some shimmer with edible gold dust or colorful Christmas sprinkles.
• Fresh Berries and Holly: Garnish with red berries and holly leaves for a classic holiday aesthetic.

Tips for a Perfect Roll Cake 🎂

1. Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake immediately after baking prevents cracking.
2. Don’t Overfill: Be generous but careful with the whipped cream—too much can make the roll difficult to handle.
3. Use Cold Whipped Cream: Ensure the whipped cream is cold before spreading to maintain its structure.
4. Room Temperature Serving: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

How to Store Your Christmas Roll Cake

• Refrigerator: Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the roll (without ganache) for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the ganache topping fresh.

What to Serve with Christmas Roll Cake

• Mulled Wine: The spiced warmth pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
• Hot Chocolate: A cup of cocoa enhances the festive mood.
• Eggnog: This creamy classic complements the soft sponge and whipped filling.
• Fruit Salad: A light, fruity side dish balances the richness of the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different filling instead of whipped cream?
A: Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or chocolate mousse are great alternatives.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
A: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is key to preventing cracks.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for similar results.

Q: How far in advance can I make this cake?
A: You can prepare it 1-2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Wrap-Up: Celebrate with This Christmas Roll Cake!

This Christmas Roll Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience! From its luscious chocolate layers to the soft whipped cream filling and decadent ganache, every slice brings joy and indulgence. It’s the perfect sweet treat to share with family and friends during the most wonderful time of the year.

If you try this recipe, leave a review below or share your photos on Pinterest—I’d love to see how your festive roll cake turns out!

More Festive Recipes You’ll Love

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies
• Gingerbread Cake
• Christmas Cake – A Festive Masterpiece Bursting with Holiday Flavors and Joy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugars: 22g

Enjoy baking and sharing this holiday classic with your loved ones! 🎅

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