Christmas Cake Roll Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious, festive treats that bring warmth and joy to your home. One classic favorite that never fails to impress is the Christmas cake roll.

This delightful dessert combines the fluffy, moist texture of a sponge cake with rich, spiced flavors and a luscious filling, rolled into a beautiful spiral that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a special sweet to share with family, this cake roll offers a perfect balance of tradition and creativity.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a soft vanilla sponge infused with seasonal spices, filled with a creamy buttercream and dotted with dried fruits and nuts for that quintessential Christmas touch.

Easy to prepare yet spectacular to serve, this cake roll will soon become a holiday staple. Plus, it’s a fantastic canvas for your own festive decorations and flavor twists.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas cake roll recipe stands out because it’s:

• Simple and straightforward: Even if you’re new to baking, the step-by-step instructions will guide you through making a flawless sponge and rolling it without cracks.
• Customizable: Add your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or spices to tailor it to your family’s taste.
• Show-stopping presentation: The spiral roll reveals a beautiful pattern once sliced, making it perfect for festive gatherings.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld wonderfully.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk, warmed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, chopped dried apricots, cranberries)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• For the filling: 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk or cream
• Optional: 2 tbsp brandy or orange juice for soaking fruits

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve
• 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Wire rack for cooling
• Kitchen towel (clean, lint-free)
• Knife for trimming and slicing

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Soak the dried fruits (optional): Place dried fruits in a small bowl with brandy or orange juice and let soak while you prepare the batter. This keeps them plump and flavorful.
4. Beat eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until thick, pale, and tripled in volume (about 5-7 minutes). This aeration is key for a light sponge.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
6. Fold in dry ingredients: Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture in thirds, being careful not to deflate the batter.
7. Add liquids and melted butter: Warm the milk and stir in vanilla extract. Slowly fold the milk and melted butter into the batter until smooth and well combined.
8. Drain and fold in dried fruits and nuts: If you soaked the fruits, drain them well. Fold the dried fruits and chopped nuts gently into the batter.
9. Bake the sponge: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread to the edges. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the sponge springs back when lightly touched.
10. Roll the cake: Immediately after baking, while still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, roll the cake and towel together into a spiral. Let cool completely this way to set the shape.
11. Prepare the filling: Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
12. Unroll and fill: Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the buttercream filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border at the edges.
13. Re-roll the cake: Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
14. Serve: Slice into 1-inch pieces and garnish as desired with powdered sugar, holly sprigs, or festive decorations.

Tips & Variations

“For a moister cake, try brushing the sponge with a simple syrup flavored with orange zest before spreading the filling.”

• Fruit variations: Swap dried fruits for your favorites like cherries, figs, or dates.
• Nut-free option: Omit nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
• Filling alternatives: Use cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a spiced jam for a different twist.
• Decorations: Dust with cocoa powder, drizzle with melted chocolate, or decorate with festive sprinkles.
• Make it vegan: For a vegan version, try our Best Vegan Christmas Pudding Recipe or explore vegan butter substitutes from Butter Substitute Recipe Vegan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas cake roll is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic approach, serve slices dusted with powdered sugar alongside a cup of hot mulled wine or spiced tea.

The warm spices in the cake complement these cozy beverages beautifully.

For a more indulgent dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also plate with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair.

This dessert shines at holiday gatherings, where its festive look and rich flavors are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re interested in exploring more festive recipes, check out our Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats or warm up with hearty dishes like Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy.

Conclusion

Creating a Christmas cake roll is a rewarding way to add a homemade touch to your holiday celebrations. Its tender sponge, infused with warm spices and studded with festive fruits and nuts, paired with a rich buttercream filling, makes it a treat that guests will remember long after the season ends.

The rolling technique may seem intimidating at first, but with patience and the right tools, you’ll master it quickly and enjoy the beautiful spiral effect that makes this cake a showstopper.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of tradition and creativity. Plus, it pairs perfectly with other seasonal dishes and desserts.

For more inspiration on hearty meals and delicious treats that go well with this cake roll, explore our Vegan Pinwheel Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious or our flavorful Best Indian Vegetarian Starter Recipes for Every Occasion.

Happy baking and joyous holidays!

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