If you’re looking to create a show-stopping dessert this holiday season, this Christmas Cake Roll Recipe is absolutely a must-try. It’s a delightful, spiced sponge cake rolled with a luscious cream cheese filling that tastes just like festive magic. The combination of warm cinnamon and nutmeg with the creamy, slightly boozy filling makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re serving it as the grand finale to your Christmas dinner or bringing it to a holiday gathering, this cake roll is sure to spread joy and sweet holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Cake Roll Recipe is simple yet essential, playing its own part in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and holiday spirit. From the aromatic spices that bring warmth to the cake, to the silky cream cheese filling that offers a smooth contrast, these ingredients combine effortlessly to make something truly special.
- 3 large eggs: The base of the sponge cake, providing structure and richness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warm vanilla notes.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Gives the cake its tender crumb without weighing it down.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises nicely and stays airy.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that unmistakable holiday spice warmth.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty and sweet flavor twist.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and spice.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Perfect finishing touch for a pretty presentation and added sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks to make the filling light and fluffy.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the filling, lending tang and smoothness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without graininess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enriches the flavor of the filling for a cohesive balance.
- 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional): Adds a festive and slightly boozy note for grown-up palates.
- Sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar for garnish: Make your cake as festive or elegant as you like.
How to Make Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) which ensures the perfect baking environment for your cake to rise and set just right. Grease your 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper—a step that might seem small but is crucial for rolling the cake easily later on.
Step 2: Whip Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow—this usually takes about 5 minutes. This aeration is the secret behind a spongy light cake. Then add vanilla extract to infuse your batter with sweet, aromatic depth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl. These spices give the cake its Christmas charm. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture with care, making sure not to deflate all the air you worked so hard to create.
Step 4: Add Milk and Butter
Heat the milk and melted butter slightly until just warm, then fold them into the cake batter. This blend keeps the batter moist and ensures the finished texture is tender and delicate.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This brief baking time keeps the sponge soft and pliable for rolling.
Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm
Right after removing from the oven, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel. This step helps your cake “remember” its rolled shape and prevents cracking when you fill it later.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—a soft, billowy cloud of indulgence. Separately, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into this mixture for a filling that is both light and luxuriously creamy. Add brandy or rum now if you want a boozy touch to brighten the flavors.
Step 8: Unroll and Fill the Cake
When the cake is cooled fully, gently unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface. Then roll it back up carefully—this time without the towel—so it’s stuffed with delicious creamy goodness.
Step 9: Chill and Set
Transfer the filled cake roll to a serving plate and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This step lets the filling firm up and the flavors meld, making the roll easier to slice and even more delightful to eat.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and decorate with your choice of sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or festive holiday decorations to make your dessert as beautiful as it is tasty.
How to Serve Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Decorating your Christmas Cake Roll Recipe is where you can really have fun. From simple powdered sugar to glittering sprinkles or dark chocolate shavings, garnishes add visual appeal and a little extra flavor or texture contrast, making your dessert festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake roll pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of extra whipped cream for those who want more creaminess. For an adult twist, serving it alongside a warm cup of mulled wine or spiced coffee creates a cozy holiday experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, slice the roll into delicate rounds and arrange them on a decorative platter with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. You can even add edible gold leaf or fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated holiday look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which would be lucky!), wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It can keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy filling and soft texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the Christmas Cake Roll Recipe by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then placing it in an airtight container or freeze bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving to keep the texture intact and the flavors fresh.
Reheating
This cake roll is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow slices to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I make the filling without alcohol?
Absolutely! The brandy or rum is optional and can be skipped entirely or replaced with vanilla extra or a splash of orange juice to keep the filling festive and flavorful without the alcohol.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet or shallow cake pan works just fine, as long as it’s roughly the same size so the cake bakes evenly and stays thin enough to roll without cracking.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
The trick is to roll the cake while it is still warm and pliable using a powdered sugar-dusted towel. This helps the cake “remember” its rolled shape and avoid breakage when filled.
Can I use a different filling?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with chocolate mousse, jam, or even a fruit compote for a different twist on the traditional cream cheese filling.
How far in advance can I prepare this cake roll?
You can prepare and assemble the cake roll up to one day ahead. Just make sure to chill it overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cake Roll Recipe is truly a gift to your holiday celebrations. Its cozy spices, luscious filling, and festive presentation make it a dessert that brings warmth and smiles to any gathering. I encourage you to try it this season—you’ll discover it’s not just a cake but a joyful tradition in every slice.
Print
Description
This delightful Christmas Cake Roll features a light and fluffy spiced sponge cake filled with a creamy, luscious cream cheese and whipped cream filling. Rolled and chilled to perfection, this festive dessert is elegantly dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with sprinkles or chocolate shavings, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional)
For Garnish
- Sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake rolls easily after baking.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has increased in volume, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and beat again to combine fully.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture, folding gently to avoid deflating the batter.
- Add milk and butter: Warmly combine the milk and melted unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave, then fold this mixture carefully into the batter until smooth and homogenous.
- Bake the sponge: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Roll cake while warm: Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel that has been dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake tightly up with the towel. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled shape to set the form.
- Prepare the filling: While the cake cools, beat the heavy whipping cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Optionally, add brandy or rum for extra flavor.
- Unroll and fill: Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the cream filling evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake carefully without the towel to avoid cracking.
- Chill to set: Transfer the assembled cake roll to a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the filling set and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, dust the cake roll with powdered sugar and decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or festive holiday decorations as preferred.
Notes
- Rolling the cake while still warm helps prevent cracks in the sponge.
- You can substitute the brandy or rum in the filling with orange juice or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Use a clean kitchen towel and generously dusted powdered sugar to prevent sticking when rolling the cake.
- The cake roll can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, improving flavor and ease of serving.
