Holiday Celebration Cake Roll Recipe

Festive Holiday Celebration Cake Roll Recipe: Sweet Spirals of Joy

Sweet memories unfold with this holiday celebration cake roll, a delightful dessert that captures the spirit of joyful gatherings.

Soft, elegant layers promise a magical culinary experience that dances between tradition and innovation.

Delicate textures and rich flavors intertwine, creating a sensational treat that sparks warm conversations.

Imagine a dessert so inviting that every slice tells a story of love and connection.

Intricate swirls and smooth fillings blend seamlessly, promising a moment of pure indulgence.

Festive and charming, this dessert brings people together with its irresistible appeal.

You will find yourself enchanted by its whimsical presentation and comforting taste.

Explore this delectable journey that celebrates happiness in every single bite.

How to Store Without Crushing That Roll

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: Slice the cake roll before freezing individual portions. Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serve: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the buttercream and restore its delicate texture. Enjoy at room temperature for the best flavor and consistency.

Pairing This Cake With Drinks or Sweets

  • Festive Wine Harmony: Pair this holiday cake roll with a sweet moscato or a sparkling prosecco that complements the cake's sugary buttercream and festive sprinkles.
  • Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a rich espresso or a smooth cappuccino to balance the cake's sweetness and enhance the dessert's celebratory feel.
  • Flavor-Boosting Garnish: Top the cake with fresh cranberries or candied orange peel to add a zesty contrast to the buttercream and provide a sophisticated holiday touch.
  • Dessert Beverage Finale: Enjoy with a small glass of vanilla-infused liqueur or a light eggnog to elevate the cake's festive flavors and create a memorable holiday dessert experience.

Flavor Options to Try Next Time

  • Festive Chocolate Marble Cake Roll: Replace green and red batter bits with chocolate swirls by adding cocoa powder to half the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns throughout the cake.
  • Winter Peppermint Cream Roll: Incorporate peppermint extract into the buttercream filling and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a refreshing holiday flavor profile.
  • Nutty Caramel Holiday Roll: Mix chopped toasted pecans into the buttercream and drizzle caramel sauce over the white chocolate coating for a rich, indulgent version of the classic cake roll.
  • Berry Festive Cake Roll: Fold freeze-dried raspberry powder into the cake batter and add raspberry preserves to the buttercream filling for a tangy, fruity alternative that captures holiday brightness.

Holiday Cake Roll FAQ Guide

  • Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake roll 1-2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles right before serving.

  • What if I don't have a jelly roll pan?

A similar sized baking sheet will work fine. The key is having a large, flat pan with low sides that allows the thin cake batter to spread evenly.

  • How do I prevent my cake roll from cracking?

Roll the warm cake in the sugared towel immediately after baking while it’s still flexible. This helps the cake maintain its shape and prevents cracking when you add the filling later.

  • Can I freeze this holiday cake roll?

Absolutely! Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Why This Cake Roll Is a Holiday Must-Have

  • This holiday cake roll bursts with cheerful colors and delightful taste, making it a perfect centerpiece for seasonal celebrations.
  • The light, airy meringue-infused cake creates an incredibly soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, while the creamy buttercream filling adds rich smoothness.
  • With simple steps and quick baking time, this recipe becomes a stress-free dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal technical baking skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • The recipe allows easy personalization with different sprinkle colors, making it adaptable for various holiday themes and personal preferences.

Festive Ingredients That Make It Shine

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Egg Yolks: The foundation of the cake's structure and rich flavor. Fresh, room temperature eggs work best.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, airy texture. Granulated white sugar is ideal.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
  • Flour, Cornstarch: Create the cake's delicate structure. Use cake flour for the most tender result.
  • Red and Green Batter Bits: Adds festive holiday color. Gel food coloring provides vibrant, concentrated color.
Meringue Ingredients:
  • Egg Whites: Creates lightness and volume in the cake. Use fresh, room temperature whites for best volume.
  • Sugar: Stabilizes the meringue and adds sweetness. Fine granulated sugar works perfectly.
Filling and Decoration Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates creamy, rich filling. Unsalted butter gives better control of sweetness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream. Sifted sugar prevents lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances filling's flavor. Pure extract provides the best taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Adjusts buttercream consistency. Use cold cream for best results.
  • Sprinkles: Adds festive decoration. Holiday-colored sprinkles work great.
  • White Chocolate: Creates decorative drizzle. High-quality chocolate melts smoothly.

How to Roll It Without Breaking

Step 1: Whip Up Festive Batter

Crack eggs and egg yolks into a mixing bowl. Add sugar and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract. Gently sift flour and cornstarch over the egg mixture, folding carefully to maintain airiness. Create colorful swirls by adding red and green food coloring.

Step 2: Create Airy Meringue

In a separate clean bowl, whip egg whites with a sprinkle of sugar until stiff peaks form. Delicately fold the meringue into the batter, preserving the light, cloudlike texture.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Canvas

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a 17×12 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 6-7 minutes until the cake turns golden and springs back when touched. Work quickly for the next steps!

Step 5: Shape the Rolled Masterpiece

Immediately flip the cake onto a sugar-dusted kitchen towel. Carefully peel off parchment paper. Dust with more powdered sugar and gently roll the cake with the towel. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Filling

Whip butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually blend in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Thin with cream if needed. Fold in sprinkles gently to prevent color bleeding.

Step 7: Assemble the Celebration Roll

Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread the buttercream filling evenly across the surface. Roll the cake back up, creating a beautiful spiral of color and flavor.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake roll for several hours to help it firm up and set perfectly.

Step 9: Add Spectacular Finishing Touches

Melt white chocolate and drizzle artfully over the chilled cake. Sprinkle additional decorative sprinkles for extra festive flair. Let the chocolate set before slicing and serving.

Serving Tip: Slice the cake roll with a sharp knife for clean, beautiful pieces that showcase the colorful interior and creamy filling.

Tips for Fluffy Cake and Smooth Filling

  • Master the Egg Technique: Whip eggs and sugar thoroughly until pale and fluffy, which creates the perfect light and airy cake texture that won't become dense or tough.
  • Control Baking Precision: Watch the cake closely during the short 6-7 minute baking window, as ovens vary and golden color indicates optimal doneness without drying out the delicate sponge.
  • Prevent Cracking When Rolling: Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar and roll the cake immediately after baking while still warm to ensure a smooth, flexible roll without unwanted cracks.
  • Balance Buttercream Consistency: Add cream gradually to the filling to achieve a spreadable texture that's not too runny or stiff, which helps create clean, even layers inside the cake roll.
  • Chill for Clean Slicing: Refrigerate the assembled cake roll for several hours before drizzling chocolate, allowing the filling to set and ensuring neat, picture-perfect slices when cutting.
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Holiday Celebration Cake Roll Recipe

Holiday Celebration Cake Roll Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive Swiss roll combines classic holiday cheer with delicate sponge and creamy filling. Winter’s sweet embrace delivers a perfect dessert that delights family gatherings with elegant simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 4 oz white chocolate

Flour and Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ⅓ cup sifted cake flour
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Flavoring and Decorative Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup red and green wilton batter bits
  • 34 tablespoons red and green sprinkles
  • 13 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Energize the oven to a scorching 450 degrees fahrenheit, preparing a 17×12 baking surface with parchment paper to ensure smooth cake release.
  2. Whip eggs and egg yolks with sugar using an electric mixer, transforming the mixture into a pale, voluminous cream through vigorous blending for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Gently incorporate vanilla extract into the whipped egg mixture, maintaining its delicate airiness.
  4. Softly sift flour and cornstarch over the egg base, folding with a light touch to preserve the mixture’s ethereal texture.
  5. Delicately integrate red and green festive batter bits throughout the mixture.
  6. Separately whisk egg whites with sugar, creating a glossy meringue with firm, sturdy peaks that will provide lift and airiness to the cake.
  7. Tenderly fold the meringue into the primary batter, preserving its delicate structure and ensuring a light, pillowy consistency.
  8. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a uniform cake layer.
  9. Bake for 6-7 minutes until the surface turns a golden hue and springs back when gently pressed.
  10. Immediately transfer the hot cake onto a sugar-dusted dishtowel, carefully peeling away the parchment paper.
  11. Gently roll the cake with the towel, allowing it to cool completely and maintain its curved shape.
  12. Cream butter until smooth, gradually blending powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a luscious filling.
  13. Adjust the filling’s consistency with cream if needed, ensuring a spreadable texture.
  14. Fold sprinkles into the buttercream, being careful to prevent color bleeding.
  15. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the buttercream evenly across its surface.
  16. Carefully roll the cake back into its original cylindrical shape.
  17. Refrigerate the rolled cake for several hours to set the filling and stabilize the structure.
  18. Melt white chocolate and artfully drizzle over the chilled cake.
  19. Embellish with additional festive sprinkles for a decorative finish.
  20. Allow the chocolate drizzle to set completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Master festive baking skills with this colorful holiday cake roll that combines playful colors and delightful texture.
  • Precise temperature and timing are crucial, so preheat the oven exactly to 450 degrees and bake for only 6-7 minutes to prevent overbaking.
  • Gentle folding techniques preserve the meringue’s airiness, ensuring a light, tender cake that rolls smoothly without cracking.
  • Create a perfectly smooth filling by gradually incorporating powdered sugar and adjusting consistency with cream for spreadable buttercream.
  • Refrigeration helps set the cake roll’s shape and allows flavors to meld, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.
  • White chocolate drizzle and sprinkles transform this classic roll into a festive showstopper that will impress family and friends.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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