Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert that will leave your guests in awe this holiday season? What if we told you that the Christmas Roll, a delightful and visually stunning cake, could be easier to make than you think? This elegant dessert combines soft, spongy cake with sweet filling and is a perfect centerpiece for your festive table. But is it truly as difficult to create as it looks? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and uncover the secrets of mastering the Christmas Roll!

Ingredients Needed

Creating a sumptuous Christmas Roll requires the perfect blend of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

¾ cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cake. Feel free to use gluten-free flour as a substitute for a gluten-free option.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Essential for that light, airy texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the cake.
4 large eggs (room temperature, separated into whites and yolks): Eggs are crucial for structure and moisture.
1 teaspoon white vinegar: Enhances the volume of egg whites when whipped.
¾ cup granulated sugar (divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup): Sweetens the cake and filling.
¼ cup whole milk & 1 tablespoon whole milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract & ½ teaspoon almond extract: These extract flavors elevate the overall taste.
1½ tablespoons red and green holiday sprinkles: For that festive touch!
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting): A sweet finish to the roll.
½ cup salted sweet cream butter (softened): Introduces richness and creaminess.
¼ cup vegetable shortening: Helps create a stable frosting.
1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavor: Ensures that the flavor remains vibrant.
2 cups powdered sugar & 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream: For the luscious buttercream filling.
1½ cups white chocolate chips (preferably good quality like Ghirardelli): Brings a creamy sweetness.
Sprinkles (red, green, and white holiday nonpareil sprinkles or decorating sprinkles): For decoration and visual appeal!

Timing

Are you wondering how long it takes to whip up this sensational Christmas Roll? From prep to plate, you’ll need about 90 minutes—which is 20% less time than the average holiday dessert recipe. Here’s the breakdown:

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 40 minutes
Filling & Decorating Time: 5 minutes

How to Make Christmas Roll

Now, let’s get into the fun part! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your Christmas Roll.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Beat Egg Yolks

In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with ½ cup of granulated sugar until creamy. Add whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and blend well.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yolk mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Whip Egg Whites

In another bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar and whip until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whites into the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cake should spring back when touched.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.

Step 8: Roll the Cake

Starting from the short end, roll the cake up in the towel and allow it to cool completely while rolled.

Step 9: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together butter, shortening, vanilla, almond extract, powdered sugar, and enough heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.

Step 10: Assemble the Roll

Unroll the cooled cake and spread the buttercream filling evenly. Roll it back up gently, placing it seam-side down.

Step 11: Decorate

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the roll and sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles on top.

Nutritional Information

One serving of the Christmas Roll generally contains approximately:

Calories: 250-300
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g

These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and specific quantities used.

Healthier Alternatives For Christmas Roll

Want to make a healthier version of the Christmas Roll? Here are some modifications you might consider:

Substitute half the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or honey.
Use whole wheat flour or almond flour to boost fiber content.
Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

The Christmas Roll isn’t just delicious—it’s also versatile! Here are some ideas for serving this delightful dessert:

Slice it into rounds and serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Pair it with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Use it as a base for a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday sweets.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

To ensure your Christmas Roll turns out perfectly, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix gently!
Forgetting the vinegar can result in egg whites that don’t whip up properly—don’t skip it!
Be patient while cooling—if you roll the cake while it’s still hot, it may crack.

Storing Tips For Christmas Roll

Have leftovers? Here’s how to store your Christmas Roll:

Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it—just wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap, good for up to 3 months!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a wonderful, festive Christmas Roll to share with your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try this easy recipe—it’s sure to brighten your holiday gatherings. If you enjoyed making this delightful dessert, please drop a comment below, share your experience, or explore more of our festive recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for dairy in the Christmas Roll?

You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Can I prepare the Christmas Roll in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day before and fill and decorate it on the day you plan to serve it.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done baking when it springs back when touched lightly or when an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

What should I do if the cake cracks while rolling?

If your cake cracks, don’t worry! You can cover it with frosting or chocolate and decorate it to hide any imperfections.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.

Try this recipe today and embark on the journey to creating a stunning Christmas Roll that can become a cherished tradition in your household!

Christmas Roll

Author: linda
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and visually stunning cake that combines soft, spongy cake with sweet filling, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs (room temperature, separated into whites and yolks)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
¾ cup granulated sugar (divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup)
¼ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon whole milk
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
1½ tablespoons red and green holiday sprinkles
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
½ cup salted sweet cream butter (softened)
¼ cup vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavor
2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
1½ cups white chocolate chips
Additional holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 15×10-inch pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Beat egg yolks with ½ cup of granulated sugar until creamy, then add whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the yolk mixture, mixing until combined.
Whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar and whip until stiff peaks.
Fold whipped egg whites into the batter.
Spread the batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely while rolled.
Prepare the filling by beating together butter, shortening, clear vanilla flavor, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
Unroll the cooled cake, spread the buttercream filling, then roll it back up seam-side down.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the roll and sprinkle with holiday decorations.

Notes

Wrap the roll in plastic wrap for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 275
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: holiday dessert, yule log, festive cake roll, Christmas dessert, rolled cake

Christmas Roll: A Holiday Delight That Will Impress Everyone