Jolly Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Treat

Sweet holiday traditions often sparkle with unexpected delights, and this Christmas raspberry cake roll recipe weaves magic onto your festive table.

Delicate layers of soft sponge cake embrace a luscious raspberry filling that dances with seasonal cheer.

Elegant yet approachable, this dessert brings professional bakery elegance right into your kitchen.

Silky smooth cream and vibrant raspberries create a stunning visual and flavor symphony.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of tender cake and bright fruit notes that will enchant your guests.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary holiday showstopper.

You’ll love how this stunning dessert becomes the centerpiece of your Christmas celebration.

Why Raspberry Cake Roll Is a Showstopper

• Impress your guests with a stunning dessert that looks professionally crafted but requires minimal baking skills.
• Easily adaptable for different occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual weekend treats, this cake roll offers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Packed with vibrant raspberries and beautiful garnishes, this dessert transforms a simple cake into a jaw-dropping centerpiece that celebrates winter festivities.
• Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels, ensuring a delightful and foolproof dessert that looks like it came from a high-end bakery.

Inside the Raspberry Cake Roll Ingredient List

• Eggs: Essential for creating a light and fluffy sponge cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake structure.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Flour: Creates the base structure of the sponge cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and softness to the cake.

• Raspberries: Provides a tangy, fruity flavor and vibrant color.
• Sugar: Sweetens the raspberry jam.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps thicken the raspberry sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese mixture.
• Whipping Cream: Adds lightness and volume to the filling.

• White Chocolate Ganache: Provides a smooth, elegant coating.
• Fresh Raspberries: Adds a pop of color and fresh fruity taste.
• Rosemary: Offers a festive and aromatic garnish.
• Star Anise: Provides a decorative and subtle spicy note.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a beautiful snowy finish.

Raspberry Cake Roll Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grease a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

This will ensure easy cake removal and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together and set aside.

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Vanilla

Whip until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which takes about 5 minutes.

Gradually fold in the flour mixture, then stir in oil for added moisture.

Step 4: Bake Sponge Cake

Pour batter onto the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

The cake is ready when it springs back lightly when touched.

Step 5: Dust With Powdered Sugar

Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cake.

This prevents sticking during rolling.

Step 6: Create Raspberry Sauce

• Raspberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

Strain through a sieve to remove seeds and let cool.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla

Slowly add chilled whipping cream.

Beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 8: Assemble Cake Roll

Carefully unroll cooled sponge cake.

Spread raspberry sauce, leaving a small border.

Layer cream cheese filling and fresh raspberries.

Gently roll the cake using a towel for guidance.

Step 9: Chill And Set

Wrap cake roll tightly in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 10: Decorate And Serve

Spread white chocolate ganache over the roll.

• Fresh raspberries
• Sugar-coated rosemary
• Star anise

Dust with powdered sugar.

Slice and serve this festive dessert.

Helpful Tips for Rolling Success

• Roll the warm cake in a clean kitchen towel immediately after baking to help it maintain flexibility and prevent breaking when filling.
• Chill cream cheese mixture thoroughly before spreading to ensure it stays firm and doesn't ooze out during rolling.
• Strain raspberry sauce completely to remove seeds and create a silky, smooth jam that won't disrupt the cake's texture.
• Use an offset spatula to distribute batter and fillings evenly, guaranteeing consistent thickness and beautiful layers.
• Decorate with sugared rosemary and star anise for an elegant Christmas touch that elevates the visual appeal of your cake roll.

Storing the Raspberry Cake Roll Properly

• Store the cake roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut the cake roll into individual portions before refrigerating. This makes reheating and serving easier, preventing unnecessary handling that could damage the delicate texture.
• Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating, as it can make the cake dry and tough. If needed, use low oven heat (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore softness.

What to Serve with Raspberry Cake Roll

• Pair with Festive Mulled Wine: Rich, spiced red wine complements the cake's sweet raspberry flavor, adding warmth and depth to each delightful bite.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream balances the cake's soft texture and cuts through the richness of the cream cheese filling.
• Match with Dark Chocolate Truffles: Intense chocolate notes enhance the raspberry's tartness, creating a luxurious dessert experience that feels indulgent and sophisticated.
• Enjoy with Champagne Cocktail: Sparkling wine with a hint of elderflower liqueur provides a light, effervescent contrast to the cake's dense, creamy composition.

Fun Variations on the Raspberry Roll

• Gluten-Free Holiday Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vegan Christmas Celebration Roll: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of dairy cream cheese, and select plant-based whipping cream. Choose vegan white chocolate for the ganache topping.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Dessert: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free raspberry preserves and reduce overall sugar content in cream cheese filling. Garnish with fresh berries for natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Festive Roll: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream cheese alternative. Use dairy-free whipping cream and ensure all ingredients match dietary restrictions. Maintain the gorgeous raspberry flavor profile.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and roll the cake while it’s still warm. This helps the cake stay flexible and prevents cracking.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake roll a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator and add the final decorations just before serving.

• What if I don't have fresh raspberries?

You can use frozen raspberries or substitute with another berry like strawberries. Just ensure you drain excess liquid if using frozen berries.

• Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?

This recipe requires some technique but is manageable with patience. Following the steps carefully and using the kitchen towel for rolling will help ensure success.

Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Festive winter magic happens when delicate Christmas raspberry cake roll meets holiday cheer. Sweet raspberry swirls and light sponge cake create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure seasonal joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Roll Base:

• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup (135g) sugar
• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (28g) vegetable oil

Filling and Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 9 ounces (250g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240g) whipping cream, chilled
• 10 ounces (300g) raspberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice

Decoration and Topping:

• 6 ounces (180g) white chocolate
• 1/4 cup (60g) whipping cream
• Pinch of salt
• 9 ounces (250g) fresh raspberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Star anise
• Fresh rosemary
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and a light grease coating for easy cake removal.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Set aside for later integration.
3. Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency, which typically takes around 5 minutes. Gently incorporate the dry ingredients, then fold in oil to ensure moisture.
4. Pour batter onto the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake surface gently springs back when touched.
5. Immediately dust the hot cake with powdered sugar to prevent sticking during rolling. This technique helps create a smooth, flexible cake surface.
6. Create raspberry sauce by combining raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring consistently. Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds and allow to cool completely.
7. Prepare cream cheese filling by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually incorporate chilled whipping cream, beating until stiff peaks form.
8. Carefully unroll cooled sponge cake and spread raspberry sauce, leaving a small border. Layer cream cheese filling and scatter fresh raspberries across the surface.
9. Roll the cake gently using the parchment paper as a guide, ensuring a tight, even formation. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to set.
10. Finish by coating the roll with white chocolate ganache. Garnish with fresh raspberries, sugared rosemary sprigs, and star anise. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make the cake roll suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a diabetic-friendly version of the dessert.
• Enhance the cake’s moisture by adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter, creating a richer texture.
• Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper for easier cake removal and more consistent baking results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg