The Jolliest Christmas Roll Cake Recipe for Holiday Magic
Sweet aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg dance through my kitchen whenever I craft this delightful christmas roll cake that reminds me of childhood winters.
Memories flood back with each delicate slice of rolled sponge.
My grandmother’s cherished recipe whispers culinary secrets passed through generations.
Soft, pillowy layers promise pure comfort and joy.
Festive decorations make this dessert shine like a sparkling holiday centerpiece.
Delicate cream filling and gentle sprinkles create magic on every plate.
Bake alongside me and let seasonal cheer fill your home with warmth.
What Makes the Christmas Roll Cake So Fun
Unleash Holiday Cheer: This Christmas roll cake brings festive magic right to your kitchen, creating joyful memories with every slice.
Quick and Effortless Delight: Surprisingly simple to prepare, this dessert requires minimal baking skills and delivers maximum wow factor for holiday gatherings.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for Christmas parties, family dinners, or cozy winter evenings, this roll cake suits all festive occasions with its rich chocolate and creamy filling.
Customizable Christmas Treat: Easily adaptable with different decorations or flavor variations, making it a flexible dessert that can match any holiday theme or personal preference.
Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Pizza Ingredients
Cake Base:
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cake's foundation.
Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
Liquid Ingredients:
Milk: Adds moisture to the cake batter.
Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy filling.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the cream filling.
Topping Ingredients:
Heavy Cream: Used for creating smooth ganache.
Chocolate Chips: Provides rich chocolate coating.
Steps for Christmas Roll Cake Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Baking Space
Set your oven to toasty 350°F. Grab a jelly roll pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Line the pan with parchment paper, making sure it fits snugly and smoothly.
Step 2: Craft the Chocolatey Batter
Gather your dry ingredients and sift them together carefully:
Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt
In a separate large mixing bowl, whip up the eggs and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Pour in the vanilla and milk, stirring gently. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Base
Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up in a clean kitchen towel, keeping the parchment paper inside. Let it cool completely.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
Blend together:
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Whip until soft, dreamy peaks form.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream evenly across the surface. Carefully roll the cake back up, creating a beautiful spiral.
Step 6: Create the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth.
Step 7: Final Festive Touch
Drizzle and spread the ganache over the entire roll cake. Allow the chocolate to set for 15-20 minutes. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or add festive decorations to make it extra special.
Roll Cake Tips That Turn into Christmas Dessert Stars
Master the Towel Technique: Roll the warm cake in a clean towel immediately after baking to prevent cracking and help create a perfect spiral shape without breaking.
Whip Cream with Precision: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the cream reach soft peaks faster and maintain a stable, fluffy texture.
Ganache Smoothness Trick: Let the hot cream sit on chocolate chips for exactly 2-3 minutes to ensure a silky, lump-free chocolate coating that spreads beautifully.
Temperature Control Matters: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding whipped cream to prevent melting and maintain the structural integrity of your roll cake.
Slice with Finesse: Use a warm, clean knife and wipe between cuts to get perfect, clean slices that showcase the beautiful spiral design.
Storage Tips For Christmas Roll Cake
Store the Christmas roll cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moisture.
Carefully wrap the cake in multiple layers of plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Cut individual portions and store them separately in sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can make the cake tough. For a slightly warm experience, place a slice on a plate and warm in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.
Roast Beef Tenderloin Pairing Ideas
Festive Flavor Companions: Pair Christmas Roll Cake
Mellow Mulled Wine Companion: Rich red wine with cinnamon and orange zest perfectly complements the chocolate roll cake's deep cocoa notes, creating a warm winter beverage experience that enhances the dessert's festive spirit.
Peppermint Punch Partner: Chilled peppermint schnapps or a cool peppermint hot chocolate provides a refreshing contrast to the cake's rich ganache, adding a classic holiday flavor profile that dances on the palate.
Cinnamon Spice Sidekick: A spiced chai latte with extra cinnamon and nutmeg mirrors the cake's warm undertones, delivering a cozy drinking experience that harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate's deep flavors.
Nutty Nibble Enhancer: Roasted almonds or candied pecans served alongside the roll cake add a delightful crunch and nutty complexity that elevates the dessert's texture and brings out subtle chocolate undertones.
Salmon Puff Pastry Pizza Squares
Gluten-Free Christmas Roll Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
Dairy-Free Holiday Roll Cake: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for filling and use dairy-free chocolate chips for ganache, perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Low-Sugar Christmas Roll: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delightful flavor profile.
Vegan Festive Roll Cake: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and select vegan chocolate chips to create a completely animal-product-free version that everyone can enjoy.
FAQs
Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?
Rolling cakes can seem intimidating, but this recipe is actually quite simple. The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm and use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Take your time and be gentle, and you’ll succeed.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake roll a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Just add the ganache right before serving to maintain the best texture and appearance.
What if my cake cracks when rolling?
Don’t worry! Small cracks are normal and usually happen to everyone. The whipped cream filling and ganache will help hide any imperfections. The taste will still be delicious, and most people won’t even notice.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan. It should be springy to the touch and have a light, spongy texture.
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR) Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.
Clara Thompson
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.