Festive Holiday Celebration Cake Roll Recipe

Festive & Fluffy Holiday Celebration Cake Roll Recipe

Festive desserts always bring smiles, and this holiday celebration cake roll captures the essence of seasonal joy with its delightful swirls and rich flavors.

The cake roll, a true centerpiece of winter gatherings, blends soft sponge with creamy filling in a stunning display of culinary magic.

Layers of delicate texture and sweet comfort dance across each slice, promising a memorable treat for everyone at the table.

Warm spices and gentle sweetness weave through the recipe, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft this impressive confection that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

The beautiful spiral pattern and festive appearance make this cake roll a showstopper at any holiday party.

Dive into this delectable creation and watch as your guests marvel at your baking prowess.

What You’ll Need to Bake a Holiday Celebration Cake Roll

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the festive sponge cake.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a lighter, softer texture by softening the flour's protein.
  • Eggs, Egg Yolks: Deliver rich flavor, moisture, and help bind the cake together.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden, delicate cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor and aromatic depth to the cake.
  • Red and Green Batter Bits: Brings holiday cheer and festive color to the sponge.
For Filling and Frosting:
  • Butter: Creates smooth, creamy base for buttercream with rich flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve silky frosting consistency.
  • Cream: Thins buttercream to perfect spreading texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances buttercream's flavor profile.
  • Sprinkles: Adds playful color and celebratory texture to filling.
For Decoration:
  • White Chocolate: Provides elegant drizzle and glossy finish.
  • Additional Sprinkles: Creates festive, colorful final touch to cake roll.

Tools That Help Make the Perfect Cake Roll

  • Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping eggs and creating a light, fluffy batter with paddle and whisk attachments.
  • 17×12 Jelly/Sheet Pan: Perfect for baking the thin, delicate cake roll base.
  • Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy cake removal and preventing sticking.
  • Sifter: Helps evenly distribute flour and cornstarch without lumps.
  • Whisk: Great for blending buttercream filling and whisking egg whites.
  • Dishtowel: Needed for rolling and shaping the cake while cooling.
  • Wire Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly without trapping moisture.
  • Spatula: Helps spread batter and filling smoothly.
  • Mixing Bowls: Necessary for separating and mixing different components.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

Rolling Out the Steps for a Holiday Celebration Cake Roll

  • Holiday Festivity

A delightful cake roll that captures the spirit of celebration, bringing joy and sweetness to your gathering. This delectable dessert transforms simple ingredients into a magical treat that will impress your guests.

  • Cake Preparation

Create a fluffy base by whipping eggs and sugar into a light, airy mixture. Gently fold in flour to maintain the delicate texture that makes this roll so special. The key is to be gentle and preserve the wonderful airiness.

  • Meringue Magic

Whip egg whites into a cloud-like foam that will give the cake its incredible lightness. The meringue acts like a secret weapon, creating a texture that melts in your mouth and leaves everyone wanting more.

  • Baking Brilliance

Spread the batter carefully on a prepared pan, watching it transform in the oven. The cake should emerge golden and springy, promising a light and delicious experience. Quick action is crucial – transfer immediately to prevent overcooking.

  • Filling Fantasy

Craft a creamy buttercream that will become the heart of your cake roll. Mix until smooth and luxurious, creating a filling that complements the delicate cake perfectly. The secret is in achieving just the right consistency.

  • Rolling Perfection

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the buttercream with a gentle touch. Roll it back up, creating beautiful swirls of flavor and texture. Refrigeration helps the roll set and intensifies the flavors.

  • Festive Finale

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the chilled roll, adding a touch of sparkle and excitement. Sprinkle additional decorations to make the cake truly spectacular. Let the chocolate set, transforming your creation into a work of art.

Flavor Tips and Festive Ideas for This Cake Roll

  • Festive Cake Roll Magic: Unlock delightful baking secrets and creative twists for your holiday dessert.
  • Texture Perfection Hack: Whip egg whites and sugar meticulously to create an incredibly light, airy cake that melts in your mouth. The key is maintaining gentle folding techniques to preserve those delicate air bubbles.
  • Color Play Technique: Experiment with different food coloring shades to match seasonal themes. Red and green work wonderfully for Christmas, but pastels suit spring, bright colors for summer celebrations.
  • Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare the cake roll up to two days in advance and store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside the refrigerator. This strategy reduces day-of stress and allows flavors to develop beautifully.
  • Flavor Adventure Station: Swap vanilla extract with peppermint, almond, or orange extracts for unexpected taste sensations. Consider adding crushed candy canes, toasted nuts, or mini chocolate chips into the buttercream for extra excitement.

Serving a Holiday Cake Roll With Cheer

  • Festive Family Gathering: Perfect for holiday parties, this cake roll becomes the centerpiece that brings everyone together. Slice and serve on a beautiful platter to create memories around the dessert table.
  • Sweet Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Neighbors, teachers, and friends will adore this personal touch during holiday seasons.
  • Brunch Celebration Centerpiece: Pair the cake roll with hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful morning treat. Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to elevate the dessert experience and create a wow factor for weekend brunches.
  • Kids' Decorating Party: Invite children to help drizzle white chocolate or sprinkle extra decorations on the cake roll. This interactive dessert turns baking into a fun, memorable family activity that sparks creativity and joy.

Storing and Planning Ahead With Your Cake Roll

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the cake roll tightly wrapped in plastic film to maintain moisture, preventing it from drying out in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing Friendly: Slice the cake roll into individual portions, wrap each securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months without losing flavor quality.
  • Temperature Tips: Always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator to ensure the buttercream remains firm and the cake structure holds its beautiful rolled shape, enhancing the overall taste experience.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake roll 1-2 days before your holiday event, allowing flavors to meld and reducing last-minute kitchen stress while delivering a stunning dessert that looks professionally crafted.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 13

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Festive Holiday Celebration Cake Roll Recipe

Festive Holiday Celebration Cake Roll Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Festive swiss roll delights guests with its elegant swirl of spiced sponge and creamy filling. Sweet layers showcase winter holiday flavors from European pastry traditions. Guests will savor each delicate slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup (227 g) butter, room temperature
  • 4 oz (113 g) white chocolate
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp (12 g) sugar
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) sifted cake flour
  • 3 tbsps (24 g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (40 g) red and green Wilton batter bits
  • 34 tbsps (3040 g) red and green sprinkles
  • 13 tbsps (1545 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Ignite the oven to 450°F and line a 17×12 baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a seamless cake release.
  2. Whip Base: Vigorously blend eggs, egg yolks, and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a pale, voluminous cream, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  3. Flavor Integration: Delicately fold vanilla extract, red and green festive batter bits, and sifted flour with cornstarch into the whipped egg base, maintaining its ethereal texture.
  4. Meringue Magic: Craft a glossy meringue by whisking egg whites with sugar until firm peaks form, then tenderly fold into the primary batter to preserve its light, pillowy consistency.
  5. Baking Brilliance: Spread the batter evenly on the prepared pan and bake for 6-7 minutes until golden and springy. Immediately transfer the hot cake onto a sugar-dusted dishtowel, peeling away parchment paper and gently rolling with the towel to cool.
  6. Filling Finesse: Cream butter smoothly, gradually blending powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Fold sprinkles into the buttercream, adjusting consistency with cream if needed.
  7. Assembly Artistry: Unroll the cooled cake, spread buttercream evenly, and carefully roll back into a cylindrical shape. Refrigerate for several hours to set the filling.
  8. Decorative Finale: Melt white chocolate, drizzle artfully over the chilled cake, and embellish with festive sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to set completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Preserve Cake’s Airiness: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the delicate, light texture of the batter, avoiding aggressive mixing that could deflate the eggs.
  • Master Temperature Control: Ensure oven is precisely preheated and cake is baked for exactly 6-7 minutes to prevent overbaking and dryness.
  • Perfect Rolling Technique: Use a sugar-dusted towel and roll the cake while still warm to prevent cracking and create a smooth, flexible cake roll.
  • Filling Stability Tip: Chill the cake after rolling to set the buttercream and create a firm, clean-sliced presentation that holds its shape beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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