I have so much love for this Christmas Roll Cake — it’s festive, light, and absolutely stunning on the holiday dessert table. Every bite is a delicious blend of soft, spongy cake rolled around a luscious creamy filling, often topped with powdered sugar, cocoa, or festive decorations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your first roll cake, this Christmas Roll Cake recipe is foolproof, beautiful, and guaranteed to impress your family and guests.
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Overview of the Recipe
This Christmas Roll Cake (sometimes called a Yule Log Cake or Bûche de Noël) features a tender sponge cake rolled around a creamy filling. While the traditional version uses chocolate and whipped cream, this versatile recipe can be customized with peppermint, raspberry, or eggnog flavors. It’s elegant yet surprisingly easy — and the results are breathtaking!
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Show-stopping holiday dessert — guaranteed to wow your guests.
- Surprisingly simple to make with my step-by-step guide.
- Soft, fluffy cake with creamy filling.
- Customizable with your favorite holiday flavors.
- Make-ahead friendly — perfect for busy holiday schedules.
What Does a Christmas Roll Cake Taste Like?
Imagine a light, airy sponge cake that’s tender yet holds its shape perfectly when rolled, filled with a smooth, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Each bite has that perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and a touch of festive flair — whether it’s rich chocolate, bright peppermint, or cozy vanilla spice.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- Elegant but not fussy.
- Feeds a crowd and looks gorgeous on the table.
- Great make-ahead dessert for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable decoration — from simple powdered sugar dusting to elaborate frosting.
Ingredients for Christmas Roll Cake
For the Sponge Cake
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder (for chocolate version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Filling
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or peppermint extract
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone for a thicker filling.
- 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a richer taste.
- A thin layer of raspberry jam for extra flavor.
For Decoration
- Powdered sugar, chocolate ganache, or cocoa powder for dusting.
- Fresh berries, cranberries, or mint leaves for a festive finish.
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Offset spatula
- Clean kitchen towel for rolling
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Flour: Swap for gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Cocoa powder: Omit for a vanilla cake or replace with matcha for a green twist.
- Filling: Use whipped ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even eggnog cream.
- Sweetener: Substitute sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a natural version.
How to Make Christmas Roll Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 4–5 minutes until pale and thick. Gently fold in vanilla, milk, and dry ingredients until just combined — be careful not to deflate the batter.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
While still warm, turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up gently with the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely while rolled — this helps it keep its shape.
Step 5: Make the Filling
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla (or peppermint) until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Fill and Re-Roll
Unroll the cooled cake carefully and spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the cake back up tightly, this time without the towel.
Step 7: Chill and Decorate
Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with ganache, or decorate with festive touches before serving.
What to Serve with Christmas Roll Cake
- Hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for a cozy pairing.
- Espresso or mulled wine for a sophisticated dessert course.
- Fresh berries and whipped cream on the side for color and contrast.
- Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent holiday treat.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Roll Cake
- Beat the eggs well! The air you incorporate creates the cake’s light texture.
- Don’t overbake — overbaking makes the cake dry and prone to cracking.
- Roll while warm to prevent breaks later.
- Use parchment and powdered sugar to keep the cake from sticking.
- Chill before slicing for clean, beautiful layers.
Storage Instructions
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it (without decoration) for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
General Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did my roll cake crack?
It may have cooled too long before rolling. Always roll it while warm to keep it flexible.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day. Assemble, refrigerate, and decorate just before serving.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and reduce baking time by a minute or two.
What flavor variations work best?
Peppermint chocolate, eggnog cream, mocha, or raspberry vanilla are all holiday hits!
How do I keep the filling from oozing out?
Leave a small border around the edge and don’t overfill — a thin, even layer works best.
Conclusion
This Christmas Roll Cake is the epitome of festive elegance — light, creamy, and bursting with holiday cheer. It’s one of those desserts that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you go classic chocolate or add your own creative twist, every slice will sparkle with Christmas spirit!