First of all, thank you for being here! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to share one of my favorite holiday desserts with you. There’s something so comforting about the aroma of a cake baking while Christmas music plays in the background—and this Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll captures that holiday feeling perfectly. Light, airy sponge cake rolled with a creamy vanilla filling and a bright raspberry swirl—each slice looks like a candy cane in cake form!
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What Is a Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll?
A Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll is a soft sponge cake rolled up with a luscious cream filling and a sweet-tart raspberry swirl that adds color and flavor. Think of it as a festive version of the classic jelly roll or Swiss roll—but dressed up for Christmas! The swirl inside looks like holiday ribbons, making it the perfect centerpiece for your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
- 🎄 Festive and eye-catching: Each slice looks like a piece of edible holiday art.
- 💕 Perfectly balanced: The tart raspberry contrasts beautifully with the light, creamy filling.
- 🕒 Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling overnight!
- 👨👩👧 Crowd-pleasing: A show-stopper for Christmas parties and family dinners alike.
The Taste of Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
Soft, sweet sponge cake hugs a silky cream filling, while the raspberry swirl adds a burst of tangy fruit flavor. It’s like biting into a snowflake kissed with berries—light, bright, and perfectly balanced. Every forkful feels festive, indulgent, and oh-so-joyful!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Easy to customize with different fillings (lemon, chocolate, etc.).
- Looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to make.
- Lower in fat than traditional frosted layer cakes.
Ingredients for Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 teaspoon water)
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 ounces cream cheese for extra stability
For Decoration:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh raspberries and mint leaves (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Jelly roll pan (10×15 inches)
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Clean kitchen towel for rolling
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Swap raspberries for cranberries or strawberries for a twist.
- Add a touch of almond extract to the sponge for extra holiday flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese in the filling for a lighter version.
- Use store-bought raspberry jam if you’re short on time.
How to Make Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
Step 1: Make the Raspberry Swirl
In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries break down. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Strain to remove seeds if desired, then let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Sponge Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Beat eggs and sugar together for 5 minutes until thick and pale. Add vanilla. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold. Stir in milk to loosen the batter slightly. Spread evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Step 3: Roll the Cake
While still warm, turn the cake out onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment paper. Starting at the short end, roll the cake up gently with the towel inside. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).
Step 4: Make the Filling
Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. If using cream cheese, beat it in first before adding whipped cream for stability.
Step 5: Assemble the Roll
Unroll the cooled cake. Spread with the cream filling, then drizzle the raspberry sauce in thin lines over it. Use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl it through the cream. Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with fresh raspberries and mint.
What to Serve with Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
Serve it with:
- A mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries on the side
- Whipped cream and a drizzle of raspberry sauce for extra flair
Tips for Perfect Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
- Don’t overbake the sponge! It needs to stay soft enough to roll without cracking.
- Roll while warm: This helps the cake “remember” its shape.
- Chill before slicing: It makes cutting clean slices easier.
- Use parchment paper, not wax paper: It prevents sticking.
How to Store
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the roll (tightly wrapped) for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight in the fridge 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
Can I make this cake the day before?
Yes! It’s even better the next day because the flavors meld beautifully after chilling overnight.
Can I use store-bought jam instead of fresh raspberries?
Absolutely. Just warm it slightly so it spreads easily, and swirl it into the filling as directed.
My cake cracked while rolling—what can I do?
Don’t worry! Just dust it with powdered sugar or cover with whipped cream and decorations. It will still taste fantastic.
How do I get even swirls?
Drizzle thin lines of raspberry sauce and use a skewer to make gentle figure-eight patterns—don’t overmix!
Conclusion
This Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll is pure holiday joy on a plate—soft, creamy, tangy, and festive all at once. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people stop and say, “Wow, did you really make that?” And yes—you absolutely did!