The holiday season is upon us, and there’s nothing as delightful as a Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll to impress your friends and family. Whether gathering for a Christmas party, enjoying a cozy evening at home, or simply indulging in holiday baking, this cake roll will become a new favorite. It combines the rich flavors of vanilla with a creamy filling and offers a visually stunning presentation—perfect for your holiday dessert table.
Recipe Card
Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll
A festive and delicious vanilla cake roll filled with a smooth and creamy filling, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 250 per serving
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat egg yolks: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of sugar until pale and thick. Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix.
- Whip egg whites: In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Combine and fold: Gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Roll the cake: Turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar while still warm. Gently roll the cake in the towel and let it cool completely.
- Make the filling: Beat heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble: Unroll the cake, spread the filling evenly, and roll it back up without the towel. Dust the top with more powdered sugar.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Decorate the roll with whipped cream and berries, or sprinkle crushed candy canes for a more festive look.
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling to your taste by adding more or less powdered sugar.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll comes together in under 40 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute holiday dessert.
- Beautiful Presentation: With its snowy dusting of powdered sugar, the rolled cake looks as festive as it tastes.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily change the filling to suit your taste—swap in chocolate ganache or fruit compote for a twist.
- Light and Fluffy Texture: The cake is airy and light, balancing perfectly with the rich, creamy filling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This cake will impress your guests, whether for a small gathering or a large family celebration.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Eggs: The base of the cake relies on whipped eggs to give it that light, airy texture. If you’re looking for an eggless version, try using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as an alternative to egg whites, though the result may be slightly denser.
- Cream Cheese: This adds richness to the filling. If dairy-free, substitute with a plant-based cream cheese or coconut cream for a smooth, rich filling without the dairy.
- Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract is critical to giving this cake its signature flavor. If you want something different, try almond or peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used both in the filling and to dust the cake. For a lower-sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol.
How to Make a Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and greasing it lightly. This ensures your cake will lift easily from the pan and simplify rolling.
Step 2: Whip the Eggs
Separate your eggs into yolks and whites. Beat the yolks with half of the sugar until thick and pale. In another bowl, whip the egg whites to soft peaks, then gradually add the remaining sugar to reach stiff peaks.
Step 3: Fold the Batter
Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. The folding technique helps maintain the airiness of the batter.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cake should spring back when gently pressed. Once baked, immediately turn it out onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar and roll it up to cool.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the cake is cooling, whip together the cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This luscious filling will perfectly complement the light cake.
Step 6: Assemble
Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the filling evenly over the cake, then gently re-roll the cake without the towel. Dust with more powdered sugar, chill, and serve.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps achieve maximum volume when whipping the egg whites.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the cake too dry and difficult to roll. Keep a close eye on it and check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake while still warm helps prevent cracking. If the cake cools too much before rolling, it might crack when shaped.
- Chill Before Slicing: Let the assembled cake roll chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Lovers: For a chocolate version, add two tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cake batter and swap the vanilla filling for a chocolate ganache.
- Festive Filling: Add a layer of cranberry sauce or raspberry jam to the filling for a fruity twist.
- Peppermint Twist: Add a dash of peppermint extract to the filling and top with crushed candy canes for a festive flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage: Store the cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist, and the flavors will meld even more.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to a month. Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: This cake is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll with the following:
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
- Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy dessert experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
Yes! The cake roll can be made a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and dust it with fresh powdered sugar before serving.
2. What’s the best way to prevent the cake from cracking?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps prevent cracks. If it cools too much before rolling, the cake may break when rolled.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Related Recipes
If you loved this
Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll, you might also enjoy:
- Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
- Pumpkin Spice Swiss Roll
- Lemon Cake Roll
- Red Velvet Cake Roll
Conclusion
The Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll is a delightful holiday treat that combines a light, fluffy cake with a rich, creamy filling. Whether new to baking or a seasoned pro, this festive dessert is simple enough to whip up in under an hour and will impress guests with its beautiful presentation. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe for your next holiday gathering and watch as it becomes a new family favorite!