As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a haven of sweet scents and joyful chaos. The moment the oven hums to life, I’m filled with excitement, knowing that treats like this Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake take center stage at family gatherings. I stumbled upon this recipe not long ago, and it has quickly become a cherished tradition; its light and airy texture paired with rich whipped cream makes every bite a delightful experience.
Imagine the surprise and delight on your loved ones’ faces when you present this beautiful cake, adorned with a sprinkle of holiday cheer and a dusting of powdered sugar. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up, making it the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll create a festive masterpiece that captures the essence of the season. Join me in bringing a touch of magic to your festivities with this irresistible vanilla roll cake!
Why You'll Love This Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
- This Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake is not just a treat; it’s a showstopper that brings joy to any holiday gathering.
- Its light and airy texture perfectly contrasts with the rich, sweet whipped cream filling, creating a delightful experience in every bite.
- This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- The stunning presentation, enhanced with holiday sprinkles and a dusting of powdered sugar, makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for your dessert table.
Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake Ingredients
• Get ready to bake a deliciously festive treat!
For the Cake
- 3 large eggs – Ensure they are at room temperature for better volume when beaten.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – This adds sweetness and helps create that fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla for the best flavor!
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Sifted flour contributes to a lighter cake crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This is essential for helping the cake rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – A small amount enhances all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons milk – This keeps the cake moist and tender.
For the Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – This should be chilled for optimal whipping.
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream and stabilizes it.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adding this to the cream gives it a lovely vanilla flavor.
For Decoration
- Powdered sugar – Dust it over the cake for a snowy finish.
- Holiday sprinkles – These add a festive touch to your presentation.
- Christmas-colored sanding sugar – Perfect for that extra sparkle and color.
- Optional: red and green gel colors – Customize your cake to match the holiday spirit!
Get your ingredients ready, and let’s spread some holiday cheer with this charming Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake!
How to Make Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
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Beat eggs and granulated sugar together for 4–5 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and has doubled in volume—this helps create that airy texture we love!
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Mix in the vanilla extract, allowing the wonderful aroma to fill your kitchen and make your cake even more delightful.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This will ensure your dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a perfect rise.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture gradually, being careful not to deflate the batter so it remains light and fluffy.
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Incorporate the milk until smooth. This will keep your cake beautifully moist, making every bite a pleasure.
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Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, then bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back to the touch—a wonderful sign it’s ready!
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Invert the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment carefully, and roll it up gently to let it cool completely.
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Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form, then chill for 10 minutes to stabilize.
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Unroll the cooled cake, spread the whipped filling evenly, and roll it back up tightly. This step is crucial for that gorgeous swirl!
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Dust the top with powdered sugar and add holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar for a festive flair that will delight everyone.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for cleaner cuts when serving.
Optional: Garnish with red and green gel colors for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious moments during the busy holiday season! You can make the cake base up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake it, roll it up in a towel, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist. The whipped cream filling can be prepared up to 3 days ahead, and you can refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble. When it’s time to serve, unroll the cooled cake, spread the chilled filling, roll it back up, dust with powdered sugar, and decorate with sprinkles for that festive touch. With these make-ahead tips, your delicious roll cake will still be just as delightful as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake?
The holiday season is all about gathering, feasting, and delightful surprises around every table.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their rich, buttery texture creates a warm contrast to the lightness of the roll cake, making for a splendid holiday feast.
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Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet, tender carrots add a pop of festive color and a touch of earthy sweetness, balancing the cake’s flavors beautifully.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of this classic holiday side enhances the sweetness of the roll cake, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: This bubbly drink offers a refreshing lift between bites, making your holiday meal feel extra special and joyful.
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Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station with strawberries and marshmallows for dipping. The melt-in-your-mouth chocolates will complement the delicate sweetness of the vanilla roll cake.
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Eggnog: A traditional holiday beverage, its creamy richness and hint of nutmeg provide a cozy festive touch alongside your delightful dessert. A true celebration of the season!
How to Store and Freeze Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
Room Temperature: Store any leftover cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If storing in the fridge, wrap the roll cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out. Enjoy within 4–5 days for the best flavor.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: For best results, do not reheat the rolled cake. Instead, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!
Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this delightfully festive cake to suit your taste!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake accessible for those avoiding gluten, without sacrificing flavor.
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Chocolate Delight: Swirl in some cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolatey twist! The combo of chocolate and vanilla is simply irresistible.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the batter for a satisfying crunch and wonderful texture.
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Fruit Twist: Incorporate some fruit puree, like raspberry or strawberry, into the whipped cream for a fruity flavor boost that complements the vanilla perfectly.
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Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a tropical twist. This adds a subtle sweetness and a rich, velvety texture.
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Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spiced flavor that evokes cozy holiday memories.
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Extra Zest: Zest some lemon or orange into the whipped cream for a refreshing citrusy burst that beautifully balances the sweetness.
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Heat It Up: Add a touch of cayenne or chili powder to the batter for a surprising kick! This unexpected heat can beautifully contrast with the sweet cream filling.
Embrace the joy of baking and make this cake your own while keeping the festive spirit alive!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature eggs when making the Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake, as this helps achieve a better volume when beaten.
- Be sure to fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture gently to prevent deflating the batter, which can make your cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- When whipping the heavy cream, ensure it is properly chilled for better results, achieving the best stabilized peaks.
- Finally, remember to refrigerate the rolled cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts and allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best eggs for this recipe?
Absolutely! When making your Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake, look for large eggs that are at room temperature. Freshness is key, so choose eggs with no cracks and a clean, intact shell. You can also give an egg a quick float test: if it sinks to the bottom and lays flat, it’s fresh!
What’s the best way to store leftover roll cake?
Very important! If you have leftover cake, you can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 4–5 days to enjoy those delightful flavors at their peak!
Can I freeze the Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your roll cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. This way, it stays moist and delicious!
What should I do if my cake is too thick or dense?
If your cake turns out denser than expected, it could be because the egg mixture wasn’t beaten enough. Make sure you beat the eggs and sugar for 4–5 minutes until thick and pale. Additionally, be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients; over-mixing can lead to a heavy texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! This recipe contains eggs and dairy, so if you’re cooking for any guests with allergies, opt for egg substitutes like applesauce or flaxseed meal, and use dairy-free whipped cream alternatives. If you’re considering pets, keep this cake away from them, as chocolate and sugary treats can be harmful!
How can I decorate my cake for an extra festive touch?
So glad you asked! To elevate your Festive Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake, you can dust it with powdered sugar and sprinkle on some colorful holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar. For a more personalized touch, you might consider using red and green gel colors to create festive designs on the cake’s surface. Get creative—the more the merrier!
Equipment
- Oven
- jelly roll pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 large eggs Ensure they are at room temperature for better volume when beaten.
- ½ cup granulated sugar This adds sweetness and helps create that fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for the best flavor!
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour Sifted flour contributes to a lighter cake crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder This is essential for helping the cake rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt A small amount enhances all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons milk This keeps the cake moist and tender.
For the Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream This should be chilled for optimal whipping.
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar Sweetens the cream and stabilizes it.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adding this to the cream gives it a lovely vanilla flavor.
For Decoration
- powdered sugar Dust it over the cake for a snowy finish.
- holiday sprinkles These add a festive touch to your presentation.
- Christmas-colored sanding sugar Perfect for that extra sparkle and color.
- Optional red and green gel colors Customize your cake to match the holiday spirit!
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
- Beat eggs and granulated sugar together for 4–5 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and has doubled in volume.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture gradually.
- Incorporate the milk until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, then bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back to the touch.
- Invert the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment carefully, and roll it up gently to let it cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread the whipped filling evenly, and roll it back up tightly.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar and add holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
