Christmas Cake Roll

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and, of course, delicious treats! When I think of festive desserts, one that always comes to mind is the delightful Christmas Cake Roll. It’s not just visually stunning with its swirls of cream and color; it also tastes heavenly. Imagine a light and fluffy chocolate cake filled with a creamy, sweet filling, all draped in smooth ganache. This cake roll is perfect for gatherings and will impress everyone with its charm and flavor. Plus, it’s quite easy to make, so even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward. Let’s get into why this Christmas Cake Roll will be a highlight of your holiday dessert table!

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Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works beautifully because it combines simple, quality ingredients to create a cake that is both light and rich at the same time. The eggs provide structure while allowing the cake to remain fluffy. Incorporating the flour gently ensures we don’t overmix the batter, which can make the cake dense. The cream cheese filling adds a delightful creaminess that perfectly contrasts with the chocolate cake. Finally, the ganache topping ties everything together with its glossy finish and rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cake Roll

You’ll love this Christmas Cake Roll for numerous reasons! First, it’s a fun twist on traditional holiday cake. Its playful appearance makes it eye-catching. Plus, it’s versatile; you can customize the filling and decorations to fit your personal tastes. The cake roll is also great for sharing; it slices beautifully, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings. With every bite, you’ll experience a festive combination of flavors that will add warmth to your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients for Christmas Cake Roll

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (93g) all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar for rolling
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for filling)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla (for filling)
• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream (for filling)
• ½ cup Christmas colored sprinkles (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream (for ganache)
• 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips (for ganache)

Preparing Your Cake Roll

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15” or 10.5×15” jelly roll pan with foil. Don’t forget to spray it generously with floured nonstick cooking spray, which will help the cake release easily after baking.

Whip the Eggs

In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, add the eggs. Beat them at medium speed for about 5 minutes until they become foamy and light yellow. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air.

Combine the Sugar and Eggs

Next, add the ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Mix for an additional 2 minutes. You’ll notice that the mixture thickens up slightly during this time, creating a beautiful batter.

Mix in Wet Ingredients

Now, add the vegetable oil, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix this until all the ingredients are well combined. You want a smooth and cohesive mixture without any lumps.

Incorporate the Flour

Gently pour in the ¾ cup of all-purpose flour. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a tougher cake instead of the light sponge you want.

Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake it for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and springs back when touched. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.

Cool and Roll the Cake

While the cake bakes, place a clean kitchen towel on your counter. Spread about ¼ cup of powdered sugar over the towel. Once your cake is done, carefully flip it onto the towel, removing the pan and foil. Roll the cake up using the towel, then let it cool completely. This helps set the shape for the next steps.

Making the Filling

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl or mixer, add the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until smooth and fluffy. Add the ½ teaspoon of vanilla, mixing until it’s well combined.

Whip the Heavy Cream

Slowly pour in 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream. Then, increase the mixing speed to high, beating until you form stiff peaks. Scraping down the sides of the bowl while mixing is important to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Add Sprinkles to the Filling

Gently fold in ½ cup of Christmas colored sprinkles into the whipped cream mixture. This adds a festive touch and makes the filling exciting!

Filling and Assembling the Cake Roll

Unroll the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. Then, spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface, ensuring every corner is covered.

Roll the Cake Again

Now, tightly roll the cake back up, gently unsticking it from the towel as you go. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.

Preparing the Ganache Topping

Heat the Ganache Ingredients

For the ganache, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips and ½ cup of heavy whipping cream. Heat this mixture on high for 60-90 seconds. You want the cream to be hot but not boiling.

Whisk Until Smooth

Remove the bowl from the microwave and whisk the mixture until it’s completely smooth. After that, let it cool for about 10 minutes. The cooling time will help it thicken slightly.

Drizzle Over the Cake Roll

Place the chilled cake roll on a wire rack over a cookie sheet. Pour the ganache evenly over the cake. Then, sprinkle more of those festive sprinkles on top. Place it back in the fridge until the ganache sets.

Serving Suggestions

Now it’s time to serve your Christmas Cake Roll! When ready, slice it and place the pieces on a festive plate. You can even add extra sprinkles or a drizzling of ganache for a more decorative touch.

Tips for Success

• Ensure you beat the egg mixture adequately to incorporate air. This is what creates the fluffiness in your cake.
• Let the cake cool completely before spreading the filling. If it’s warm, it can melt the filling.
• Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the cake roll. This ensures clean edges for a beautiful presentation.

Variations

If you want to switch things up a little, try substituting the cream cheese filling with a peppermint or raspberry-flavored filling for a fun seasonal twist. You could also add a layer of fruit preserves underneath the whipped cream to give it an extra flavor boost.

Storage Tips

Should there be any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake can also be frozen, wrapped tightly, then thawed before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cake roll ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different flavor of filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative; other flavors like lemon or mocha can be delightful options.

3. What happens if the cake cracks while rolling?
If any cracking occurs, you can easily hide it with the ganache or whipped cream topping.

4. How can I decorate my cake roll?
You can decorate with fresh berries, extra sprinkles, or even edible glitter for a fun, festive upgrade.

5. Can I use a gluten-free flour substitute?
Yes, many gluten-free flour blends work quite well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary.

This Christmas Cake Roll is sure to be a cheerful addition to your holiday table. With its sweet flavors and beautiful presentation, it embodies the spirit of the season, leaving everyone wanting more. Enjoy making it, and happy holidays!

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