If you’re looking to add a festive, show-stopping dessert to your holiday table, then this Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe is an absolute delight. With its light and airy sponge cake wrapped around luscious whipped cream and bursting with fresh raspberries, this cake roll combines bright flavors and a gorgeous presentation that will wow your guests. The balance of sweet and tart, along with the beautiful rolled shape dusted with powdered sugar, makes it perfect for celebrating the joys of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe are wonderfully simple yet carefully chosen to create a perfect texture and fresh flavor in every bite. Each component plays a vital role—eggs for a fluffy base, raspberries for natural tartness, and whipped cream for that creamy softness we all crave.
- 3 eggs: These provide the structure and airy lift essential to the sponge cake texture.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps keep the cake moist and tender during baking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma to the batter.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation creating the cake’s tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives your cake a gentle rise for a soft, spongy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Used for dusting the kitchen towel and the finished cake, creating a beautiful snowy effect.
- 1 cup fresh raspberries: Brings vibrant color and a naturally tart pop to the dessert.
- 1 1/2 cups whipped cream: Silky and light, it creates the perfect creamy filling to complement the fruit and cake.
How to Make Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper so the cake will easily release after baking. This simple prep step is crucial for rolling the cake without sticking or cracking.
Step 2: Whip the Eggs
Beat the eggs at high speed until the mixture turns thick and pale lemon-colored, about 5 minutes. This step infuses air, giving your sponge that light and delicate texture which is the heart of the recipe.
Step 3: Incorporate Sugar, Water, and Vanilla
Slowly add in the sugar, water, and vanilla extract while continuing to beat. These ingredients add sweetness, moisture, and a lovely aroma that make every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the combined flour, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Folding carefully preserves the air bubbles that make the cake fluffy while ensuring everything is well blended.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cake springs back with a gentle touch. This quick bake helps maintain moisture and softness perfectly suited for rolling.
Step 6: Roll the Cake with Towel
Immediately turn the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Peel off the parchment and roll the cake up in the towel starting with the short edge. Allow it to cool completely this way, which helps the cake “remember” the rolled shape and prevents cracks when you fill it.
Step 7: Add Filling and Fresh Raspberries
After cooling, unroll the cake and spread an even layer of whipped cream, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Gently press fresh raspberries evenly into the cream. This part is where the freshness and tartness truly shine, balancing the sweetness of the cream and cake.
Step 8: Final Roll and Decoration
Carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Place seam side down on a serving platter, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with more whipped cream and raspberries if you like. Refrigerate until ready to serve — this keeps everything fresh and set beautifully.
How to Serve Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
The classic garnish of powdered sugar dusting instantly brings a snowy, festive touch. Fresh raspberries and dollops of whipped cream not only add elegance but also boost flavor and texture, making each slice a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
This cake roll pairs wonderfully with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm cup of mulled wine. For a lighter accompaniment, fresh citrus segments or a simple fruit compote enhance the raspberry’s tart brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, serve the cake roll on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of rosemary or holly for a true Christmas vibe. Slice it into thick portions and layer with additional raspberry coulis or dust each serving with edible gold flakes for extra sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it a convenient treat to enjoy after the holidays have passed.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe in advance, freeze the unfilled, rolled sponge cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then fill with whipped cream and raspberries just before serving.
Reheating
This cake roll tastes best chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes prior to serving to soften the whipped cream slightly and release the raspberry aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
While fresh raspberries give the best texture and appearance, you can use frozen raspberries if fresh are unavailable. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! This Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe contains no nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies as long as all your ingredients are processed in a nut-free environment.
Can I substitute whipped cream with another filling?
Yes! Mascarpone cheese sweetened with a touch of powdered sugar or a cream cheese frosting both make delicious alternatives that complement the raspberries beautifully.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Rolling the cake while it is still warm in the powdered sugar-dusted towel is key to preventing cracks. This shapes the sponge and keeps it flexible so it rolls smoothly once filled.
What’s the best way to slice this cake roll?
Use a serrated knife and slice gently with a sawing motion. Wiping the knife clean between cuts prevents smearing and keeps your presentation neat and inviting.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe is truly a festive treasure that combines simplicity with elegance. Every bite delivers fluffy cake, creamy filling, and bright, juicy raspberries, making it a dessert that everyone will remember fondly. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and create your own sweet holiday tradition filled with warmth and deliciousness!
Print
Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is a light, fluffy sponge cake rolled with whipped cream and fresh raspberries, making for a festive and elegant dessert that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Filling & Decoration
- 1 1/2 cups whipped cream
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Additional powdered sugar, whipped cream, and raspberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Beat Eggs: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs on high speed for about 5 minutes until they become thick and pale lemon-colored, which helps to create a light and airy sponge.
- Add Sugar, Water, and Vanilla: Gradually add the sugar, water, and vanilla extract to the beaten eggs, continuing to beat until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture to maintain the batter’s airiness.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 10-12 minutes, or until it springs back to the touch, indicating it is done.
- Prepare Towel: Lay a clean kitchen towel flat on the counter and sprinkle it evenly with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking during rolling.
- Roll Cake in Towel: As soon as the cake is out of the oven, carefully turn it out onto the sugared towel and gently peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up in the towel starting from a short side and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Unroll and Fill: Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over it, leaving about 1 inch from the edges clear to prevent overflow.
- Add Raspberries: Press fresh raspberries gently into the whipped cream layer for a fruity burst in every bite.
- Roll Cake: Carefully roll the cake up again, this time without the towel, starting with the short side.
- Present: Place the rolled cake seam side down on a serving platter.
- Decorate: Dust the cake roll with powdered sugar and add additional whipped cream and raspberries as desired for a festive finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve to keep the whipped cream firm and the flavors melded.
Notes
- Make sure to roll the cake while it is still warm to avoid cracking.
- Use fresh, ripe raspberries for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra stability, you can chill the cake roll for 30 minutes after rolling before adding additional decorations.
- This cake roll is best served within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Use clear vanilla extract if you want to maintain a pure white sponge color.
