Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that embodies the joy of the holiday season, then our Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is just what you need! This recipe is not only a visual showstopper but also a crowd-pleaser. The light and fluffy vanilla sponge cake rolled up with creamy filling and fresh raspberries creates a symphony of flavors that will make your gatherings extra special. Whether it’s an intimate family dinner or a festive party, this cake roll is sure to impress!

What I love most about this Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is how easy it is to prepare. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive. Plus, it looks so beautiful on the table—everyone will think you spent hours perfecting it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This cake roll comes together quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet raspberry flavor and creamy filling—it’s a dessert that brings everyone together.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time, making holiday entertaining a breeze.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors and elegant roll shape make this dessert a showstopper on any holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re keeping things simple and wholesome with these ingredients. You’ll find everything you need for this delicious Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll right here.

For the Cake

• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (4g) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup (135g) sugar
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp (28g) vegetable oil

For the Raspberry Filling

• 10 oz (300g) raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 9 oz (250g) cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract

For Topping

• 1 cup (240g) whipping cream (chilled)
• 9 oz (250g) fresh raspberries
• 6 oz (180g) white chocolate
• 1/4 cup (60g) whipping cream
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh raspberries for garnish
• Star anise for garnish
• Fresh rosemary for garnish
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Variations

This Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings.

• Swap the Berries: Try using strawberries or blueberries instead of raspberries for a different fruity twist.
• Chocolate Lovers Delight: Add cocoa powder to the sponge cake batter for a rich chocolate version.
• Nutty Addition: Fold some crushed nuts into the cream cheese filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, whisk together eggs and sugar until fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, helping your cake rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold in the dry ingredients into your egg mixture along with vanilla extract and vegetable oil. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that light texture! Pour this mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Keep an eye on it—the cake should spring back when touched, indicating it’s done. Once baked, let it cool slightly before gently rolling it up with parchment paper while still warm. This helps set its shape!

Step 4: Make the Filling

While your cake cools completely, prepare your raspberry filling by combining fresh or frozen raspberries with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until bubbly and thickened—this jam-like base adds incredible flavor!

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whip chilled cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture—this adds lightness that perfectly complements our cake.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake Roll

Once your sponge has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it followed by a layer of raspberry filling. Carefully roll up from one end while peeling away parchment paper as you go; this takes practice but will yield beautiful results!

Step 7: Decorate Your Masterpiece

To finish off your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll, melt white chocolate with whipping cream over low heat until smooth. Drizzle over your rolled cake for an elegant touch! Garnish with fresh raspberries, star anise, rosemary sprigs, and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Now you’re ready to slice and serve this stunning dessert at any holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Making a cake roll may seem daunting, but with these pro tips, you’ll achieve a beautiful and delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family!

• Prepare Your Ingredients First: Having all your ingredients measured and ready to go ensures a smooth baking process. This helps you avoid missing any steps or ingredients while you’re in the moment of mixing and baking.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes it easier to roll the cake without tearing. It’s a simple step that can save you from a potential mess!
• Cool the Cake Completely: Allowing the cake to cool thoroughly before rolling is crucial. A warm cake is more likely to crack, while a cooled one will roll beautifully and maintain its shape.
• Be Gentle When Rolling: As you roll your cake, use the parchment paper to guide it gently. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the sponge, resulting in a perfect spiral of cream and fruit.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the rolled cake for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier. Plus, it creates a refreshing treat for your guests!

How to Serve Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Presenting your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll can be just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to elevate its appearance on your holiday table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding a few sprigs of mint not only provides a pop of color but also adds a refreshing flavor that complements the raspberry.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top gives your cake roll an elegant finish, reminiscent of fresh snowfall during Christmas.
• Raspberry Sauce: Drizzling some homemade raspberry sauce around the plate adds visual appeal and enhances the raspberry flavor in every bite.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tartness of raspberries, creating a delightful contrast that rounds out your dessert experience.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and kiwis provides a vibrant and healthy complement to the rich cake roll.
• Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse offers a decadent pairing with the light raspberry cake roll, making for an indulgent dessert spread.
• Spiced Tea or Coffee: Serving warm spiced tea or coffee alongside enhances the festive atmosphere and balances out the sweetness of the cake with comforting warmth.

Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll—your loved ones will surely appreciate this thoughtful addition to their holiday celebrations!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is not only a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, saving you time and stress during the busy festive season.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cake roll in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For best results, slice just before serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer to enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave at low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating to prevent the cream filling from melting too much.

FAQs

If you have any questions about making this delicious treat, you’re in the right place!

Can I use frozen raspberries for the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?

Yes! Frozen raspberries work beautifully in this recipe. Just thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the filling too watery.

How do I store my Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?

Store your cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to slice it just before serving for optimal freshness!

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

You can use vegan cream cheese or a whipped coconut cream as an alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Both will give your cake a deliciously creamy texture!

Can I decorate my Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with decorations. Adding fresh berries, mint leaves, or even edible glitter can enhance its festive appeal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this beautiful Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and sweetness to your holiday gatherings. Enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy sharing it with loved ones. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!