Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Introduction

Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is a festive dessert that brings the joy of the holiday season to your table in a swirl of fluffy cake, tart raspberry filling, and creamy frosting. The light sponge cake rolled with a bright, fruity raspberry layer and dusted with powdered sugar or adorned with seasonal decorations makes this cake as visually stunning as it is delicious. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a touch of elegance that makes it a showstopper for any Christmas gathering.

This cake holds a special memory for me. The first time I baked it was for a Christmas dinner with friends, and the festive colors and flavors stole the show. The tartness of the raspberries paired with the soft, sweet cake brought a smile to everyone’s face, and the swirling design made it feel extra special. It’s a dessert that feels celebratory in every bite.

The Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is ideal for holiday parties, family dinners, or just indulging in a seasonal treat. While it’s delightful as it is, serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of raspberry sauce, or a sprinkling of fresh berries takes it to a whole new level. If you’re searching for a dessert that embodies the spirit of the holidays and looks as good as it tastes, this cake roll is the one to bake!

Perfect for:

Christmas celebrations
Holiday dinner parties
Winter-themed gatherings
Afternoon tea
Fruit and cake lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll will become a holiday favorite:

Festive Presentation: The vibrant red raspberry filling and the snowy dusting of powdered sugar create a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Light and Fluffy Texture: The sponge cake is airy and tender, complementing the creamy raspberry filling perfectly.
Tangy and Sweet Flavor: The balance of sweet cream and tangy raspberries makes this dessert a refreshing choice for any occasion.
Customizable Toppings: Whether you prefer whipped cream, fresh raspberries, or a drizzle of chocolate, this cake roll can be dressed up to suit your tastes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake roll can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll:

For the Cake:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Filling:

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
2 tablespoons raspberry jam (optional)

For Garnish:

Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh raspberries (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)
Mint leaves (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Raspberries: These provide a tangy and vibrant filling that balances the sweetness of the cream and sponge cake.
Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, the cream makes the filling light and luxurious.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and depth.
Powdered Sugar: Used for both the filling and dusting, it adds sweetness without graininess.
Sponge Cake: The light and flexible sponge cake is ideal for rolling without cracking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sponge Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and pale yellow.
Add Vanilla and Fold Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the flour mixture in small increments until just combined.
Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Bake the Cake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Roll the Cake: While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake up tightly with the towel. Let it cool completely.

Prepare the Raspberry Filling:

Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Prepare the Raspberries: Mash the raspberries lightly with a fork or process them briefly in a food processor. Fold the mashed raspberries (and optional raspberry jam) into the whipped cream until well combined.

Assemble the Cake Roll:

Unroll the Cake: Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the raspberry filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
Roll the Cake Again: Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, keeping it as tight as possible.
Chill the Roll: Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to firm up.

Decorate and Serve:

Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the cake roll with powdered sugar for a festive look.
Add Garnishes: Garnish with fresh raspberries, whipped cream, or mint leaves if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

How to Serve

The Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is versatile and can be presented beautifully in various ways:

With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
With Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake roll for a decadent touch.
With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or raspberry sorbet for a delightful contrast.
As a Festive Centerpiece: Use garnishes like sugared cranberries, edible glitter, or holly-shaped decorations for a holiday-themed display.
At Afternoon Tea: Slice into smaller portions for a light, fruity treat with tea or coffee.

Additional Tips

Cool the Cake Completely: Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking, but make sure it cools completely before adding the filling.
Handle with Care: When unrolling and rerolling the cake, be gentle to avoid tearing.
Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries provide the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen berries can work in a pinch.
Chill for Firmness: Chilling the assembled cake ensures clean slices and a stable structure.
Experiment with Fillings: Try adding lemon zest, white chocolate shavings, or crushed almonds for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Raspberry Cake Roll: Add cocoa powder to the sponge cake batter for a chocolate-flavored twist.
Lemon Raspberry Roll: Add lemon zest to the filling for a zesty and refreshing flavor.
Vanilla Cream Roll: Skip the raspberries and use vanilla-flavored cream for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Berry Medley Roll: Incorporate a mix of berries like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries into the filling.
Almond Raspberry Roll: Add almond extract to the filling and sprinkle the cake with slivered almonds.
Raspberry Jam Roll: Use raspberry jam instead of fresh raspberries for a smoother filling.
Coconut Raspberry Roll: Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.
Spiced Raspberry Roll: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the sponge cake for a warm, holiday flavor.
Mint Raspberry Roll: Add a drop of mint extract to the filling for a refreshing holiday dessert.
Red Velvet Raspberry Roll: Use a red velvet sponge cake for a dramatic and festive look.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Wrap the fully assembled cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Storage: Store the cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

Electric Mixer: Essential for whipping the cream and beating the eggs.
Jelly Roll Pan: A 15×10-inch pan is ideal for creating the perfect cake roll shape.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Sifter: Ensures even dusting of powdered sugar over the cake.
Kitchen Towel: Useful for rolling the cake without cracking.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, thawed frozen raspberries work well, but fresh raspberries are preferred for the best flavor.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
Roll the cake while it’s warm and pliable to prevent cracking.
Can I make this dessert the day before?
Absolutely! Prepare and chill the cake roll the day before serving for convenience.
What can I use instead of raspberries?
Strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries make excellent substitutes.
Can I skip the whipped cream filling?
For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt sweetened with honey or powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is a show-stopping dessert that perfectly captures the festive spirit with its vibrant colors and irresistible flavors. The soft, sponge-like cake wrapped around a luscious raspberry filling creates a delightful combination of sweetness and tartness in every bite.

What makes this cake roll truly magical is its versatility; you can customize it with festive decorations like powdered sugar snow, fresh berries, or a drizzle of white chocolate to suit any holiday celebration. Its light texture and fruity flavor make it an ideal dessert to enjoy after a hearty Christmas feast.

Perfect for impressing guests or treating your loved ones, this Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is sure to become a holiday favorite. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making and sharing this beautiful dessert! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your festive creations. Wishing you a merry and delicious holiday!