Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake Recipe

Dreamy Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake Recipe for Festive Joy

Sweet memories of childhood holidays dance through my vanilla christmas roll cake, a delightful treat that whispers festive cheer.

Soft sponge layers promise a magical dessert experience waiting to unfold.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this classic confection brings warmth to winter gatherings.

Delicate swirls of creamy filling promise pure indulgence with every slice.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable centerpiece that sparks joy.

Seasonal spices and smooth vanilla create a harmonious blend of comfort and excitement.

Unwrap a slice of happiness and let your taste buds celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake: Store It Right

  • Store the roll cake in an airtight container wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Stays good for up to 1 month.
  • Transfer frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it slowly defrost to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Allow chilled cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften buttercream and restore its delicate texture.

Roll Cake Pairing Tips

  • Pair with Festive Beverages
  • Match the vanilla roll cake with warm mulled wine, creating a cozy Christmas flavor explosion that brings comfort and joy to every bite.
  • Complement the Dessert
  • Serve alongside a creamy cappuccino or hot chocolate with marshmallows, enhancing the cake's vanilla sweetness and adding a luxurious winter touch.
  • Dessert Wine Delight
  • Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti or a late harvest Riesling, which will beautifully highlight the cake's delicate vanilla and buttercream notes.
  • Christmas Cocktail Companion
  • Pair with a festive eggnog martini or a white chocolate liqueur, amplifying the cake's holiday spirit and providing a delightful adult beverage option.

Holiday Roll Cake Decor Options

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Roll: Replace cake flour with a gluten-free blend and cornstarch with xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version. Use almond flour for added richness.
  • Dairy-Free Christmas Treat: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use dairy-free cream in buttercream and dairy-free white chocolate for drizzling.
  • Low-Sugar Festive Roll: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free white chocolate and reduce sprinkle quantity for a diabetic-friendly option.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Edition: Replace vanilla extract with cocoa powder in the cake batter. Use chocolate buttercream and dark chocolate drizzle instead of white chocolate.

FAQs

  • What are Wilton batter bits?

Wilton batter bits are small decorative sugar pieces that add color and texture to baked goods, typically used for festive or celebratory desserts like this Christmas roll cake.

  • Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?

Regular all-purpose flour can work, but cake flour provides a lighter, softer texture due to its lower protein content. If substituting, use slightly less flour and add cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s delicate crumb.

  • How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?

Roll the cake immediately after baking while it’s still warm and flexible. Use the parchment paper as a guide, and roll gently but firmly. The warm cake will set in the rolled shape as it cools, reducing the chance of cracking.

  • Is there a way to make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake roll a day in advance. After filling and rolling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Highlights That Make Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake Shine

  • Quick Holiday Delight: Whip up this festive Christmas roll cake effortlessly, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions without complicated techniques.
  • Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engage children in a fun cooking project with simple steps and colorful sprinkles that make the process enjoyable and interactive.
  • Versatile Celebration Dessert: Ideal for holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, or casual family get-togethers, this cake brings joy and sweet memories to any celebration.
  • Customizable Festive Treat: Easily adapt the recipe by changing sprinkle colors or adding different flavor extracts to match your personal holiday style and preferences.

Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake Pantry Staples

Main Ingredients:

Cake Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs provide the cake's structure and lift.
  • Egg Yolks: Add richness and smooth texture to the cake.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake's golden color.
  • Cake Flour: Ensures a light and delicate cake texture.
  • Cornstarch: Makes the cake extra tender and soft.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor.
  • Wilton Batter Bits: Provides festive cake decoration.
Decoration Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle topping.
  • Sprinkles: Adds colorful holiday cheer.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens buttercream.
Buttercream Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich and creamy frosting base.
  • Vanilla: Enhances buttercream's flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps achieve smooth buttercream consistency.

Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake Assembly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and light greasing for smooth cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Base Mixture

Whisk together:
  • Whole eggs
  • Egg yolks
  • Granulated sugar
Blend until mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract for rich flavor. Gently fold in:
  • Cake flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Wilton batter bits

Step 3: Whip Meringue Layer

In a separate bowl, transform egg whites into a soft peak wonderland. Gradually introduce sugar while continuing to beat until peaks become delightfully stiff. Carefully fold meringue into existing batter, maintaining airiness.

Step 4: Bake Cake Perfectly

Spread batter evenly across prepared pan. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Immediately roll cake with parchment while hot, allowing it to cool in rolled position.

Step 5: Create Dreamy Buttercream

Whip butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream

Adjust consistency as desired. Fold in colorful sprinkles for festive touch.

Step 6: Assemble Magical Cake Roll

Gently unroll cooled cake. Spread buttercream generously across surface. Carefully re-roll cake. Drizzle melted white chocolate over top. Sprinkle additional decorative sprinkles for final festive flourish.

Pro Tricks for Christmas Roll Cake

  • Gentle Rolling Technique: Roll the cake immediately after baking while it's still hot to prevent cracking and help it maintain a smooth, flexible shape.
  • Flour Sifting Secret: Always sift cake flour and cornstarch together to eliminate lumps and create a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
  • Temperature Control Trick: Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother incorporation when whipping egg whites and creating the cake batter.
  • Buttercream Consistency Hack: Add cream gradually to achieve the perfect spreadable buttercream, ensuring it's smooth and easy to apply without being too runny.
  • Festive Decoration Pro Tip: Drizzle white chocolate and sprinkle decorations just before serving to keep the cake looking fresh and prevent colors from bleeding.
Print
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Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake Recipe

Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet holiday magic unfolds with this Vanilla Christmas Roll Cake, promising festive delight in every delicate slice. Elegant Swiss roll layers whisper Christmas cheer, inviting you to savor seasonal warmth and culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/3 cup (30 grams) cake flour, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons (30 grams) cornstarch

Flavoring and Decorative Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup red & green Wilton batter bits
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons red and green sprinkles
  • Additional red and green sprinkles for decoration

Frosting and Chocolate Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, at room temperature
  • 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 3 teaspoons heavy cream
  • 4 ounces white chocolate

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and light greasing.
  2. Create a smooth batter by whisking whole eggs and additional yolks with sugar until pale and voluminous, then incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
  3. Gently fold sifted cake flour and cornstarch into the egg mixture, maintaining a delicate texture and preventing lumps, then mix in decorative Wilton batter bits.
  4. Separately whip egg whites, gradually adding sugar to create a glossy, stiff meringue that will provide airy lift to the cake batter.
  5. Carefully fold the meringue into the initial batter using a light, sweeping motion to preserve the mixture’s delicate structure.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly across the prepared pan, using an offset spatula to create a uniform layer and eliminate air pockets.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake surface is golden and springs back when lightly touched, indicating perfect doneness.
  8. Immediately after removing from the oven, roll the cake with its parchment paper while still warm to prevent cracking and set the shape.
  9. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely, maintaining its cylindrical form.
  10. Prepare buttercream by whipping butter until creamy, then gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  11. Fold colorful sprinkles into the buttercream for added texture and festive appearance.
  12. Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread an even layer of buttercream, and gently re-roll the cake.
  13. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the rolled cake for a decorative finish, then garnish with additional sprinkles for a whimsical touch.

Notes

  • Prevent cake cracking by rolling the cake immediately after baking while it’s still warm and flexible.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother batter incorporation during mixing.
  • Replace cornstarch with gluten-free flour alternative for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring consistent cake texture.
  • Create colorful variations by swapping vanilla sprinkles with seasonal or themed decorative sugar pieces for festive presentations.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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