Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the holidays, our Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is just the treat for you! This cake roll is a beautiful blend of a light, fluffy vanilla sponge and a creamy filling that’s bursting with raspberry flavor. It’s perfect for family gatherings, festive dinners, or just a cozy night in with loved ones. I promise, this delicious dessert will make your holiday season even more special!

Baking this cake roll not only fills your home with the wonderful aroma of fresh raspberries but also creates sweet memories. It’s a treat that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors—everyone will want seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this cake roll in advance, saving you time on busy holiday days.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The vibrant colors and elegant roll shape make it an impressive addition to any festive spread.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it as is or get creative with toppings and variations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple and wholesome ingredients will be a breeze! Each one plays a vital role in crafting the delightful layers of our Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll.

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 the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup (240g) whipping cream (chilled)
• 9 oz (250g) fresh raspberries

For Garnishing

• 6 oz (180g) white chocolate
• 1/4 cup (60g) whipping cream
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh raspberries
• Star anise
• Fresh rosemary
• Powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are a few fun ideas to customize your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll:

• Add Citrus Zest: Brighten up the filling by adding some orange or lemon zest for an extra zing.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute raspberries with other berries like strawberries or blueberries for varied flavors.
• Use Flavored Extracts: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist!
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Step 1: Bake 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 large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and oil. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Pour into your prepared pan and bake for about 10 minutes. This step creates that light sponge base we all love!

Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Filling

While your cake bakes, mix together raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small pot over medium heat. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly—about 5 minutes—then let cool. This filling adds that vibrant raspberry flavor that makes this cake truly festive!

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while mixing until well combined. This creamy layer adds richness and balances out the tartness of the raspberry filling.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cake Roll

Once your sponge cake has cooled slightly, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off parchment paper. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the sponge, followed by dollops of raspberry filling. Use the towel to help roll up tightly from one short end to the other. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Step 5: Finish with Whipped Cream Topping

To prepare your topping, whip chilled cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Unwrap your cake roll carefully and spread whipped cream over it generously. Melt white chocolate and mix it with some whipping cream; drizzle this over your decorated cake roll along with fresh raspberries for that wow factor!

Now slice into this beautiful masterpiece and watch everyone’s eyes light up! Enjoy every bite of this delicious Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll—it’s sure to become a cherished holiday tradition!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Creating a beautiful and delicious Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll can be a breeze with these helpful tips!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake, making it easier to roll without cracking.
• Prepare the Pan Properly: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This will help the cake release easily after baking, allowing you to roll it up without any hassle.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredients after combining the wet ones. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while gentle folding keeps it light and airy.
• Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before adding your filling. If it’s too warm, the filling can melt, making it difficult to roll or causing it to ooze out.
• Chill Before Serving: After assembling your cake roll, refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing much easier.

How to Serve Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Presenting your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll beautifully will impress your guests and make every slice feel special!

Garnishes

• Fresh Raspberries: Scatter a handful of fresh raspberries on top of the cake roll for a burst of color and flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Dusting powdered sugar over the cake adds a lovely snowy effect, perfect for a festive look.
• Herbs: Add sprigs of fresh rosemary or star anise as garnishes for an elegant touch and an inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tangy raspberry flavors in the cake roll, providing a delightful contrast.
• Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse complements the fruity elements of the cake, creating a decadent dessert experience.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cake roll and adds a refreshing touch.
• Mint Tea: Serving a warm cup of mint tea alongside enhances the festive atmosphere while offering a soothing beverage option that pairs nicely with dessert.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is sure to be not only delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with family and friends during the holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal festive treat you can prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or just want to enjoy this delightful dessert over the season, knowing how to store it properly will ensure it stays delicious!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake roll to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Place the wrapped cake roll in an airtight container for added protection.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled cake roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake roll slightly warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the cake roll and place it on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Be careful not to overheat, as this may dry out the cake.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful dessert!

Can I make the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake roll can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, mascarpone or a non-dairy cream cheese are great substitutes that will maintain that creamy texture without compromising on flavor.

How do I decorate my Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?

You can top your cake roll with fresh raspberries, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, and a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra festive touch, add sprigs of rosemary or star anise!

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

Yes! Frozen raspberries work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before using them in filling or decoration.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat that brings joy to any holiday table. It’s light, refreshing, and filled with festive flavors that everyone will love. I hope you enjoy making this lovely dessert as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations—happy baking!