Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe

If you’re looking to dazzle your holiday guests with something both beautiful and refreshingly festive, the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is your new secret weapon. This delightful treat marries the fluffiest vanilla sponge with luscious raspberry jam, pillowy whipped cream, and a snowy white chocolate glaze. Every swirl is a celebration – bright, tangy, creamy, and light – making it the dessert people will talk about long after the last slice disappears. The best part? It looks stunning, tastes even better, and couldn’t be simpler to make, even during the busiest holiday season.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of staple ingredients to make this showstopper, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll’s irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need – and why they matter!

• All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s delicate structure without making it dense or heavy.
• Baking powder: Ensures a light, airy sponge that rolls up beautifully instead of cracking.
• Salt: A tiny pinch that intensifies both the sweetness and the raspberry flavors.
• Large eggs: Whipped for maximum volume, they’re the secret behind the cake’s signature fluffiness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping whip it to that thick, pale perfection.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, cozy undertone throughout the cake and filling.
• Milk: Just a splash keeps the cake moist, soft, and flexible for rolling.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting and filling): Prevents sticking and gives the whipped cream a stable, sweet finish.
• Raspberry jam (seedless preferred): Bright and tangy, it soaks into the cake, delivering that signature holiday flavor and pop of color.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, the cream brings a luscious, airy layer to the filling and glaze.
• White chocolate chips: Melted into cream for a velvety white glaze that’s as pretty as snow.
• Fresh raspberries and mint leaves (optional): For garnish, these are the crowning touch of color and freshness.

How to Make Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Jelly Roll Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a light grease – this ensures your cake lifts out effortlessly, no tears or sticking!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give them a quick whisk, so the leavening is evenly distributed and the cake bakes up uniformly fluffy every time.

Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a thick, glossy mixture that’s pale and almost triples in volume. This is what creates the light and flexible sponge cake you need for rolling.

Step 4: Fold in Wet Ingredients and Flour Mixture

Gently mix in your vanilla extract and milk, just until combined. Now, using a spatula, fold in your flour mixture – take care not to overmix! Stop as soon as your batter is smooth; this helps keep the cake tender and light.

Step 5: Spread, Bake, and Roll the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly to the edges. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. As soon as it’s out of the oven, quickly invert it onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel away the parchment, and while still warm, roll the cake (with the help of the towel) from the short end. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape – this trick ensures it will hold its swirl and not crack later.

Step 6: Make the Raspberry and Cream Filling

Whip your heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until you reach stiff peaks – it should stand tall and hold its shape beautifully. Unroll the cooled cake gently, then spread a thin, even layer of raspberry jam across the surface, followed by your fluffy whipped cream.

Step 7: Roll It Up and Let Chill

With the filling in place, carefully roll up the cake again (discard the towel this time), keeping the swirl tight but gentle to prevent any filling from escaping. Place the cake seam side down and let it chill in the fridge while you prepare the white chocolate glaze.

Step 8: Add the White Chocolate Glaze

To make the dreamy white chocolate topping, gently heat the heavy cream until steaming (not boiling!). Pour it over your white chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute or two. Stir until smooth and shiny, then drizzle the glaze generously over your cake roll. A quick stint in the fridge helps it set perfectly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, adorn your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll with fresh raspberries and a few mint leaves for that final festive flourish.

How to Serve Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh raspberries and sprigs of mint bring vibrant holiday colors and hint to the fruity flavors waiting inside. For an added wintery touch, try a dusting of powdered sugar or some white chocolate curls on top – it looks like a blanket of fresh snow!

Side Dishes

Pairing is everything! This cake roll shines alongside a warming mug of hot chocolate, a fragrant chai latte, or even a mild green tea. Fresh fruit or a bowl of bright citrus salad on the side cuts the sweetness and keeps the whole experience refreshingly light.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel free to get playful: slice the cake and arrange the pieces in a spiral on a platter, decorate each slice with a single raspberry, or even serve the whole roll atop a bed of fresh mint leaves for extra color. A beautiful cake stand or dusting of edible gold star glitter can take your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll presentation to magical, photo-worthy heights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll keeps surprisingly well! Simply cover the whole cake (or individual slices) tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay moist and tasty for up to three days, with the flavors melding even more beautifully as it sits.

Freezing

Want to get a jump start on your holiday baking? The cake roll (filled and unglazed) can be wrapped snugly in plastic wrap and foil, then frozen for up to a month. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then top with the white chocolate glaze and fresh garnishes right before presenting.

Reheating

The beauty of a rolled cake like this is that it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just let refrigerated slices sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and flexible, using a sugared towel, is the secret here! Cooling the cake in its rolled shape (with the towel inside) allows it to remember the form, making final assembly a breeze for your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll.

Can I use other types of jam in the filling?

Definitely! While raspberry brings seasonal color and tang, options like cranberry, strawberry, or even a mixed berry jam work beautifully in the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll. Choose seedless varieties for the smoothest bite.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a rimmed baking sheet close to the 10×15-inch size; just be careful not to overfill, as a thicker sponge can make rolling trickier. If needed, trim the edges slightly for a neater look.

Can the cake roll be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of standard flour. The results are usually every bit as tender and delicious, making this Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll accessible to more guests.

How far ahead can I assemble the cake?

You can easily make and assemble the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll a day in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the fridge — just wait to add the glaze and garnishes until the day you’re serving for the freshest look.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried your hand at a rolled cake before, let this Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll be your holiday kitchen adventure — it’s easier than it looks and rewards you with smiles, sparkle, and serious flavor. Gather your loved ones, share each slice, and watch this cheery dessert become a new festive tradition.

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