Kick off your holiday season with our stunning Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll! This elegant dessert combines the lightness of a sponge cake with the tangy sweetness of fresh raspberries and the creaminess of whipped filling. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or sharing an intimate family dinner, this recipe promises to bring smiles to the table. Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and keep your holiday baking on point!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🎄 Visually Stunning: The raspberry swirls make for a show-stopping presentation that will elevate your dessert table.
🎄 Flavorful Fusion: A balance of tart raspberries, sweet whipped cream, and light sponge cake.
🎄 Easy to Make: Despite its fancy appearance, this roll is surprisingly simple and achievable, even for novice bakers.
🎄 Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with all ages, making it a perfect addition to your festive lineup.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Jelly roll pan (10×15 inch)
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
- Spatula
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Berry Swap: Use strawberries, blackberries, or a berry mix for variety.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp of lemon or orange zest to the whipped cream for a zesty flavor.
- Chocolate Finish: Sprinkle cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and thick (about 5 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Bake the Sponge Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top springs back when touched.
- Roll the Cake:
- Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
- Invert the hot cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake with the towel. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mash the raspberries with sugar.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Roll:
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly.
- Add the raspberry filling on top, then gently re-roll the cake (without the towel).
- Finish and Serve:
- Place the roll seam-side down and dust with powdered sugar. Slice and serve!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this festive dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm glass of mulled cider. The richness of the roll perfectly complements these classic holiday accompaniments.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Eggs: They help create a fluffier sponge.
- Quick Rolling: Roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracks.
- Chill for Whipping: Ensure your bowl and cream are cold to achieve stiff peaks.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and store the roll in the fridge. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh look.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
What if my cake cracks?
Don’t stress! Cover any imperfections with whipped cream or powdered sugar. It’ll still taste amazing.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll is the ultimate festive dessert, combining beauty, flavor, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe promises holiday cheer in every bite.
Love this recipe? Share your creations with us on Instagram or Pinterest, and don’t forget to leave a review! We’d love to see your version of this holiday masterpiece.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
Decorating Ideas for Extra Festive Flair
- Snowy Look: Dust the roll with a thick layer of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a snow-kissed effect.
- Holiday Colors: Add a drizzle of red raspberry syrup and sprinkle green sprinkles to match the Christmas theme.
- Berry Topping: Decorate the roll with fresh raspberries and a sprig of rosemary for a natural, elegant touch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the roll for added decadence.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Gifting
The Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll isn’t just a dessert; it’s a giftable delight. Here’s why:
- Portable and Presentable: Its rolled shape is easy to transport, and its festive appearance makes it a perfect centerpiece.
- Customizable Packaging: Wrap it in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon for a charming edible gift.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before, and it’s ready to go for any holiday visit or party.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Raspberry Roll: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the sponge cake batter and use a chocolate whipped cream filling.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds over the whipped cream before rolling for added texture and flavor.
- Coconut Bliss: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and dust the roll with shredded coconut for a tropical holiday vibe.
Pairing Ideas
- Savory Counterpart: Serve the roll after a main dish like roasted turkey or glazed ham for a perfectly balanced holiday meal.
- Cheese Board Bonus: Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces and pair it with a festive cheese platter for a sweet and savory combination.
- Breakfast Star: This roll can double as a sweet holiday breakfast treat alongside coffee or hot chocolate.
Creative Storage Solutions
- Slice and Store: Slice the roll into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats.
- Holiday Dessert Platter: Keep the roll whole and store it on a decorative serving tray, covered with a cake dome, for a ready-to-serve option.
Make It Kid-Friendly
This recipe is perfect for involving little helpers in the kitchen! Here’s how:
- Decorating Duty: Let kids sprinkle the powdered sugar or add festive toppings like sprinkles or mini candies.
- Mini Rolls: Instead of making one large roll, divide the batter into smaller portions and create mini rolls for individual servings.
- Creative Fillings: Swap out the raspberry filling for kid-friendly options like strawberry jam, Nutella, or even peanut butter and jelly.
How to Turn This Into a Gluten-Free Dessert
To accommodate gluten-sensitive guests, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to keep the sponge cake light and fluffy.
Festive Add-Ons
Take your Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll to the next level with these fun extras:
- Edible Glitter: Add a touch of sparkle to your roll for a magical holiday vibe.
- Themed Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create holiday-themed designs out of fondant or chocolate to decorate the roll.
- Personalized Touch: Pipe “Merry Christmas” or names of your guests on the roll with icing for a personalized dessert.
Hosting Tip
If you’re serving this roll at a holiday party, pre-slice it and arrange the pieces in a circular pattern on a platter. Garnish with fresh berries and sprigs of rosemary for a wreath-like presentation. It’ll make serving easier and look stunning on the table!
Holiday Tradition Inspiration
Make the Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll part of your yearly holiday traditions:
- Family Bake-Off: Challenge family members to create their version of the roll and share unique twists.
- Christmas Eve Dessert: Bake and serve this roll after your Christmas Eve dinner to end the evening on a sweet note.
- DIY Dessert Bar: Include this roll as part of a DIY dessert station, letting guests customize their slices with toppings like chocolate sauce, crushed nuts, or whipped cream.
Enjoy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as this roll! 🎅✨
