When it comes to festive desserts that capture the spirit of the holiday season, few treats can compare to the delightful Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake. This enchanting dessert elevates the classic roll cake with a splash of color and flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas gatherings. Imagine a light and airy sponge cake swirled with velvety vanilla buttercream, adorned with vibrant red and green sprinkles, and finished with a luscious white chocolate drizzle. Whether served as the grand finale to your holiday meal or as a sweet snack to accompany your afternoon coffee, this cake brings joy and cheer to every occasion.
Why We Love This Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake Recipe
One of the standout qualities of this Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake is its versatility. It’s a beautifully festive dessert that can fit seamlessly into any holiday celebration. The soft, sweet sponge cake serves as a perfect canvas for a multitude of decorations, making it an excellent choice for creative bakers. The vibrant colors from the red and green sprinkles and batter bits immediately catch your eye, instantly transforming your dessert table into a winter wonderland.
This cake also boasts a manageable preparation time, allowing you to whip it up without spending the entire day in the kitchen. The sponge cake bakes quickly, and the buttercream adds a creamy richness that complements the lightness of the cake. Its delightful blend of texture and flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both children and adults alike.
Ingredients for Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
To create this stunning Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
Cake Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (30 grams) sifted cake flour
- 3 tablespoons (30 grams) cornstarch
- 1/4 cup red & green Wilton batter bits or edible confetti
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Vanilla Buttercream Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp red & green sprinkles
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-3 teaspoons heavy cream
Decoration Ingredients
- 4 oz white chocolate
- Red & green sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake Directions
Creating your Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake is a delightful journey that begins with preparation. Firstly, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven warms up, line a 17X12 jelly or sheet pan with parchment paper, ensuring that it fits well to avoid any sticking later.
In a mixing bowl, combine your 2 eggs, 3 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Beat the mixture on medium to high speed for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a pale and thick consistency, which indicates that you’ve introduced enough air into the mixture to give your cake that light texture.
Once your egg mixture is ready, add in the vanilla extract. Beat for just a few more seconds to incorporate it fully. Next, sift the flour and cornstarch directly over the mixture. This step is crucial as it helps keep the cake soft and fluffy. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture—be careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in the red and green batter bits for that festive flair.
In a separate bowl, whip the 2 egg whites along with 1 tablespoon of sugar until firm peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the egg whites should stand tall and not droop. Gently fold this meringue into your egg yolk mixture. This will add additional lightness to your cake.
Now, pour the colorful batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for about 6-7 minutes or until you see a golden brown color on top. The scent of vanilla will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top. This helps prevent sticking. Carefully invert the cake onto a clean dish towel, removing the parchment paper in the process. Sprinkle more powdered sugar on the surface and gently roll up the cake with the towel. This technique helps shape the roll while it cools on a wire rack.
While your cake cools, you can make the vanilla buttercream. Start by whipping your room temperature butter for 2-3 minutes in a mixing bowl. Gradually add in the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until it becomes creamy. If necessary, add 1-3 teaspoons of heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency. Finally, fold in the red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
Once the cake has cooled completely, unroll it carefully. Spread the vanilla buttercream evenly on the surface before re-rolling it tightly back into its original shape. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to help it set beautifully.
As a final touch, melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the chilled roll cake. Sprinkle additional festive red and green sprinkles on top to make your dessert eye-catching and joyful. Allow the decoration to set, then it’s time to slice and serve your beautifully crafted Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake.
How to Serve Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
Serving your Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake is easy and enjoyable! Start by placing the rolled cake on a festive cake stand or a beautiful platter. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the cake into even slices, revealing the delightful swirls of vanilla buttercream and colorful batter bits within.
Consider serving your slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also pair each slice with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
During the holiday season, it’s all about the atmosphere. Serve your cake alongside warm beverages like hot cocoa, coffee, or even a festive spiced tea. This not only makes for a cozy dessert experience but invites your guests to linger and enjoy the moment together.
Expert Tips: Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
When preparing your Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake, consider these expert tips to ensure success:
- Eggs at Room Temperature: Using room temperature eggs helps in achieving a better volume when beating the eggs. Try bringing them to room temperature by leaving them out for about 30 minutes before you start.
- Gentle Folding: When incorporating the dry ingredients and the whipped egg whites into the batter, use gentle folds. This preserves the air you’ve incorporated into the eggs, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Proper Cooling: Make sure to let the cake cool completely before unrolling. If the cake is still warm, it can crack and ruin the beautiful presentation.
- Experiment with Fillings: While the vanilla buttercream is classic, feel free to get creative with other fillings like fruit preserves or whipped cream to match your tastes.
- Decorating Tips: Use a piping bag to create beautiful designs with the buttercream or white chocolate, turning your cake into a stunning centerpiece.
How to Store Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
To keep your Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake fresh, store it properly. Once you’ve enjoyed your slices, wrap any remaining cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Placing it in the refrigerator will help it maintain its flavor and freshness for up to a week.
If you want to enjoy this treat later, consider freezing it. Just wrap the entire roll cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and you’ll still have a delightful dessert to share with family or friends.
Variations of Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
While the classic Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake is a delightful treat on its own, consider these variations to delight your guests with new flavors:
- Chocolate Version: Substitute cocoa powder for a portion of the cake flour to create a rich chocolate roll cake. Pair it with a chocolate buttercream for double chocolate heaven.
- Fruit-Flavored Fillings: Introduce different extracts or fruit purees to your buttercream, like almond extract or raspberry puree, for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the buttercream for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cake.
- Seasonal Spices: Incorporate seasonal spices into your batter, like cinnamon or nutmeg, for added warmth and holiday flavors.
- Colorful Layers: For a more visually stunning presentation, create multiple layers of colored cake by splitting the batter into separate bowls and dyeing each a different hue.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
What makes this Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake special?
This cake stands out because of its festive colors and delicious vanilla flavor, making it a perfect holiday treat. The light sponge paired with creamy buttercream is a delightful combination loved by many.
How long does it take to make the cake?
From preparation to baking and chilling, you can expect to spend a few hours making the cake. However, most of the time is passive, giving you the freedom to enjoy the process.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake stores well. You can make it up to a week in advance or freeze it for later enjoyment.
Can I substitute ingredients if I have allergies?
Yes! You can make adjustments based on dietary preferences. For gluten-free options, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free blend.
Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 whole eggs At room temperature
- 3 yolks egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sifted cake flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup red & green Wilton batter bits or edible confetti
- 2 whites egg whites At room temperature
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Vanilla Buttercream Ingredients
- 1 cup butter Room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar 360 grams
- 3-4 tablespoons red & green sprinkles
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-3 teaspoons heavy cream Adjust for desired consistency
Decoration Ingredients
- 4 oz white chocolate For drizzle
- to taste red & green sprinkles For decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Line a 17X12 jelly or sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 eggs, 3 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Beat on medium to high speed for about 5 minutes until pale and thick.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix for a few more seconds.
- Sift 1/3 cup of cake flour and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the mixture and fold gently.
- Fold in 1/4 cup of red and green batter bits.
- Whip 2 egg whites with 1 tablespoon of sugar until firm peaks form.
- Gently fold the meringue into the egg yolk mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 6-7 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooling and Filling
- Once baked, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top to prevent sticking.
- Invert the cake onto a clean dish towel and sprinkle more powdered sugar on the surface, then gently roll up the cake with the towel.
- Let it cool on a wire rack.
- To make the vanilla buttercream, whip 1 cup of room temperature butter for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar until creamy, adjusting with heavy cream if needed, and fold in red and green sprinkles.
Assembly
- Once cool, unroll the cake carefully. Spread the vanilla buttercream evenly and re-roll tightly.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the chilled roll cake.
- Sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles on top.
Serving
- Place the cake on a cake stand or platter and cut into even slices.
- Optionally serve with whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!