Festive Christmas Cake Roll Recipe
The Christmas cake roll is a delightful and visually stunning dessert perfect for the holiday season. Combining the moistness of a sponge cake with a creamy filling, this festive treat is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.
What is a Christmas Cake Roll?
A Christmas cake roll, also known as a Yule log or Bûche de Noël, is a rolled sponge cake filled with cream, ganache, or other delicious fillings. It’s decorated to resemble a log, often with powdered sugar to mimic snow, making it a centerpiece for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients You'll Need
- For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Decoration:
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir in melted butter.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Roll the Cake:
- Immediately after baking, loosen the edges of the cake and invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from one end, roll the cake up tightly with the towel. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Assemble the Cake Roll:
- Unroll the cooled cake carefully.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake.
- Reroll the cake tightly without the towel.
- Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Decorate:
- Remove the cake roll from the refrigerator and unwrap it.
- Dust with powdered sugar to resemble snow.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh berries.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the cake can make it dry and prone to cracking when rolled.
- Cool Properly: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your cake roll.
Variations
- Chocolate Cake Roll: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Peppermint Filling: Incorporate peppermint extract into the cream cheese filling for a festive flavor.
- Nutella Filling: Replace the cream cheese filling with Nutella for a hazelnut delight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Christmas cake roll chilled, sliced into individual servings. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Garnish with extra berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added touch of elegance.
Conclusion
The Christmas cake roll is a show-stopping dessert that combines flavor and visual appeal. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a memorable treat that will be the highlight of your holiday celebrations. Enjoy baking and happy holidays!
CTA: Try this recipe and share your creations with us! We’d love to see your festive cake rolls.
