Ultimate Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Sweet memories often swirl around this festive Christmas raspberry cake roll that brings a delightful twist to holiday desserts.

Soft sponge layers embrace a vibrant raspberry filling, creating a magical centerpiece for seasonal celebrations.

Delicate and light, this elegant treat promises to impress guests with its stunning visual appeal.

Slicing into a perfectly rolled cake revealing swirls of ruby-red filling against a tender golden background.

Each bite combines the bright tartness of raspberries with subtle seasonal warmth.

Rich cream and fresh berries dance together in a symphony of flavor that feels both comforting and exciting.

You’ll want to savor every delicate slice of this showstopping dessert that transforms an ordinary gathering into a memorable festive moment.

Why Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Feels So Festive

• Whip Up Holiday Cheer: This Christmas raspberry cake roll bursts with festive flavors and creates instant holiday magic in just a few simple steps.
• Master Elegant Techniques: The recipe teaches impressive baking skills like creating a delicate sponge cake, perfectly whipped cream, and professional rolling technique that looks stunning yet feels surprisingly achievable.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sensory Delight: Combines soft, pillowy cake texture with rich, creamy filling and bright raspberry tartness, delivering a dessert that looks gorgeous and tastes even better – perfect for impressing family and friends during holiday gatherings.
• Quick Festive Showstopper: Takes under an hour to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and creates a dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery, making it ideal for busy home bakers wanting to create something special without spending all day in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

• Eggs, Granulated Sugar: The foundation of the sponge cake, providing structure and sweetness. Fresh, room temperature eggs work best for maximum volume.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rich flavor to the cake. Pure vanilla extract provides the best taste.
• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Create a light and tender cake texture. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth batter.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Create a soft, luxurious whipped cream filling. Use cold cream for best whipping results.
• Raspberry Jam: Provides fruity flavor and moisture to the cake roll. Choose a high-quality, seedless jam for smooth spreading.
• Fresh Raspberries: Adds color and fresh berry taste. Select ripe, plump raspberries for the best garnish.

• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and decorating the cake. Gives a festive, snow-like appearance.
• Mint Leaves: Optional garnish that adds a pop of green color and fresh aroma. Fresh mint works best.

How To Make Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F. Grab a jelly roll pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Line the pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease the paper’s surface.

Step 2: Whip Up Egg Yolks

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend egg yolks with sugar. Whip them until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud – about 3 minutes. Splash in some vanilla extract and give it a quick mix.

Step 3: Create Egg White Magic

Grab a clean bowl and start whisking egg whites with a pinch of salt. Watch them transform into soft, billowy peaks. Slowly sprinkle in remaining sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks stand tall.

Step 4: Blend With Care

Gently fold egg whites into the yolk mixture. Think of it like tucking clouds into a delicate blanket – soft and careful movements prevent deflating your beautiful mixture.

• Use a spatula
• Fold in thirds
• Keep the mixture light and airy

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift flour and cornstarch over your egg mixture. Fold gently until everything just comes together. Don’t overmix!

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cake is ready when it springs back after a gentle touch.

Step 7: First Cake Roll

Dust a kitchen towel with powdered sugar. While cake is warm, flip it onto the towel. Peel off parchment paper. Gently roll the cake with the towel from the short side. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape.

Step 8: Whip The Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip until peaks stand tall and firm.

Step 9: Unroll And Fill

Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam. Top with whipped cream, leaving a small border around edges.

Step 10: Final Roll

Gently re-roll the cake without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving plate.

Step 11: Festive Finishing

Dust with powdered sugar. Scatter fresh raspberries and mint leaves. Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with holiday cheer!

Helpful Tips For Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

• Master the Egg Technique: Separate egg whites and yolks carefully, ensuring no yolk contamination for perfect meringue-like volume and light texture.
• Control Moisture Balance: Roll the warm cake immediately to prevent cracking and create a flexible, smooth sponge that holds filling beautifully.
• Prevent Soggy Filling: Use room temperature raspberry jam and pat fresh raspberries dry to avoid excess liquid seeping into the cake layers.
• Stabilize Whipped Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to achieve firmer, longer-lasting whipped cream that won't deflate quickly.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the cake's delicate structure.

How To Store And Slice Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

• Refrigeration: Store the raspberry cake roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Thawing: Remove the cake roll from the freezer and let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual process helps prevent condensation and maintains the cake's soft texture.
• Reheating: Slice the cake roll and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For best results, enjoy chilled or at cool room temperature to preserve the whipped cream's structure.

Drinks And Sweets That Pair With Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

• Craft Festive Wine Pairings: Match this Christmas raspberry cake roll with a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a ruby port. These wines complement the cake's fruity raspberry notes and provide a luxurious holiday experience.
• Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Select rich espresso or smooth cappuccino to balance the cake's sweetness. The bold coffee flavors will enhance the delicate raspberry and cream textures.
• Create Creamy Beverage Matches: Prepare a warm vanilla latte or chilled eggnog to accompany the cake roll. These creamy drinks will beautifully harmonize with the whipped cream and soft sponge cake layers.
• Serve Sparkling Celebration Drinks: Pop open a chilled champagne or prosecco to elevate the dessert's festive spirit. The bubbly, light wine cuts through the richness and adds a celebratory touch to the Christmas treat.

Festive Spins On Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

• Holiday Berry Swirl: Transform the classic raspberry cake roll by incorporating a mix of seasonal berries like cranberries and blackberries for a festive winter flavor profile.
• Chocolate Peppermint Dream: Replace raspberry jam with chocolate ganache and sprinkle crushed candy canes inside the roll for a rich, minty Christmas-inspired dessert.
• Nutty Winter Wonder: Fold chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the whipped cream filling and dust the exterior with cocoa powder for a warm, textural winter variation.
• Citrus Holiday Spark: Add orange zest to the sponge cake batter and replace raspberry jam with orange marmalade for a bright, tangy holiday version that feels light and refreshing.

Your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Questions Answered

• Why is my cake cracking when I roll it?

This often happens if the cake is too dry or rolled when not warm enough. To prevent cracking, make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a towel dusted with powdered sugar to help it roll smoothly without sticking.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake roll up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Just dust with powdered sugar before serving to refresh its look.

• What if I don't have a jelly roll pan?

No worries! You can use a similar-sized baking sheet or sheet pan. The key is to have a flat, rectangular pan that allows the cake to spread evenly and bake uniformly.

• Is there a trick to getting perfect whipped cream?

Yes! Use a chilled bowl and beaters, and make sure your heavy cream is very cold. Beat at medium-high speed and stop as soon as stiff peaks form to avoid turning it into butter.

Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic comes alive with this Christmas raspberry cake roll, blending festive cheer and delicate flavors. Rich swirls of raspberry jam and cream dance through light sponge cake, promising a delightful seasonal treat you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs (room temperature, separated)
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) cornstarch

Cream and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ cup (160 grams) raspberry jam (seedless, if preferred)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Decoration Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Fresh raspberries
• Mint leaves or edible decorations

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sponge canvas by heating the oven to 350F. Meticulously grease a jelly roll pan with parchment, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Whisk egg yolks and a portion of sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, voluminous cream. Infuse with vanilla essence, creating a fragrant base.
3. In a pristine bowl, agitate egg whites with salt, gradually introducing remaining sugar. Whip until peaks stand firmly and confidently.
4. Delicately incorporate egg whites into yolk mixture, maintaining the airy structure through gentle folding techniques.
5. Sift flour and cornstarch over the luminous batter, merging ingredients with minimal disturbance to preserve the delicate texture.
6. Distribute batter uniformly across the prepared pan, creating an even landscape. Bake until the surface responds elastically to a gentle touch.
7. While cake is radiantly warm, transfer onto a sugar-dusted towel. Carefully peel away parchment and tenderly roll the cake lengthwise, allowing it to cool completely in its coiled form.
8. Craft a luxurious cream filling by whisking heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until peaks stand proudly.
9. Unroll the cooled cake with precision. Lavish the surface with a thin raspberry jam layer, followed by a cloud-like cream spreading.
10. Re-roll the cake with finesse, ensuring filling remains contained. Position seam-side downward on an elegant serving platter.
11. Embellish with a delicate powdered sugar snowfall and adorn with fresh raspberries and verdant mint leaves. Chill briefly before presenting this festive confection.

Notes

• Create a smooth, even sponge cake by carefully folding egg whites to maintain their delicate volume, preventing a dense or tough texture.
• Prevent cake cracking by rolling the warm cake immediately after baking, which helps set the flexible shape and prevents breaking when filling later.
• Use cold utensils and bowl when whipping cream to achieve faster, more stable peaks that hold their structure throughout the cake roll.
• Customize the recipe by substituting raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot for a personalized holiday dessert twist.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg