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Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll: A Festive Delight for the Holiday Table

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in festive desserts that bring joy and cheer to the season. Among the many options, a Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll stands out as a delightful centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Combining the tangy sweetness of raspberries with the soft, spongy texture of a roll cake, this dessert is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck, this cake roll is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details of creating this delectable treat, from the ingredients and preparation to expert tips for perfect results.

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Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll: A Festive Delight for the Holiday Table

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A festive Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll featuring a light sponge cake filled with tangy raspberry filling and topped with fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dessert is a show-stopping combination of flavors and elegance that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh raspberries
  • Edible glitter or holly-shaped fondant

Instructions

Preparing the Sponge Cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. Combine and Fold: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
  5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.

Rolling the Cake:

  1. Dust with Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar on a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Transfer and Roll: Turn the warm cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll it up gently with the towel. Let it cool completely.

Making the Raspberry Filling:

  1. Cook the Filling: In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
  2. Strain for Smoothness: Optional—strain the mixture to remove seeds. Let the filling cool.

Assembling the Cake Roll:

  1. Unroll and Spread: Gently unroll the cake and spread the raspberry filling evenly.
  2. Re-roll the Cake: Roll it back up without the towel, taking care to keep the filling inside.
  3. Chill: Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Finishing Touches:

  1. Whip the Cream: Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  2. Decorate: Spread whipped cream over the roll, dust with powdered sugar, and add your chosen decorations.
  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes

Why Choose a Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?

A Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is not just another dessert—it’s a showstopper that embodies the festive spirit. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your holiday menu:

  • Visually Stunning: The spiral design and vibrant raspberry filling make it a feast for the eyes.
  • Light and Flavorful: Unlike heavy holiday desserts, this cake is light yet packed with flavor, making it a refreshing choice.
  • Customizable: You can adapt the flavors and decorations to suit your preferences.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Its sliceable nature makes it ideal for serving a crowd.

Ingredients for the Perfect Cake Roll

Before you start baking, gather these key ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture.

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh raspberries
  • Edible glitter or holly-shaped fondant

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make a Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Creating a perfect Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll may seem intimidating, but with these simple steps, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Preparing the Sponge Cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. Combine and Fold: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
  5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.

Rolling the Cake:

  1. Dust with Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar on a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Transfer and Roll: Turn the warm cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll it up gently with the towel. Let it cool completely.

Making the Raspberry Filling:

  1. Cook the Filling: In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
  2. Strain for Smoothness: Optional—strain the mixture to remove seeds. Let the filling cool.

Assembling the Cake Roll:

  1. Unroll and Spread: Gently unroll the cake and spread the raspberry filling evenly.
  2. Re-roll the Cake: Roll it back up without the towel, taking care to keep the filling inside.
  3. Chill: Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Finishing Touches:

  1. Whip the Cream: Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  2. Decorate: Spread whipped cream over the roll, dust with powdered sugar, and add your chosen decorations.

Tips for a Perfect Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

  • Work Quickly: Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracks.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh raspberries and cream elevate the flavor.
  • Refrigerate Before Serving: This helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Add almond extract to the batter or mix white chocolate into the filling for a unique twist.

Creative Variations

A Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

  • Chocolate Raspberry Roll: Add cocoa powder to the sponge cake batter for a rich, chocolatey base.
  • Raspberry Cheesecake Roll: Mix cream cheese into the filling for a tangy, creamy layer.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use almond or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Festive Swirls: Add green and red food coloring to the batter for a holiday-themed sponge.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

  • Beverages: Serve with hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or mulled wine.
  • Sauces: Drizzle with raspberry coulis or white chocolate sauce for added decadence.
  • Plating: Place slices on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced bakers can encounter hiccups. Here’s how to address common problems:

  • Cracked Cake: Ensure the cake is warm and pliable when rolling. If it cracks, use whipped cream to hide imperfections.
  • Sticky Roll: Dust enough sugar on the towel to prevent sticking.
  • Runny Filling: Cook the filling until thickened, and let it cool before spreading.

Why Raspberries Are Perfect for Christmas Desserts

Raspberries bring a festive touch with their bright red hue and tangy flavor. They symbolize joy and abundance, making them a fitting choice for Christmas. Additionally, their natural sweetness balances the richness of whipped cream and cake.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make a Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?
You can prepare the cake roll up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and decorate it just before serving.

Can I freeze the cake roll?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What other fruits can I use for the filling?
Strawberries, blueberries, or cherries are excellent alternatives.

How do I avoid the cake sticking to the towel?
Generously dust the towel with powdered sugar before rolling the cake.

Can I use jam instead of fresh raspberry filling?
Absolutely, raspberry jam is a quick and convenient option.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

A Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Perfectly suited for the holiday season, this cake roll is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to impress. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a delightful addition to your repertoire.

So gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and make this holiday season memorable with a stunning Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll. Your guests will thank you—and probably ask for the recipe!

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