Oh, there’s just something so magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? And when it comes to festive desserts, my absolute favorite has to be the Christmas cake roll! Imagine biting into a luscious, rolled cake that’s filled with creamy whipped goodness and the delightful bursts of dried fruit. It’s like taking a slice of traditional Christmas cake and giving it a fun twist! I still remember the first time I made this dessert; my kitchen was filled with the warm scents of spices and sweetness, and my family couldn’t wait to dive in. Trust me, once you try this Christmas cake roll, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions too. So, let’s get ready to make a dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (chopped if large pieces)
- 1/2 cup whipped cream for filling
How to Prepare the Christmas Cake Roll
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the cake rise beautifully! While that’s happening, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. I can’t stress enough how this little step saves you from a sticky situation later on. Trust me, it makes removing the cake a breeze!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s get mixing! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, giving it a quick whisk to blend everything together. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until they’re light and fluffy—this usually takes a couple of minutes. You want that airy texture to help the cake rise! Next, add in the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into this mixture until just combined. And here’s where the magic happens: gently fold in your chopped mixed dried fruit. This not only adds flavor but also gives that festive touch we’re all looking for!
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s a lovely golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. Ooh, that smell wafting from the oven is heavenly! After baking, take it out and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes—don’t skip this part! It helps prevent cracking when you roll it.
Rolling and Filling
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Carefully turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel that’s dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper, then spread your whipped cream evenly over the cake. Here’s a little tip: start rolling the cake from the shorter end, using the towel to help you along. Roll it up gently but tightly! Once it’s rolled, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This step helps the cake hold its shape and makes slicing easier. You’re going to love how beautiful and delicious this Christmas cake roll turns out to be!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the parchment paper: It’s your best friend when it comes to avoiding a sticky mess! Lining your baking sheet will make rolling the cake so much easier.
- Be gentle when mixing: When you fold in the dry ingredients and fruit, be careful not to overmix. You want to keep that airy texture for a light and fluffy cake!
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your cake in the oven! It should be golden brown and spring back when touched. If you let it bake too long, it might become dry.
- Use a clean towel: When rolling the cake, a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar helps prevent sticking and makes rolling a breeze!
- Chill before serving: Allowing the cake roll to chill in the fridge for at least an hour helps set the whipped cream and makes slicing much easier. Plus, it tastes even better cold!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your stunning Christmas cake roll, the options are as delightful as the cake itself! I love to present it alongside a few complementary treats that really enhance the festive spirit. Here are some ideas you might want to consider:
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries not only adds a pop of color but also pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly!
- Warm Spiced Cider: Serve the cake with a steaming cup of warm spiced apple cider. The cozy spices in the cider create a lovely holiday vibe that your guests will adore.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the cake roll just before serving. It adds a rich flavor that complements the dried fruit beautifully!
- Whipped Cream: You can never go wrong with a little extra whipped cream on the side. It’s like adding a cloud of sweetness that everyone loves!
- Holiday Cookies: Pair your Christmas cake roll with some gingerbread or sugar cookies for a delightful dessert platter. The combination will surely impress your guests!
With these tasty additions, your Christmas cake roll will be the star of the holiday dessert table, and trust me, it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a little breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful Christmas cake roll. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
This Christmas cake roll is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a reasonable indulgence during the festive season. So go ahead, enjoy every slice without a second thought!
FAQ Section
Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this Christmas cake roll is how customizable it is. If you have a favorite dried fruit, feel free to swap out the mixed dried fruit for something like chopped apricots, cranberries, or even figs. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces if they’re large, so they spread evenly throughout the cake. It’s a great way to add your personal touch and make it uniquely yours!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you can store the cake roll in the fridge. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can slice it and freeze the pieces. Just make sure to wrap each slice individually. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. It’ll taste just as delightful as the day you made it!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You bet! This Christmas cake roll is perfect for making in advance, which is such a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. You can prepare the cake roll up to a day ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just be sure to wrap it well so it stays fresh and doesn’t absorb any fridge odors. It’ll be ready to slice and serve when your guests arrive, making your holiday entertaining a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Delight: The Christmas cake roll captures all the classic flavors of the holiday season in a fun and whimsical way that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this dessert is a breeze to whip up, even amidst the holiday hustle and bustle!
- Customizable: You can easily tailor the dried fruits to your liking, making it a versatile dessert that can match your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand.
- Beautiful Presentation: This rolled cake is not only delicious but also a showstopper on any dessert table, bringing a touch of elegance to your holiday celebrations.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 8 generous servings, it’s the ideal treat for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a slice of festive joy!
Christmas Cake Roll: 5 Ways to Delight This Holiday Season
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert that combines the flavors of traditional Christmas cake in a rolled format.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit
- 1/2 cup whipped cream for filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Add melted butter and vanilla to the egg mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruit.
- Spread the batter evenly in a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let it cool.
- Spread whipped cream over the cake and roll it up gently.
- Chill for an hour before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Customize with your favorite dried fruits.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: christmas cake roll, holiday dessert, festive cake
