Celebrate the holiday season with this stunning Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll. This light, fluffy sponge cake rolled with sweet raspberry jam is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for your Christmas table or as a delightful homemade gift, this cake roll captures the spirit of the season with its bright colors and refreshing flavors.
What Is a Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?
A Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is a traditional Swiss roll-style dessert featuring a sponge cake base, filled with tangy raspberry jam, and optionally studded with fresh raspberries. The rolled cake is dusted with powdered sugar for a festive snow-like finish, making it a perfect addition to any holiday dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: A professional-looking dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Light and fruity: The airy sponge pairs wonderfully with the vibrant raspberry filling.
- Perfect for the holidays: Eye-catching and festive, ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly: Stores well in the fridge, saving you time on busy days.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120 g) raspberry jam
- ½ cup (75 g) fresh raspberries (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
Rolling the Cake
- While the cake bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it with powdered sugar.
- Once the cake is baked, turn it out onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the warm cake tightly with the towel, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Filling and Finishing
- Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread an even layer of raspberry jam across the surface. If desired, scatter fresh raspberries on top.
- Reroll the cake tightly without the towel. Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Instructions
- To freeze, wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container.
- Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use a vegan egg substitute and plant-based raspberry jam.
- Chocolate twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the sponge for a chocolate-raspberry flavor.
- Citrus flair: Mix a tablespoon of orange zest into the batter for a zesty touch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam?
Yes! Strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam make excellent alternatives.
What if my cake cracks while rolling?
Don’t worry—minor cracks can be hidden with powdered sugar or whipped cream.
How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the towel?
Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar before rolling the cake.
Conclusion
This Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a unique dessert gift, this festive roll will leave a lasting impression. Try it out this Christmas and share your experience with friends and family!
Print
Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll: A Festive Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This festive Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll features a light and fluffy sponge cake rolled with sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a stunning, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120 g) raspberry jam
- ½ cup (75 g) fresh raspberries (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Prepare Batter: Beat the eggs and sugar on high speed until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
- Roll Cake: Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Turn the warm cake out onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake tightly with the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely.
- Fill and Roll: Unroll the cooled cake, spread an even layer of raspberry jam, and add fresh raspberries if desired. Reroll the cake gently without the towel.
- Dust and Serve: Dust the cake with powdered sugar. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Be sure to roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracking.
- Use a generous amount of powdered sugar on the towel to keep the cake from sticking.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving