This Holiday Celebration Cake Roll is a festive and eye-catching dessert that features a light sponge cake rolled around a creamy, flavorful filling. With hints of warm holiday spices and a swirl of sweet cream, this cake is the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas table or any seasonal gathering. It’s soft, flavorful, and beautifully decorated to impress.
Ingredients
For the sponge cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Powdered sugar (for dusting towel and garnish)
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional, adds brightness)
For topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Holiday sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint or candied nuts
- Chocolate drizzle or ganache
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the baking equipment
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper and sides of the pan.
- Prepare a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the sponge cake
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs on high speed for 3–5 minutes until thick and pale.
- Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, then continue beating for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla and oil.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no streaks remain.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Step 3: Roll the cake
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, loosen edges and carefully flip it onto the prepared sugar-dusted towel.
- Peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from a short end, roll the cake up gently with the towel inside.
- Let cool completely while rolled (about 1 hour).
Step 4: Make the filling
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest. Beat until light and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the cake roll
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake.
- Spread the filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Gently re-roll the cake (without the towel) and place seam-side down on a platter.
- Chill for 30 minutes to help set.
Step 6: Decorate and serve
- Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with ganache.
- Add sprinkles or crushed candy for a festive touch.
- Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracking.
- Make ahead: prepare the cake a day early and store chilled.
- Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Change the filling flavor by adding peppermint extract, chocolate chips, or fruit jam.
Small Ingredients List & Instructions (Quick Reference)
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 4 eggs, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla, 2 tbsp oil
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, 4 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, ½ tsp orange zest
Instructions:
- Bake sponge at 350°F for 12–14 mins.
- Roll warm cake in powdered towel. Cool 1 hr.
- Beat filling ingredients.
- Unroll, spread filling, re-roll cake.
- Dust with sugar or drizzle. Chill and slice.
