Save to Pinterest A festive, whimsical cake roll inspired by ugly holiday sweaters, made easy with store-bought cake and playful decorations. Perfect for parties or a cheerful dessert table.
This cake roll quickly became a holiday tradition in my family. Everyone loves the playful colors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Cake: 1 large store-bought plain sheet cake (approx. 9x13 inches, vanilla or chocolate)
- Filling: 1 cup heavy cream, cold, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorations: 1 1/2 cups ready-to-spread vanilla or chocolate frosting, assorted colored gel food coloring, assorted holiday sprinkles, mini candies, and edible decorations, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake:
- Remove the store-bought cake from its packaging and if necessary trim the edges to form a neat rectangle. Place the cake on a piece of parchment paper. Gently slice off any domed top to level the cake. With the short side facing you carefully roll the cake (with parchment) into a log then unroll to create a memory for easier rolling.
- Assemble the Roll:
- Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface of the cake leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream if using. Gently roll the cake from the short end using the parchment paper to help guide it tightly into a log. Wrap the rolled cake in parchment and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (optional for cleaner slicing).
- Decorate:
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with different food colorings for sweater patterns. Spread a base layer of frosting over the cake roll. Use piping bags or zip-top bags with snipped corners to pipe ugly sweater designs zigzags dots lines and whimsical shapes. Add sprinkles candies and edible decorations for a playful look.
- Slice and Serve:
- Cut the cake roll into 1-inch slices and enjoy!
Save to Pinterest This recipe brings joy and laughter at every gathering and creates sweet family memories.
Notes
Get creative with designs use crushed candy canes edible glitter or pretzel sticks. Pair with hot cocoa or a dessert wine for a festive touch.
Required Tools
Serrated knife parchment paper mixing bowls electric mixer or whisk offset spatula or butter knife piping bags or zip-top bags
Allergen Information
Contains dairy eggs and wheat (gluten). May contain soy and nuts depending on cake and decorations—check all labels for allergens.
Save to Pinterest This cake roll is sure to brighten up any holiday celebration with a simple yet impressive dessert.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of cake works best for this roll?
Use a sturdy, store-bought sheet cake such as vanilla or chocolate. Pound cake varieties hold shape well when rolled.
- → How should I prepare the filling?
Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form to create a light, creamy filling.
- → Any tips for rolling the cake smoothly?
Roll the cake gently with parchment paper, unroll to add filling, then roll tightly again to form a neat log and refrigerate before slicing.
- → How can I customize the decorations?
Divide frosting and tint with food coloring; pipe zigzags, dots, and lines, then add sprinkles, candies, or mini chocolates for a festive look.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
Yes, chilling the rolled cake before decorating and slicing helps with clean cuts and lets flavors meld nicely.