Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll

This Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll is a light and fluffy dessert perfect for the holiday season. Filled with whipped cream and dusted with confectioners’ sugar, this cake is both festive and delicious. It’s an easy-to-make showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
• 1 cup whipped cream
• Assorted Christmas sprinkles

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs on high speed for about 5 minutes, until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually beat in sugar. Stir in water and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the egg mixture, beating just until smooth.
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
5. Immediately turn the cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Roll up the cake in the towel jelly-roll style, starting from one of the short sides. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Once the cake is completely cool, unroll the cake. Spread whipped cream evenly over the surface, then roll it back up again, placing the seam side down on a serving platter.
7. Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar and decorate with assorted Christmas sprinkles to add some festive cheer!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Tips for Success

• Don’t over-bake the cake: Keep a close eye on the cake while baking. It should be soft and spring back when touched, but you don’t want it to dry out.
• Use a clean kitchen towel: The towel should be lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar to prevent the cake from sticking as you roll it up.
• Chill the cake roll: For an extra smooth slice, let the rolled cake chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Variations

• Flavored Whipped Cream: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the whipped cream for a holiday twist.
• Different Fillings: Try using fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or even a mascarpone filling for a unique take on this traditional cake roll.
• Toppings: Instead of sprinkles, you can top it with mini candy canes, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a decorative touch.

Storage

• Storage: Store the cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake (unfilled) for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. To serve, thaw and fill with whipped cream before rolling.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes! You can make the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill and serve.
2. How can I make the whipped cream stiffer?
   To make the whipped cream stiffer, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract while whipping.
3. What can I substitute for whipped cream?
   You can use mascarpone cheese or a cream cheese filling as an alternative to whipped cream for a richer texture.
4. Why does the cake roll need to cool in a towel?
   The towel helps maintain the shape of the roll and prevents the cake from cracking when you unroll it later.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s one designed for baking.
6. How do I get the cake to roll without cracking?
   The cake should be soft and slightly elastic after baking. Be gentle when unrolling and re-rolling to avoid cracks.
7. Can I freeze the whole cake roll after it’s been filled?
   While it’s best to freeze the unfilled cake, you can freeze the filled cake roll for up to 1 month, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
8. How can I decorate this cake for Christmas?
   Besides sprinkles, you can add edible glitter, mini marshmallows, or fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
9. Can I use a different extract in the batter?
   Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract or orange extract for a different flavor.
10. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the towel?
    Dust the towel generously with confectioners’ sugar before rolling the cake to prevent it from sticking.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll is a delightful holiday treat that’s both festive and delicious. Its light and fluffy texture combined with whipped cream filling make it the perfect addition to any Christmas celebration. Whether served at a family dinner or given as a gift, this cake will surely bring smiles to all who enjoy it.

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