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 favorite at our family gatherings for its fun theme and simple prep.
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:
- a. Remove the store-bought cake from its packaging and if necessary trim the edges to form a neat rectangle. b. Place the cake on a piece of parchment paper. c. Gently slice off any domed top to level the cake. d. 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:
- a. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface of the cake leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. b. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream if using. c. Gently roll the cake from the short end using the parchment paper to help guide it tightly into a log. d. Wrap the rolled cake in parchment and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (optional for cleaner slicing).
- Decorate:
- a. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with different food colorings for sweater patterns. b. Spread a base layer of frosting over the cake roll. c. 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 smiles as we create and decorate together making holiday 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 makes a festive centerpiece and a delightful treat to share with loved ones.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What type of cake works best for the roll?
Plain store-bought sheet cakes like vanilla or chocolate work well; pound cake offers sturdiness for easier rolling.
- → How do I create the whipped cream filling?
Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form for a light and sweet filling.
- → What techniques ensure clean slices of the cake roll?
Refrigerate the rolled cake wrapped in parchment for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, then slice with a serrated knife.
- → How can I make the frosting colorful and festive?
Divide frosting into bowls and tint each with gel food coloring, then pipe patterns inspired by holiday sweater designs.
- → Are there decoration ideas to enhance the cake roll's appearance?
Use sprinkles, mini candies, edible glitter, crushed candy canes, or pretzel sticks to complement the frosting’s whimsical patterns.
- → Can this dessert accommodate dietary restrictions?
This version contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. Check labels carefully to avoid allergens and consider substitutions if needed.