If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert this holiday season, the Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll is the perfect choice! With its vibrant swirls of raspberry and sponge-like texture, this delightful treat captures the festive spirit and brings a burst of flavor to any gathering. I still remember the first time I baked this cake; the delightful aroma filled my kitchen, and the rich, tangy sweetness of raspberries brought smiles all around the table. This recipe is not only visually appealing but also simple enough for bakers of all skill levels to master.

Why you’ll love this dish

What truly sets this Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll apart is its versatility and charm. Not only does it exude a holiday vibe, but it also whips up quickly, making it perfect for festive gatherings, unexpected guests, or cozy family dinners. The light sponge cake envelops a luscious raspberry filling, making this treat exceptionally indulgent while still feeling light and airy. You’ll find that it’s an impressive dessert that won’t break the bank or your spirit in the kitchen.

"This roll was an absolute hit at our holiday party! The tangy raspberry paired with the soft cake is such a delightful combination. I can’t believe how simple it was to make!” – Happy Baker Review

Step-by-step overview

Creating this mouthwatering dessert is straightforward, making it a perfect project for both seasoned bakers and those new to the kitchen. With a total preparation time of about an hour, you’ll find that the steps come together seamlessly. From whipping up the batter to rolling the cake, each stage contributes to a beautiful and airy dessert. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need and how to create your Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll!

What you’ll need

To make this elegant dish, gather these ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup raspberry puree
Powdered sugar for dusting
Butter for greasing the pan

For those wanting to mix it up, consider substituting the raspberry puree with other fruity alternatives, like strawberry or blueberry, depending on your preference!

Step-by-step instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with butter and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set this mixture aside for later use.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until they become thick and pale. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse some delightful flavor.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want to keep the batter light and fluffy!
Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan, making sure to reach the corners.
Drop spoonfuls of raspberry puree over the batter. Using a knife, swirl it gently, creating beautiful, marbled effects.
Bake the cake for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s set and lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven, allowing it to cool slightly before rolling it up.
Carefully roll the warm cake with a clean kitchen towel and let it cool completely in this position.
Once cooled, unroll the cake, spread a thin layer of raspberry puree, and then carefully re-roll it.
Finally, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving your Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll is where you can get creative! Consider placing it on a festive cake platter, garnished with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for that extra pop of color. If you’d like to elevate the experience, pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This will create a delightful contrast with the tartness of the raspberry and the sweetness of the cake.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it for longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. Just make sure to cover it properly to avoid drying out. For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, which can preserve its quality for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll comes out perfectly every time:

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
When swirling the raspberry puree, use a gentle hand; you want to see those lovely ribbons without over-mixing them into the batter.
If you find the cake is hard to roll, consider using a slightly damp kitchen towel – it can help make the rolling easier.

Creative twists

Feel free to get inventive with your Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll! You could swap the raspberry puree for your favorite fruit puree, like mango or passionfruit, for a tropical twist. Alternatively, sprinkle in some chocolate chips or nutmeg for added flavor. You can even layer in some cream cheese frosting for a rich, creamy finish.

Common questions

How long does it take to make the Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll?
It takes about one hour from start to finish, including preparation and baking time.

Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely! Just make sure to puree them while they are still frozen, and you may want to drain any excess liquid.

Is this dessert gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Ensure your cake is baked just right—golden brown and slightly springy to the touch. Taking care while rolling it while it’s warm also helps preserve its integrity.

By following this guide, you’ll create a delightful Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with delicious treats and joyful moments!

Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll

A vibrant and delightful dessert perfect for the holiday season featuring a light sponge cake swirled with luscious raspberry puree.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Dessert, Holiday Treat

Cuisine American, Bakery

Servings 8 servings

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

For the cake

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs Use room temperature for better incorporation
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup raspberry puree Can substitute with strawberry or blueberry
Powdered sugar for dusting
Butter for greasing the pan

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10 inch jelly roll pan with butter and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set this mixture aside.

Making the batter

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan.
Drop spoonfuls of raspberry puree over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.

Baking

Bake the cake for 12-15 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before rolling.

Rolling the cake

Carefully roll the warm cake with a clean kitchen towel and let it cool completely.
Once cooled, unroll the cake, spread a thin layer of raspberry puree, then re-roll it.

Serving

Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for up to a month. Use damp kitchen towel for easier rolling if needed.

Keyword Christmas Roll, Festive Dessert, Holiday Baking, Raspberry Dessert, Roll Cake