Save 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 has become my go-to dessert for holiday gatherings because it looks impressive but requires minimal baking skills.
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 Making this cake roll brings my family together as everyone loves decorating their own ugly sweater patterns.
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 This cake roll is a perfect mix of simplicity and festive fun guaranteed to brighten any holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cake works best for this roll?
A sturdy sheet cake like pound cake or a plain vanilla or chocolate cake works best to hold the roll's shape.
- → How do I make the filling for the roll?
Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form for a light and sweet filling.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the rolled cake for at least 30 minutes helps it set and slice cleanly before decorating.
- → How are the colorful decorations created?
Divide vanilla or chocolate frosting into bowls, tint with gel food coloring, then pipe festive sweater patterns using piping bags or zip-top bags.
- → Are there alternatives for decorating the surface?
Yes, you can use sprinkles, mini candies, edible glitter, crushed candy canes, or pretzel sticks for additional festive flair.