If there’s one festive treat that truly captures the magic of the holidays, it’s the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll. This showstopping dessert features a light, spongy vanilla cake wrapped around a vibrant layer of raspberry jam and luscious whipped cream. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and juicy raspberries, this cake roll doesn’t just look stunning on your holiday table—it tastes like Christmas cheer with every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or this is your first time rolling a cake, you’ll fall in love with the irresistible blend of sweet berries and pillowy cake that makes each slice a celebration.

Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll uses a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial part in achieving the cake’s lightness, flavor, and signature swirl. Take a peek at these must-haves and how to get the most out of each:

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure without weighing the cake down, resulting in a tender, airy sponge.
Baking powder: Gives the cake its lovely lift and soft texture—be sure yours is fresh for maximum rise.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the roll.
Large eggs: The secret to a fluffy, flexible sponge; they whip up with sugar to create the signature volume.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps to whip air into the eggs for that perfect lightness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, making the cake wonderfully fragrant.
Vegetable oil: Just enough to keep the cake moist and sliceable, even after chilling.
Milk: Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Crucial for preventing the cake from sticking as you roll, and for a snowy finish on top.
Raspberry jam (seedless preferred): Brings a pop of tart, fruity flavor in every bite; seedless gives a smooth swirl.
Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into dreamy clouds that balance the tart jam and sweet cake.
Powdered sugar (for cream): Sweetens the whip without any grittiness—powdered dissolves instantly.
Vanilla extract (for cream): Adds an extra note of warmth to the filling.
Optional toppings (powdered sugar, fresh raspberries, white chocolate drizzle, or sugared rosemary sprigs): Perfect final touch to make your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll look as magical as it tastes.

How to Make Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Heat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Line it with parchment paper and lightly grease all the corners—this helps your sponge lift easily and gives you the confidence to roll without sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step evenly distributes the leavening and seasoning, giving your cake a consistent, delicate crumb.

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar on high speed for about 4–5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is thick, glossy, and pale—almost like cake batter clouds! This aeration is what makes the sponge so light and springy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and milk. The vanilla adds aroma while the oil and milk ensure your cake stays rollable and moist, never dry or crumbly.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Mix

Gently fold the flour mixture into your wet ingredients. Go slow and be gentle to keep all that wonderful air you’ve just whisked up. Once you have no more floury streaks, stop—you don’t want to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Sponge

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly tapped. Overbaking will make rolling more difficult, so keep a close eye on it!

Step 7: Roll the Cake While Warm

Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar, then invert the hot cake onto it. Carefully peel off the parchment. Working from the short end, gently roll up the cake with the towel inside—this sets the shape and prevents cracks. Let it cool completely, seam side down.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

While your rolled cake cools, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. This billowy whipped cream is the perfect partner for bright raspberry jam.

Step 9: Assemble the Roll

Once your cake has cooled, unroll it gently—don’t worry if it curves a bit. Spread an even layer of raspberry jam, then a layer of whipped cream. Carefully roll the cake again, this time without the towel, and place it seam side down on your chosen platter.

Step 10: Chill and Decorate

Let your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll chill for at least 30 minutes to set the shape and flavors. Dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, then top with fresh raspberries or a beautiful white chocolate drizzle for extra festivity.

How to Serve Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

Garnishes

The most enchanting part about serving Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is how customizable it is. Try a flurry of powdered sugar for a snowy winter scene, scatter fresh raspberries for a burst of color, or twirl on a delicate white chocolate drizzle. For a touch of woodland wonder, nestle in a few sugared rosemary sprigs.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines alongside simple accompaniments. Offer a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a cool contrast, pour a mug of hot cocoa with whipped cream, or set out steamy mulled wine for a real holiday treat. The tartness of the raspberry balances beautifully with sweeter drinks or creamy ice creams.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll the star of your dessert spread? Slice it into thick rounds and tilt each piece slightly for a spiral effect. Arrange on a bed of sugared cranberries or serve in a wreath formation surrounded by edible flowers and microgreens for a magical, festive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), simply cover your cake roll snugly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to two days and slice as needed. The cream keeps it moist, and the flavors meld even more wonderfully by the next day.

Freezing

To freeze your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll, wrap it tightly in plastic and then foil. For longer storage, you can pop it in a freezer-safe airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. For the best texture, freeze before adding fresh garnishes; decorate just before serving.

Reheating

This cake roll is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a touch of warmth, let slices rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, but avoid microwaving, as that can melt the whipped cream filling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam in the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?

Fresh raspberries are delicious, but using jam gives you a smooth, spreadable filling that wraps evenly inside the cake. If you love a little texture, try a thin layer of crushed fresh raspberries mixed with the jam for more berry flavor.

Why did my cake crack when rolling?

Cracking usually happens if the cake is overbaked or not rolled while still warm. Make sure to start rolling as soon as it comes out of the oven, and don’t skip the towel and powdered sugar—it helps form that flexible spiral.

Can I make the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have just as delightful a roll.

What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream for the filling?

If you want a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a fantastic substitute. Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk, scoop out the solid cream, and whip it with powdered sugar and vanilla for a luscious alternative.

How far in advance can I make the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll?

This cake roll can easily be made a full day ahead. In fact, chilling it overnight helps the flavors meld and makes for neat slices when serving. Just add your fresh garnishes right before your guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, there’s nothing quite as joyful as unveiling a festive, homemade Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll at your holiday gathering. The bright berry filling, fluffy sponge, and enchanting presentation make this cake roll an instant classic. Try it this season, and watch your friends and family fall in love with every swirl. Happy baking and merry Christmas!