The Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake is a classic dessert that brings elegance and festive cheer to your holiday table. This delightful treat features a light and airy sponge cake rolled with a luscious vanilla cream filling, making it a perfect centerpiece for your celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Christmas-themed sprinkles or edible decorations
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure easy release of the cake.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs using an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes until they become thick and pale in color.
- Slowly add the granulated sugar while mixing, ensuring the mixture remains light and airy.
- Mix in the vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to maintain the batter’s fluffiness.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Evenly spread the batter in the prepared jelly roll pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center.
4. Roll the Cake:
- While the cake is in the oven, place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and generously dust it with powdered sugar.
- Once baked, quickly flip the cake onto the prepared towel and carefully remove the parchment paper.
- Beginning at one short end, roll the cake and towel together into a tight spiral.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack while rolled up.
5. Prepare the Filling:
- Using a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form, creating a rich and stable filling.
6. Assemble the Cake:
- Once fully cooled, gently unroll the cake, taking care to prevent cracks.
- Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, leaving a slight border at the edges.
- Carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel, ensuring a firm and even shape.
- Position the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter for a polished presentation.
7. Decorate:
- Lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Garnish with festive sprinkles or edible decorations to enhance its holiday charm.
8. Serve:
- For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before slicing.
- When ready, cut into even slices and enjoy this festive dessert with family and friends.
Tips for Success
- Egg Temperature: Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before starting. Room temperature eggs whip better, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Folding Technique: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, use gentle folding motions to retain the batter’s airy texture. Overworking the batter may cause it to lose volume, leading to a denser cake.
- Rolling the Cake: Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks. The powdered sugar on the towel keeps the cake from sticking and helps form the perfect shape.
- Chilling the Cake: Letting the finished roll cake rest in the fridge before slicing allows the filling to firm up for cleaner cuts.
Variations and Additions
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty touch or mix in finely grated citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a zesty twist.
- Festive Colors: For a holiday-inspired look, divide the batter into two portions and add red and green food coloring. Swirl them together in the pan for a marbled effect.
- Alternative Fillings: Try using cream cheese frosting or flavored buttercream. Adding crushed peppermint candies or a layer of fruit preserves can enhance the taste and add a fun surprise.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the texture may firm up slightly over time.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this cake a day in advance. Assemble and roll the cake as directed, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.