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 is a fun recipe that always delights guests during the holidays and brings smiles with its playful design.
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 This cake always brings joy to family gatherings creating fun memories around the holiday table.
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 perfect for bringing festive cheer and easy enjoyment to your holiday celebrations.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What cake types work best for this roll?
Plain sheet cakes like vanilla or chocolate work well; pound cake is ideal for sturdiness.
- → How is the filling prepared?
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form for a light, fluffy filling.
- → Can I decorate the cake with different colors?
Yes, divide frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring for vibrant, playful designs.
- → Is chilling the rolled cake necessary?
Chilling helps set the shape for cleaner slicing but can be skipped if short on time.
- → What are some decoration ideas?
Use zigzags, dots, lines, sprinkles, mini candies, and edible decorations to mimic sweater patterns.
- → Can this dessert accommodate dietary restrictions?
The base ingredients contain dairy, eggs, and gluten; consider alternative brands for specific needs.