Save to Pinterest 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 its playful look always impresses guests and the prep is surprisingly quick.
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 to Pinterest My family loves gathering around to decorate the cake roll together each year its a festive tradition that brings smiles and laughter.
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 to Pinterest This recipe is a festive crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cake works best for the roll?
A firm store-bought sheet cake such as pound cake or plain vanilla/chocolate works best to hold the shape when rolled.
- → How do I achieve stiff peaks for the filling?
Chill the bowl and beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture holds firm, standing peaks.
- → Can I use different flavors for the filling?
Yes, the filling can be flavored with extracts or cocoa powder to complement the cake base.
- → How should I decorate the cake roll for the sweater effect?
Divide frosting into bowls, tint with food colors, and pipe zigzags, dots, and lines to mimic sweater patterns, adding sprinkles for extra fun.
- → What is the best way to slice the roll cleanly?
Chill the rolled cake wrapped in parchment for at least 30 minutes before slicing sharply into 1-inch pieces to maintain shape.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for several hours to enhance flavors and ease of slicing; decorate just before serving for freshest appearance.