Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake Recipe with Buttercream and Festive Sprinkles

The Christmas season brings a festive atmosphere, and what better way to add joy to your holiday gatherings than with a deliciously stunning Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake? This beautiful dessert is not only a visual treat but also a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The soft, fluffy vanilla cake is dotted with red and green edible confetti, spiraled with creamy vanilla buttercream, and finished off with a luscious white chocolate drizzle. It’s a showstopper that will surely delight your family and friends, making it a must-try recipe for your holiday celebrations. Let’s take a deep dive into how to make this stunning treat, ensuring every bite brings happiness and festive cheer.

Print

The Appeal of Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake

What makes this cake so special? The combination of light, airy cake and rich, creamy frosting offers a delightful contrast in textures. The red and green dots provide a playful, colorful touch that perfectly complements the holiday spirit. The vanilla buttercream brings a sweet and creamy element, while the white chocolate drizzle gives it an elegant finishing touch, elevating it to a visually appealing dessert that steals the spotlight at any party. Its versatility also makes it a great choice for not only Christmas but any occasion where you want a festive and impressive treat.

Ingredients Breakdown

To create this masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Vanilla Roll Cake:

• 2 eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (30 grams) sifted cake flour
• 3 tablespoons (30 grams) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup red & green Wilton batter bits or edible confetti (for that festive touch)
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons red & green sprinkles (for decoration)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-3 teaspoons heavy cream (for consistency adjustment)

For the Decorations:

• 4 oz white chocolate (to create that elegant drizzle)
• Red & green sprinkles (for extra sparkle)

These ingredients come together to create a festive dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes. The use of egg yolks in the cake batter ensures a rich, tender crumb, while the whipped egg whites provide lightness and airiness, resulting in the perfect sponge cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Next, prepare a 17×12-inch jelly roll or sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. The parchment paper helps the cake come out easily and prevents it from sticking to the pan during baking. Make sure the paper is smooth and free of wrinkles, as this will ensure an even bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 whole eggs, 3 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Using the paddle attachment of your mixer, beat the mixture on medium to high speed for about 5 minutes, until the color lightens and the texture becomes thick and creamy. The sugar should fully dissolve, and the eggs should take on a pale, fluffy consistency. This step is crucial as it helps build the base for a light and airy cake.

Add the vanilla extract and continue beating for another few seconds to incorporate the flavor. The aroma of the vanilla will infuse the batter, setting the tone for a delightful flavor profile.

Next, sift together the cake flour and cornstarch, and gently fold them into the egg mixture with a spatula. This step ensures that your cake batter remains light and airy. Be careful not to deflate the air you’ve just created.

To make the cake festive, fold in the red and green Wilton batter bits (or edible confetti) gently. These colorful bits add visual interest and a subtle pop of sweetness when you bite into them. Be cautious to fold them in evenly to avoid clumping.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

In a separate grease-free bowl, beat the 2 egg whites and 1 tablespoon of sugar until firm peaks form. This process involves whipping the egg whites to create air bubbles, which will help give the cake its light and fluffy texture. Be sure to whip until the whites hold their shape but are not dry. This is key to achieving the delicate structure of the roll cake.

Step 4: Fold the Egg Whites into the Cake Batter

Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. It’s important to do this gently to maintain the airiness of the whipped egg whites. The folding motion should be slow and steady, incorporating the whites into the batter without deflating them.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the prepared batter into your parchment-lined pan and spread it evenly. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for about 6-7 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown. The cake should spring back when touched, and a toothpick or cake tester should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 6: Cool and Roll the Cake

As soon as the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle a layer of powdered sugar over the top of the cake to prevent it from sticking to itself when rolled. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a clean dish towel. Remove the parchment paper and sprinkle a bit more powdered sugar on top to ensure it doesn’t stick.

Once the cake is inverted and the parchment is removed, start rolling it up gently with the towel. This step helps the cake set its shape. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before you proceed to the next steps.

Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream

While the cake cools, it’s time to make the vanilla buttercream. In a clean mixing bowl, add the room-temperature butter. Beat it with a whisk attachment for 2-3 minutes until the butter becomes light and fluffy. This step ensures your buttercream is smooth and easy to spread.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid sugar clouds. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed and whip the buttercream for an additional 2 minutes. The result will be a rich, creamy frosting that’s both sweet and slightly tangy due to the butter.

To adjust the consistency, add heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired texture. It should be spreadable but still firm enough to pipe if you like. Fold in the red and green sprinkles for a festive touch, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, gently unroll it. Spread the prepared buttercream evenly over the surface of the cake, being careful not to tear the delicate sponge. After the buttercream is spread, carefully re-roll the cake, making sure the buttercream stays intact inside. Once rolled, place the cake in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to help it set and firm up.

Step 9: Decorate with White Chocolate and Sprinkles

While the cake is chilling, it’s time to prepare the final decorations. Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, being careful not to overheat it. Once melted, pour the white chocolate over the chilled roll cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle more red and green sprinkles over the top while the chocolate is still soft. The sprinkles add color and texture, making the cake look even more festive and inviting.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Allow the white chocolate to set for a few minutes before slicing the cake into neat rounds. The soft vanilla cake, rich buttercream, and decadent white chocolate drizzle will create a burst of flavors in every bite. Serve your Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake on a platter, and watch as your guests are amazed by both the beauty and the deliciousness of this festive treat.

Tips for Success

• Substituting Ingredients: If you can’t find Wilton batter bits, edible confetti works well as an alternative. It won’t bleed during baking, ensuring that your cake retains its vibrant color. You can also use a different type of sprinkles or even small candy decorations to add a personal touch.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can freeze the uncut roll for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge before slicing.
• Flavor Variations: While vanilla is classic, you can easily adapt the flavor of the cake by adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a subtle nutty flavor or a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more intense and enjoyable taste.

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake is a perfect holiday dessert to bring to parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat at the end of your Christmas meal. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or coffee. You can also serve it alongside other festive desserts like gingerbread cookies or a rich fruitcake for a variety of flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake is an elegant yet simple dessert that will not only impress your guests but also fill your home with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cake and vanilla. Its light, fluffy texture, creamy buttercream, and festive decorations make it a perfect addition to any holiday table. So, why not give it a try this season? You’ll find that its beauty and flavor will make it an instant holiday favorite.