The Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll: A Festive Treat to Remember

When I think of the holidays, my mind instantly drifts to the kitchen—the heart of every celebration. There’s something magical about the warmth of the oven mingling with the crisp winter air, the sound of laughter echoing from the dining room, and the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting through the house. One dessert that has become a treasured tradition in my family is the Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll.

This beautiful roll, with its vibrant red swirls and delicate sponge, isn’t just a dessert—it’s a symbol of togetherness. My grandmother used to make it every Christmas Eve, setting it proudly on the dessert table like a centerpiece. I remember peeking into the fridge, marveling at the spiral pattern peeking through the plastic wrap, knowing that after dinner, we’d all gather around for a slice.

The combination of fluffy sponge cake, sweet-tart raspberry filling, and pillowy whipped cream feels like a celebration in every bite. And the best part? It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a showstopper for a dinner party, or just craving something special to enjoy by the fire, this Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll brings joy, beauty, and a touch of nostalgia to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to add this Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll to your baking list:

• Elegant but Easy: It looks like it came straight from a pastry shop, yet it’s simple enough for home bakers.
• Perfectly Festive: The red raspberry swirls make it a stunning addition to any holiday table.
• Light and Delicious: Unlike heavier desserts, this roll is airy, creamy, and refreshing after a big meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time, making holiday prep a little less hectic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sponge Cake:

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pan and oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges are covered so the cake won’t stick.

2. Whip up the sponge batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and doubles in volume. Add the vanilla extract. Gently sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, folding them in with a spatula just until combined.

I always loved this part growing up—watching the batter transform from liquid to fluffy clouds, knowing that something delicious was coming.

3. Bake the sponge
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is golden and springs back when touched lightly in the center.

4. Roll the cake
While the cake bakes, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. The moment the cake comes out of the oven, turn it out onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper, then immediately roll the cake up inside the towel, starting from the short side. Let it cool completely while rolled—this step helps it keep its shape without cracking.

I remember watching my grandmother do this, holding my breath, hoping it wouldn’t break. But even if it did, she’d smile and say, “That’s what the powdered sugar’s for!”

5. Make the raspberry filling
In a small bowl, mash the raspberries with the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar using a fork. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to macerate. Meanwhile, in a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

6. Assemble the roll
Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Spoon the raspberry mixture over the whipped cream, gently swirling it through with a knife for a marbled effect.

Roll the cake back up tightly (without the towel), seam side down.

7. Chill and serve
Transfer the roll to a serving platter. Chill for at least 30 minutes to help it set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. Slice into beautiful spirals and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Don’t skip the towel roll: Rolling the cake while warm is key to preventing cracks later.
• Use cold tools for whipping cream: A chilled bowl and beaters will help your cream whip faster and hold peaks better.
• Keep the filling light: Avoid overloading with filling, which can make rolling messy and cause it to spill out.

Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Substitute raspberries with strawberries or blackberries if preferred.
• Add a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest to the whipped cream for brightness.
• Serve with a drizzle of raspberry sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Can I use frozen raspberries?
You can! Just thaw and drain them well before mashing to avoid extra moisture in the filling.

What if my cake cracks while rolling?
A few cracks are fine—they’ll be hidden under powdered sugar or whipped cream. You can also patch cracks with extra cream if needed.

Storage Instructions

Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped roll inside a layer of foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll, try:

• The Best Strawberry Crunch Cookies for Sweet, Nostalgic Moments
• Lemon Raspberry Pie
• Raspberry Swirl Roll: A Sweet Tradition in Every Slice
• White Chocolate Cheesecake

Conclusion

The Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of baking something beautiful from simple ingredients. Each bite brings the tart brightness of raspberries, the creaminess of whipped filling, and the lightness of sponge cake together in perfect harmony. Whether it graces your holiday table or brightens up an ordinary day, it’s a treat worth sharing.

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