what better way to ring in the season than with a sweet, festive twist on a classic dessert: the Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll. This cozy treat brings together fluffy cake, a vibrant swirl of juicy raspberries, and a holiday-worthy presentation that makes it perfect for family gatherings or a cheerful brunch. You’ll roll it, you’ll slice it, and you’ll serve it with pride. Plus, it’s simple enough that even a beginner baker can win “dessert hero”.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
| Category | Ingredients | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cake Base (Sponge Roll) | 4 large eggs (room temperature) | Gives structure and lightness to the sponge. Room-temperature eggs whip better for volume. |
| ¾ cup granulated sugar | Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped eggs for a tender texture. | |
| 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract | Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake. | |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | Forms the structure while keeping the roll soft and flexible. | |
| 1 teaspoon baking powder | Helps the sponge rise evenly and stay fluffy. | |
| ¼ teaspoon salt | Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. | |
| 2 tablespoons whole milk | Adds moisture for a soft, pliable sponge. | |
| Raspberry Swirl Filling | 1½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries | The star of the show—bright, tangy, and festive in color. |
| 3 tablespoons granulated sugar | Enhances the berry flavor and reduces tartness. | |
| 1 teaspoon lemon juice | Boosts the freshness of the raspberry flavor. | |
| 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water | Thickens the filling so it spreads smoothly and stays in place when rolled. | |
| Cream Filling (Inside Layer) | 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled) | Creates a light, creamy texture that complements the sponge. |
| 2 tablespoons powdered sugar | Sweetens without making the cream too heavy. | |
| 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) | Adds body and tang, helping the filling hold its shape. | |
| ½ teaspoon vanilla extract | Rounds out the flavor and ties in with the sponge. | |
| Dusting & Decoration | 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting) | Adds a snowy, holiday finish to the roll. |
| Fresh raspberries & mint leaves (optional) | Simple, colorful garnish for presentation. |
Step-by-Step Preparation for the Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
Preparing the Raspberry Swirl Filling
Start by creating the heart of this dessert—the raspberry swirl. In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir frequently until the berries release their juices and begin to break down. Mix cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry, then pour it into the bubbling raspberries. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the spoon leaves a clear trail when dragged through the filling. Remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. This step ensures your filling doesn’t make the cake soggy later. The vibrant, tangy raspberry layer will create that signature swirl and balance the sweetness of the sponge.
Making the Sponge Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until thick and pale yellow—this takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until the mixture doubles in volume. Gently fold in vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, and salt, alternating with milk to keep the batter light. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched lightly. Overbaking can make the roll crack, so watch it closely.
Rolling and Assembling the Cake
While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and gently roll it up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely in this rolled position. Once cooled, unroll the sponge and spread the cream filling evenly, leaving about an inch of space at the edges. Spoon or pipe the raspberry swirl filling in thin ribbons across the cream. Re-roll the cake gently but tightly, seam side down. Dust with powdered sugar and chill for at least an hour before slicing. The result? A soft, spiraled masterpiece bursting with festive color and flavor—perfect for the holiday dessert table.
Check out our Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe for another festive holiday dessert.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations for the Perfect Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
Preventing Cracks and Ensuring a Smooth Roll
One of the most common worries with roll cakes is cracking, but a few small adjustments can make all the difference. Always roll the cake while it’s still warm—this step “trains” the sponge to hold its shape without breaking. Dusting the towel generously with powdered sugar prevents sticking. If the edges feel a bit dry, trim them before rolling. When spreading the cream and raspberry layers, avoid overfilling; too much filling can cause tearing when you re-roll the cake. A gentle, even roll will give you that stunning spiral and picture-perfect slices every time.
Balancing Sweetness and Tartness
The beauty of a Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll lies in its flavor balance. The sweet, creamy filling complements the tart raspberry swirl, but you can easily tweak both to suit your taste. If you prefer a sharper berry note, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly. For a richer flavor, add a touch of cream cheese or mascarpone to the whipped filling. The goal is to achieve harmony—bright berry tang wrapped in a cloud of tender vanilla sponge.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dessert actually improves after chilling. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before serving. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. To store leftovers, wrap individual slices tightly or place them in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the roll without powdered sugar dusting; when ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and dust freshly before plating.
Creative Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic technique, try playful variations. Substitute raspberries with strawberries, cranberries, or a mixed berry blend for a different twist. Add a hint of orange zest to the sponge for a subtle citrus lift, or swirl a bit of melted white chocolate into the cream layer for extra indulgence. These tiny changes keep the roll exciting and versatile—perfect for any celebration, from Christmas brunch to Valentine’s dessert night.
Print
Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
A soft vanilla sponge cake rolled with a creamy whipped filling and a tangy raspberry swirl. This festive dessert is easy to make, visually stunning, and full of holiday flavor—perfect for Christmas gatherings or sweet family moments.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1½ cups raspberries
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Make raspberry filling: cook raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice until soft. Stir in cornstarch slurry; cook until thickened. Cool completely.
- Prepare sponge: beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla, flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. Spread in pan and bake 10–12 minutes at 350°F.
- Roll while warm in a sugared towel. Cool.
- Make cream filling: beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cream cheese until fluffy.
- Unroll cake, spread cream, drizzle raspberry filling, and roll again.
- Chill 1 hour. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for a festive touch.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8–10 slices
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll
How do I keep my roll from cracking?
Roll the sponge while it’s still warm and pliable, right after baking. The gentle warmth helps the cake “remember” its shape and prevents cracks once cooled.
Can I make the roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll one day in advance. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate. In fact, chilling overnight helps the flavors blend beautifully.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute it with mascarpone or even whipped Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
How long will it last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll will stay fresh for up to three days.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll is more than just a dessert—it’s a festive centerpiece that captures the magic of the season in every bite. Its soft vanilla sponge, creamy filling, and bright raspberry swirl create a perfect blend of flavor and texture that’s both nostalgic and elegant. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or gifting it to friends, this homemade treat brings warmth and joy to any table. Simple to prepare yet stunning to serve, it’s the kind of holiday recipe that becomes a cherished annual tradition. Slice, serve, and savor the sweetness of Christmas.