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.
When I made this cake roll for my family last December everyone loved trying their hand at decorating it with bright frosting and silly sprinkles. It made for memorable photos and lots of laughter at the table.
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 The kids always get excited to pick out sprinkles and candies for their own 'ugly sweater' slice. It is a fun way to get creative together after dinner.
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 wheat (gluten) and may contain soy or nuts depending on cake and decorations. Always check all packaging for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 Total Fat: 16 g Carbohydrates: 39 g Protein: 3 g per serving
Save This cake roll always brings out huge smiles at any holiday party. The playful sweater decorations make every slice unique and extra festive.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of cake works best for this roll?
A plain store-bought sheet cake, such as vanilla or chocolate, is ideal. Pound cake can also be used for sturdiness.
- → How do I create the creamy filling?
Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form for a smooth, fluffy filling.
- → What are some decoration ideas for the frosting?
Divide frosting into bowls, tint with food coloring, and pipe zigzags, dots, and lines to mimic sweater patterns. Add sprinkles and edible candies for extra flair.
- → Can I prepare the cake roll ahead of time?
Yes, after assembling, refrigerate the rolled cake wrapped in parchment for at least 30 minutes to help it set and slice cleanly.
- → Are there any ingredient substitutions recommended?
Chocolate cake and matching whipped cream can be substituted for a chocolate variation. Feel free to customize decorations with candy canes or edible glitter.