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.
I always look forward to making this cake roll during the holidays because the decorating process is a fun activity with family and friends. Even novice bakers can create an eye-catching treat with simple supplies.
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 trim the edges to form a neat rectangle. Place the cake on parchment paper. 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 cake, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream, if using. Gently roll the cake from the short end, using the parchment paper to guide it into a tight log. Wrap in parchment and refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional for cleaner slicing).
- Decorate:
- Divide the frosting into 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, whimsical shapes. Add sprinkles, candies, and edible decorations.
- Slice and Serve:
- Cut into 1-inch slices and enjoy!
Save Decorating this cake roll became a beloved family tradition, with everyone picking their own colors and patterns for a truly one-of-a-kind holiday dessert.
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. Always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 3 g per serving
Save This cake roll always brings laughter and color to the dessert table. Enjoy the decorating and sharing with loved ones!