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Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll: A Festive and Flavorful Holiday Treat

Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll: A Festive and Flavorful Holiday Treat

The Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll is a festive and flavorful holiday dessert featuring a soft, tender cake rolled with vibrant raspberry filling. This light and fluffy cake combines sweet and tangy flavors with beautiful red swirls, making it a perfect centerpiece for Christmas celebrations or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Cake and Filling

  • Fresh raspberries – 2 cups
  • Granulated sugar – 1 cup (divided: 2/3 cup for cake, 1/3 cup for filling)
  • Eggs – 4 large
  • All-purpose flour – 1 cup
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Butter, melted – 1/4 cup (plus extra for greasing)
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

For Dusting and Topping

  • Powdered sugar – for dusting and optional use in frosting

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Cream cheese, softened – 4 ounces
  • Butter, softened – 2 tablespoons
  • Powdered sugar – 1 cup
  • Vanilla extract – 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Raspberry Filling: Gently heat 2 cups fresh raspberries with 1/3 cup granulated sugar over medium heat until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve to remove seeds and set aside to cool.
  2. Mix the Batter: Whisk 4 large eggs and 2/3 cup granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, trapping air to create a light texture. Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder, then gently fold into the egg mixture to keep it airy. Carefully fold in 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until just combined.
  3. Spread and Swirl: Pour the batter evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drop spoonfuls of the prepared raspberry filling evenly across the batter surface. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the filling into the batter in a figure-eight pattern to create beautiful raspberry trails.
  4. Bake and Roll: Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until it is lightly golden and springy to the touch. Immediately after removing from the oven, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully roll the cake and towel together while still warm to set the shape without cracking. Let it cool completely.
  5. Cool and Fill: Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread with your choice of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream. Re-roll tightly without the towel, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate to set before serving.

Notes

  • Use the freshest raspberries possible for the best flavor and vibrant color.
  • Watch the baking time closely to avoid dryness and cracking.
  • Roll the cake while still warm to prevent breakage and maintain softness.
  • Swirl the filling gently to keep distinct raspberry patterns without muddling.
  • Chill the roll for at least one hour before slicing to achieve clean, neat slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Raspberry Roll, Christmas dessert, Holiday cake, Festive roll cake, Raspberry swirl cake, Cream cheese frosting, Holiday baking, Gluten-free dessert option