Pin It A festive, whimsical cake roll decorated to resemble a classic holiday ugly sweater, using store-bought ingredients for a fast and fun dessert perfect for parties.
Last year, I made this cake roll for our holiday gathering and it was an unexpected hit with both kids and adults. Everyone loved getting creative with the decorations.
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Ingredients
- Cake: 1 store-bought vanilla or chocolate Swiss roll cake (about 13–16 oz / 370–450 g)
- Filling (optional, for extra flavor): 1/2 cup (120 ml) whipped cream or vanilla frosting
- Decoration: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) vanilla or cream cheese frosting, Red and green gel food coloring, Assorted holiday sprinkles, mini candies, and colored sugar, 1/4 cup (30 g) mini chocolate chips or candy pearls, 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded coconut (optional, for snow effect)
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Instructions
- Unroll Cake:
- Carefully unroll the store-bought Swiss roll cake. If desired, spread an even layer of whipped cream or frosting over the inside, then gently reroll the cake.
- Position Cake:
- Place the cake roll seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Prepare Frosting:
- Divide the vanilla frosting into three bowls. Tint one portion red, one green, and leave the third white.
- Frost Cake:
- Using an offset spatula or butter knife, frost the cake roll with the colored frostings in sections or fun patterns to mimic the look of a holiday sweater.
- Decorate:
- Decorate with sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and coconut as desired to create playful sweater designs: zig-zags, polka dots, snowflakes, or reindeer.
- Chill:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set the decorations before slicing and serving.
Pin It Decorating the cake together turned into a fun family moment, with everyone creating their own mini sweater sections.
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Required Tools
Offset spatula or butter knife, medium mixing bowls, food-safe gloves (optional for coloring), serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). May contain soy and nuts, depending on store-bought cake and decorations.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 320, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 46 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin It 
This cake roll is the ultimate festive centerpiece: it is sure to spark smiles and delicious fun at any holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cake is best for this dessert?
A store-bought vanilla or chocolate Swiss roll works best for convenience and texture.
- → Can I add filling inside the cake roll?
Yes, spreading whipped cream or vanilla frosting inside adds extra flavor and moisture.
- → How do I achieve the colorful frosting designs?
Divide vanilla frosting into portions and tint with red and green gel colors; use them alongside white frosting to create festive patterns.
- → What decorations complement the frosting on this cake?
Use holiday sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and shredded coconut for a snow effect.
- → How should I store leftovers to maintain freshness?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers. They stay fresh for up to three days.
