Save to Pinterest 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 December, I brought this cake roll to our holiday gathering and everyone loved adding their own sprinkle patterns. It was the highlight at the dessert table!
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the 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.
- Arrange on Platter:
- Place the cake roll seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Color the Frosting:
- Divide the vanilla frosting into three bowls. Tint one portion red, one green, and leave the third white.
- Decorate:
- Using an offset spatula or butter knife, frost the cake roll with the colored frostings in sections or patterns to mimic a holiday sweater. Decorate with sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and coconut as desired to create playful sweater designs.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set the decorations before slicing and serving.
Save to Pinterest We always laugh seeing who can make the most over-the-top sweater design. It's become one of our favorite holiday traditions to decorate together as a family.
Required Tools
Offset spatula or butter knife, medium mixing bowls, food-safe gloves (optional for coloring frosting), serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains: wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). May contain soy and nuts depending on store-bought cake and decorations. Always check ingredient labels before serving to guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, 14 g fat, 46 g carbohydrates and 3 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This playful cake roll brings smiles and sweet memories to your holiday table. Serve with hot cocoa or a festive beverage for extra cheer!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different cake base?
Yes, a chocolate Swiss roll works well for a richer flavor and pairs nicely with peppermint frosting.
- → How do I create the colorful frosting sections?
Divide vanilla or cream cheese frosting into bowls, tint each with gel food coloring, then layer or pattern them using an offset spatula.
- → Is it necessary to chill the decorated roll?
Chilling helps the frosting set firmly, preserving the design and making slicing easier.
- → What decorations work best for the sweater design?
Holiday sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and shredded coconut add festive texture and visual appeal.
- → Can kids participate in decorating?
Absolutely! Decorating different sections with colorful frostings is a fun, interactive activity for kids during parties.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate the cake roll for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.