Save 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, my family challenged each other to make the most outrageous, silly sweater-inspired desserts. This cake roll not only got big laughs, but everyone wanted a slice because the decorations were so bright and festive.
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
- Unroll and Fill:
- 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.
- Prepare Cake Base:
- Place the cake roll seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Tint Frosting:
- Divide the vanilla frosting into three bowls. Tint one portion red, one green, and leave the third white.
- Frost for Sweater Effect:
- 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: zigzags, polka dots, snowflakes, or reindeer.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set the decorations before slicing and serving.
Save We love setting out bowls of sprinkles and letting everyone decorate their own section. It turns dessert into a creative group activity, and each cake roll looks totally unique!
Required Tools
Offset spatula or butter knife, medium mixing bowls, food-safe gloves if tinting frosting, and serving platter are perfect for making and decorating your ugly sweater cake roll.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. Decorations may include soy and nuts based on choice. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 46 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Ugly sweater cake roll is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday party. Have a slice, make memories, and embrace the festive spirit!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different Swiss roll flavors?
Yes, vanilla or chocolate Swiss rolls work well. Chocolate adds a rich base for contrasting decorations.
- → How do I achieve vibrant frosting colors?
Dividing vanilla frosting and tinting portions with gel food coloring ensures bright, even colors for decorating patterns.
- → What decorations suit the holiday sweater design?
Mini candies, sprinkles, colored sugar, mini chocolate chips, and shredded coconut create festive and playful textures resembling sweater motifs.
- → Is it necessary to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 15 minutes helps the frosting set firmly, maintaining the decorative patterns when slicing and serving.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping colors vibrant and flavors fresh.
- → Any suggestions for extra flavor?
Using peppermint frosting or chocolate Swiss roll adds seasonal twists that enhance the festive appeal.