The refreshing scent of ripe raspberries whirls through the air, promising a sweet tang that can easily brighten any day. Did you know that raspberries are among the highest-fiber fruits, boasting about 8 grams of fiber per cup? Their burst of flavor combined with the soft embrace of a light cake makes this Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll a delightful treat for family gatherings. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, you’ve come to the right place!

Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll

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A delightful raspberry swirl roll that combines sweetness and tartness, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: amanda-miller
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raspberry puree (fresh or frozen raspberries)
Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt; fold gently to combine.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Drop spoonfuls of raspberry puree on top and swirl gently with a knife.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when pressed.
Allow the cake to cool slightly, then invert onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Roll the cake up tightly with the towel and let it cool completely.
Once cooled, unroll, spread a layer of raspberry puree, and re-roll.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Best served chilled or at room temperature. Slicing reveals beautiful raspberry swirls.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 200
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Why This Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll Brightens Your Holiday Table

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgent sweets, but who says you can’t bring a touch of fruitiness to the table? This Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll effortlessly combines the sweetness of cake with the tartness of fresh raspberries. It’s a romantic twist on the classic jelly roll—a vibrant centerpiece that’s begging to be photographed before devoured. Perfect for holiday get-togethers, this delightful roll isn’t just a beautiful addition; it also delivers a balance of flavors that everyone will love.

What You’ll Need

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raspberry puree (fresh or frozen raspberries)
Powdered sugar for dusting

Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to baking a treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Let’s Cook

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this step is crucial for a great cake texture.
Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined to ensure all liquids blend harmoniously.
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, folding gently to combine; over-mixing can lead to a dense cake.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top for a professional finish.
Drop spoonfuls of raspberry puree on top of the batter and swirl gently with a knife—this creates that beautiful marbling effect!
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed; keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
Allow the cake to cool slightly, then invert it onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Roll the cake up tightly with the towel and let it cool completely; this helps the cake maintain its shape.
Once cooled, unroll the cake, spread a layer of raspberry puree, and re-roll it; the result is a lovely swirl.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that final touch of elegance.

Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving of this delectable Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll comprises approximately 200 calories, 3 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of fat, and 1 gram of fiber. It’s a delightful way to enjoy dessert while still being mindful of your nutritional intake. The use of real fruit not only enhances the flavor but also provides beneficial vitamins.

How to Serve It Best

This roll is best served chilled or at room temperature—slice it into rounds and reveal the stunning raspberry swirls hidden inside. Pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch. This dessert works beautifully during festive gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a light afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea.

Keep It Fresh

To store your Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for up to a month; just be sure to slice it first for easy serving. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or bring it to room temperature before serving. For a freshness tip, dust with powdered sugar just before serving to ensure that it stays vibrant and appealing.

Pro Tips

For an extra fluff, separate the egg yolks and whites. Beat the whites to soft peaks before folding them into the batter for a lighter cake.
Consider adding a pinch of almond extract to the batter for a delightful depth of flavor that’s often associated with holiday baking.
Opt for puréed fresh raspberries for a more robust and pure fruit flavor compared to frozen—each bite will taste like summer.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some lemon zest into the batter for a zesty contrast against the sweet raspberries.
When decorating, consider placing fresh raspberries on top of the roll just before serving for that fresh, pop-of-color presentation.

Seasonal Twists

Cinnamon-Spiced Pear: Swirl in pear puree with a hint of cinnamon for a cozy autumn version that pairs beautifully with chai tea.
Mocha Velvet: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey take, swirling in espresso flavored cream for a decadent twist.
Holiday Bliss: Fold in crushed peppermint candies to the batter, creating a festive treat that’s sure to impress during holiday gatherings.

Learn from My Mistakes

Overbaking: Keep a close watch on your cake! If it starts turning too brown, it may become dry—remove it as soon as it springs back when pressed.
Sticky Roll: If the cake sticks to the towel, it might be due to not dusting it well enough with powdered sugar. Ensure this step is not skipped!
Raspberry Purée Clumping: If the puree isn’t well spread out, it could result in uneven flavors. Swirl it gently, ensuring even distribution.
Tight Rolling: Be careful not to roll the cake too tightly or too loosely, as this might cause cracks or a loose structure. Find that happy medium!

Creative Second-Day Ideas

Raspberry Trifle: Layer leftover roll pieces with whipped cream and berries for a stunning trifle dessert.
Breakfast Parfait: Crumble the roll into yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a sweet breakfast treat.
Cake Pops: Crumble the leftover roll, mix with cream cheese, form balls, and coat with chocolate for fun cake pops.

Quick Questions

What can I substitute for raspberries in this recipe?
You can use strawberries or blueberries as alternatives, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Whichever fruit you choose, aim for a similar puree consistency.

Can I make this roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just remember to store it properly as described to keep it fresh until serving.

What’s the best way to serve my Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll?
Slice it into rounds and serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Adding some whipped cream or ice cream on the side elevates the presentation while enhancing the flavor.

How can I make this roll gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend should work. Check your blend’s packaging for the best results, and ensure the baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Incorporating these pointers will help you create a luxurious Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll that delights both the eyes and palate, proving once again that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to impress guests!