Best Christmas Cranberry Roll

This Christmas Cranberry Roll is the ultimate festive dessert that will steal the show at your holiday table. Imagine a soft, fluffy sponge cake rolled with a vibrant, tangy cranberry filling, dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. It’s a beautiful centerpiece that combines the classic flavors of the season in every slice. The contrast between the sweet cake and the tart cranberry is simply magical. I promise this dessert will become a new family tradition. Let’s create some holiday magic together.

The Ultimate 5-Step Method for a Perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll

Mastering this stunning dessert is easier than you think with my proven five-step method. The secret lies in the gentle folding of the egg whites and a perfectly balanced cranberry filling. This technique ensures a light, airy cake that won’t crack when you roll it. I learned this method from a professional pastry chef, and it has never failed me. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such an impressive dessert.

Many home bakers fear rolled cakes, but the right method eliminates the stress. The key is working quickly while the cake is still warm and pliable. Using a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar makes the rolling process seamless. This approach guarantees a beautiful spiral every single time. Your guests will think you spent all day in the kitchen.

For more detailed baking science, the King Arthur Baking company offers fantastic resources on cake techniques. Their expert advice can help troubleshoot any baking challenge you might face. For more ideas, check out our guide on Carrot Cake Muffins.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar for filling
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they are pale and thick. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla, beating until the mixture is fluffy and has doubled in volume.
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
4. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
5. While the cake bakes, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, invert it onto the towel.
6. Carefully peel away the parchment paper. Starting from a short end, gently roll the cake and towel together. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the filling, combine cranberries, orange juice, water, and 3/4 cup sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the orange zest and let the filling cool completely. Unroll the cooled cake, spread the cranberry filling evenly, then re-roll gently without the towel.
9. Dust your finished Christmas Cranberry Roll with more powdered sugar before serving. Slice and enjoy the festive flavors!

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Christmas Cranberry Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and improve after the first day.

For longer storage, you can freeze the roll for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Pro Tip: If the cake feels a bit dry after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. This brings back its soft texture.

7 Incredible Benefits of This Festive Dessert

This Christmas Cranberry Roll offers more than just delicious taste. It brings numerous advantages that make it the perfect holiday dessert. From its impressive presentation to its make-ahead convenience, this dessert checks all the boxes.

First, it serves as a stunning centerpiece that looks professionally made. Second, it can be prepared a day in advance, reducing holiday stress. Third, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that please diverse palates.

Fourth, it’s lighter than many traditional holiday desserts. Fifth, it incorporates seasonal cranberries, which are packed with antioxidants. For more ideas, check out our guide on Best Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing,Thanksgiving,Stuffing. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, cranberries contain beneficial plant compounds.

Sixth, it’s versatile enough for both formal dinners and casual gatherings. Seventh, it travels well if you’re bringing dessert to a holiday party. These benefits make it a truly revolutionary addition to your recipe collection.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers can make simple errors when creating rolled cakes. Being aware of these pitfalls will ensure your success with this Christmas Cranberry Roll recipe.

Overbaking the cake is the most common mistake. This leads to a dry cake that cracks when rolled. Always check for doneness a minute before the recommended time.

Using cold eggs straight from the refrigerator prevents proper volume development. Always bring eggs to room temperature for the best results. This simple step makes a huge difference in texture.

Spreading the filling too thickly causes it to squeeze out when rolling. Use a moderate layer and leave a small border around the edges. Your roll will look much neater.

Rolling the cake when it’s completely cooled makes it difficult to shape without cracking. Work while it’s still slightly warm for the most pliable results. For more ideas, check out our guide on Orzo with Asparagus & Feta. Timing is everything here.

Not dusting the towel sufficiently with powdered sugar causes sticking. Be generous with the sugar to create a non-stick surface. This prevents the cake from tearing.

Alternatives and Variations

This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. You can create numerous variations while maintaining the stunning visual appeal of the classic Christmas Cranberry Roll.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. For more ideas, check out our guide on Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. The texture remains wonderfully light.

Dairy-free bakers can rejoice because this recipe contains no butter or milk. It’s naturally dairy-free, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions. Everyone can enjoy a slice.

Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cranberry filling for extra crunch. Orange liqueur instead of orange juice adds an adult twist. Get creative with your flavor combinations.

Best Christmas Cranberry Roll

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar for filling
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they are pale and thick. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla, beating until the mixture is fluffy and has doubled in volume.
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
4. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
5. While the cake bakes, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, invert it onto the towel.
6. Carefully peel away the parchment paper. Starting from a short end, gently roll the cake and towel together. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the filling, combine cranberries, orange juice, water, and 3/4 cup sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the orange zest and let the filling cool completely. Unroll the cooled cake, spread the cranberry filling evenly, then re-roll gently without the towel.
9. Dust your finished Christmas Cranberry Roll with more powdered sugar before serving. Slice and enjoy the festive flavors!

Recipe from lilytasty.com

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry Roll truly embodies the spirit of holiday baking. It’s beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly simple to master. The combination of soft sponge cake and tangy cranberry filling creates a memorable dessert experience.

I encourage you to try this recipe for your next holiday gathering. It’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. For more holiday baking inspiration, check out these Food Network holiday recipes. Happy baking and happy holidays!