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.
I made this cake roll for a last-minute holiday party and everyone loved the creative designs and playful look. Decorating it together with friends made the process even more fun and memorable.
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
- Decoration: Red and green gel food coloring
- Decoration: Assorted holiday sprinkles, mini candies, and colored sugar
- Decoration: 1/4 cup (30 g) mini chocolate chips or candy pearls
- Decoration: 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.
- Position the Cake:
- 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 the 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.
- Add Toppings:
- Decorate with sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and coconut as desired to create playful sweater designs: zigzags, polka dots, snowflakes, or reindeer.
- Set and Serve:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set the decorations before slicing and serving.
Save One year my nieces helped decorate each section with their favorite holiday colors and candies. It turned into a delightful tradition that everyone looks forward to.
Party Activity Ideas
Set up a decorating station with bowls of sprinkles, candy pearls, and colored frosting so guests can design their own sweater slice during your party.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk. Calorie count is about 320 per serving with 14 g of fat. Check store-bought cake packages for potential soy and nut traces.
Tool Tips
An offset spatula makes it easy to frost evenly. Food-safe gloves help keep hands clean when mixing food coloring into frosting.
Save Bring this cheerful cake roll to your next party and let guests unleash their creativity. It is sure to be remembered long after the last slice is gone.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use chocolate Swiss roll instead of vanilla?
Yes, swapping with chocolate Swiss roll adds rich flavor and pairs well with peppermint or vanilla frostings.
- → How do I achieve the sweater pattern on the cake?
Divide frosting into red, green, and white colors, then use a spatula to create zig-zags, polka dots, and other festive designs.
- → Is chilling necessary before serving?
Chilling for at least 15 minutes helps set the frosting and decorations, ensuring clean, neat slices.
- → Can kids participate in decorating?
Absolutely! Decorating sections of the cake roll can be a fun and creative party activity for children.
- → How long can leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.