Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holiday season with a playful twist on dessert: the Ugly Sweater Cake Roll Hack! This festive creation takes the charm of ugly holiday sweaters and transforms it into a whimsical cake roll that's as fun to decorate as it is delicious to eat. Using a store-bought sheet cake simplifies the process, making this an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for parties or brightening any cheerful dessert table.
Save to Pinterest This cake roll brings out the joy of the season by combining simple ingredients and creative flair. Whether it’s for a family gathering, office party, or holiday potluck, this dessert adds a splash of color and whimsy that everyone will enjoy. Decorating with bright frosting and sprinkles invites you to get playful and artistic, capturing the fun spirit of ugly sweaters in a sweet, edible form.
Ingredients
- Cake
- 1 large store-bought plain sheet cake (approx. 9x13 inches, vanilla or chocolate)
- Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorations
- 1 1/2 cups ready-to-spread vanilla or chocolate frosting
- Assorted colored gel food coloring
- Assorted holiday sprinkles, mini candies, and edible decorations
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Filling
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- 2. Prepare the Cake
- a. Remove the store-bought cake from its packaging and, if necessary, trim the edges to form a neat rectangle.
b. Place the cake on a piece of parchment paper.
c. Gently slice off any domed top to level the cake.
d. With the short side facing you, carefully roll the cake (with parchment) into a log, then unroll to create a memory for easier rolling. - 3. Assemble the Roll
- a. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
b. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream, if using.
c. Gently roll the cake from the short end, using the parchment paper to help guide it tightly into a log.
d. Wrap the rolled cake in parchment and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (optional for cleaner slicing). - 4. Decorate
- a. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with different food colorings for sweater patterns.
b. Spread a base layer of frosting over the cake roll.
c. Use piping bags or zip-top bags with snipped corners to pipe ugly sweater designs: zigzags, dots, lines, and whimsical shapes. Add sprinkles, candies, and edible decorations for a playful look. - 5. Slice and Serve
- Cut the cake roll into 1-inch slices and enjoy!
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Any plain store-bought sheet cake will work well; pound cake is especially sturdy and easy to roll. Chilling the rolled cake before decorating helps achieve cleaner slices. Customize the cream filling by trying chocolate whipped cream for a richer taste. Use parchment paper during rolling to prevent cracking and make the process smoother.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a chocolate variation, use chocolate cake paired with chocolate whipped cream. Experiment with decorations by adding crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or pretzel sticks for extra texture and festive flair. Adjust flavors by switching frosting colors and patterns to match different holiday themes or personal preferences.
Serviervorschläge
Serve slices of the Ugly Sweater Cake Roll alongside hot cocoa or a glass of dessert wine to complement the sweet and creamy flavors. This dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a cheerful centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
Save to Pinterest With its effortless preparation and playful design, the Ugly Sweater Cake Roll Hack is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer through dessert. Embrace creativity while keeping things simple, and enjoy this charming treat all season long!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different cake flavors?
Yes, vanilla or chocolate store-bought sheet cakes work well. Pound cake is a sturdy option too.
- → How do I achieve tight rolling without cracking?
Gently slice off the cake dome, roll once to create a memory, then fill and re-roll carefully using parchment paper for support.
- → What decorations suit the cake roll best?
Colored frosting designs with zigzags, dots, and lines plus sprinkles, mini candies, and edible decorations create a festive look.
- → Is refrigeration necessary?
Chilling the rolled cake for at least 30 minutes helps firm the filling and makes clean slicing easier.
- → Can I customize the filling?
Whipped cream with powdered sugar and vanilla is classic, but you can add mini chocolate chips or adjust sweetness to taste.