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.
Every holiday season, I bring out this Ugly Sweater Cake Roll for family gatherings and it always gets laughs. The decorating brings everyone together and sparks creativity at the dessert table.
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, 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
- Prepare 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 re-roll the cake.
- Base Layer:
- Place the cake roll seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Tint Frostings:
- Divide the vanilla frosting into three bowls. Tint one portion red, one green, and leave the third white.
- Decorate:
- 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 Details:
- Decorate with sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and coconut as desired to create playful sweater designs: zig-zags, polka dots, snowflakes, or reindeer.
- Chill:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set the decorations before slicing and serving.
Save Last year, my cousins took turns designing their own sweater sections of the cake and it turned into a hilarious, spirited contest. The photos of everyone’s creations make fond family memories we look back on all winter.
Required Tools
Offset spatula or butter knife, medium mixing bowls, food-safe gloves (optional), serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy). Decorations may include soy and nuts depending on brand. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Each slice contains approximately 320 calories, 14 g fat, 46 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save This cheerful cake roll will be the talk of your holiday party and looks great on any dessert table.
Recipe Help
- → What kind of cake is best for this roll?
A store-bought vanilla or chocolate Swiss roll cake works best due to its shape and texture.
- → Can I add a filling inside the roll?
Yes, whipped cream or vanilla frosting can be spread inside for extra flavor and moisture.
- → How do I create the colorful frosting designs?
Divide vanilla or cream cheese frosting into portions and tint them with red and green gel food coloring for festive patterns.
- → What decorations can I use for the sweater effect?
Use holiday sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and shredded coconut for snow-like accents.
- → How should the decorated cake roll be stored?
Cover and refrigerate the cake roll for up to three days to keep it fresh and set.