Save A festive and whimsical holiday dessert, this Ugly Sweater Cake Roll takes classic Swiss roll cake and transforms it with playful decorations to create a fun centerpiece for any party. With no baking required and simple ingredients, it is perfect for anyone seeking a creative treat without fuss.
The first time I made this ugly sweater cake roll for a holiday gathering, everyone wanted to add their own decorations. It turned into a lively activity, and the finished cake looked delightfully quirky with everyone's different designs.
Ingredients
- Cake: 1 store-bought vanilla or chocolate Swiss roll cake (about 13–16 oz / 370–450 g)
- Filling (optional): 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)
Instructions
- Prepare cake:
- Carefully unroll the store-bought Swiss roll cake. If desired, spread an even layer of whipped cream or frosting, then gently re-roll the cake.
- Plate and frost:
- Place the cake roll seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Tint frosting:
- 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 patterns to mimic a holiday sweater.
- Add toppings:
- Decorate with sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and coconut to create playful designs: zig-zags, polka dots, snowflakes, or reindeer.
- Chill and serve:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set decorations before slicing and serving.
Save It has become a fun tradition for our family to decorate the cake together before sharing it after dinner. The laughter and creativity make this dessert extra special each year.
Required Tools
Offset spatula or butter knife, medium mixing bowls, food-safe gloves, serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). May contain soy and nuts depending on ingredients used.
Nutritional Information
320 calories, 14 g fat, 46 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein per serving
Save This cake roll makes a memorable centerpiece for any party and brings everyone together for a festive decorating session. Enjoy your creative and tasty holiday dessert!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different cake base?
Yes, vanilla or chocolate Swiss roll cakes work best for easy rolling and decorating.
- → How do I achieve vibrant frosting colors?
Use gel food coloring for brighter, more vivid hues without thinning the frosting.
- → Can children help decorate the cake?
Absolutely, decorating is a fun activity for kids using sprinkles and colored frostings.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This dish contains wheat, eggs, and dairy; always check store-bought ingredients for additional allergens.