Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for holiday celebrations and family gatherings
- A fun, decorative dessert that resembles a Christmas tree
- Light and fluffy with a rich chocolate flavor
- Customizable with your favorite decorations
- Easy-to-follow steps for an impressive result
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Green food coloring
- Red sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue folding until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is firm to the touch.
- While the cake bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, invert it onto the towel, remove the parchment paper, and gently roll it up with the towel. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Add green food coloring and mix until the desired shade is achieved.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the green whipped cream evenly over the surface. Carefully roll the cake back up.
- Decorate the top of the Swiss roll with red sprinkles to mimic Christmas ornaments.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Filling Options: Swap the green whipped cream for a mint-flavored frosting or cream cheese filling.
- Decorations: Use edible gold stars, colored sugar, or crushed candy canes for a unique touch.
- Flavor Twist: Add peppermint extract to the batter or filling for a seasonal twist.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the Swiss roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
Rolling the cake while it’s warm in a towel helps prevent cracks when it cools.
Can I make this Swiss roll ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, but freshly whipped cream offers better texture and flavor.
How do I achieve the perfect green color?
Start with a few drops of food coloring and add more as needed until you reach the desired shade.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
You can use a similar-sized baking sheet, but the thickness of the batter may vary.
Can I skip the decorations?
Absolutely! The Swiss roll is delicious even without decorations.
How long should I let the cake cool before unrolling?
Allow the cake to cool for about 30 minutes while rolled in the towel.
Can I use different food coloring?
Yes, you can customize the color to suit your theme or occasion.
What’s the best knife to use for slicing?
Use a sharp serrated knife for clean and precise slices.
Conclusion
This Christmas Tree Swiss Roll is a festive and fun addition to your holiday dessert table. With its delightful chocolate sponge and vibrant green filling, it’s a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is decorative. Easy to customize and perfect for sharing, this dessert is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Christmas Tree Swiss Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holidays with a delightful Christmas Tree Swiss Roll, featuring a light chocolate sponge, creamy green filling, and festive decorations. This eye-catching dessert is perfect for spreading holiday cheer and impressing guests with its seasonal charm.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Green food coloring
- Red sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
- Beat eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Fold into the egg mixture.
- Add vanilla extract, mix until smooth, and spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until firm.
- While baking, prepare a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel when done, remove parchment paper, and gently roll with the towel. Let cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Add green food coloring and mix.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread the green cream, and roll it back up.
- Decorate with red sprinkles or your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Rolling the cake in a towel while warm helps prevent cracking.
- Customize with different decorations or flavors, like peppermint extract.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday, Festive
