Save to Pinterest 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.
The first time I made this ugly sweater cake roll, my nieces loved choosing their own sprinkles and creating silly designs. It is now a holiday tradition in our family for gatherings and cookie swaps.
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, and 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 Roll:
- 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.
- Position for Decorating:
- 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 Sweater:
- 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.
- Set & Serve:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set the decorations before slicing and serving.
Save to Pinterest Last year, each family member decorated their own slice and took photos before enjoying dessert. The laughter and creativity made it a highlight of our celebration.
Required Tools
Offset spatula or butter knife, medium mixing bowls, and food-safe gloves for coloring frosting are helpful. Serve on a platter for a festive look.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. Some decorations or cakes may include soy or nuts, so always check labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 320 calories, 14 g total fat, 46 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This cake roll is simple to make and always brings out the joy and creativity of the holidays. Slice and serve with hot cocoa or a favorite dessert wine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chocolate Swiss roll instead of vanilla?
Yes, a chocolate Swiss roll adds a rich base and pairs well with peppermint or vanilla frosting for extra flavor.
- → How do I achieve the sweater patterns with frosting?
Divide the frosting into portions colored red, green, and white, then use a spatula to create zig-zags, polka dots, and other festive designs on the cake roll.
- → What decorations work best for a holiday look?
Holiday sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and shredded coconut replicate snowflakes and sweater textures beautifully.
- → How long should the decorated cake roll chill before serving?
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the decorations to set firmly before slicing.
- → Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly, though always check store-bought items for specific details.