Save A festive and whimsical cake roll decorated to look like a classic holiday ugly sweater. This celebratory dessert uses store-bought ingredients to keep things quick, making it a fun centerpiece for any holiday party gathering.
I first made this ugly sweater cake roll for my family&s annual holiday game night, and everyone loved picking out sprinkles and candy to make their own sweater designs. It was a big hit with kids and adults alike.
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
- Decoration: Red and green gel food coloring
- Decoration: Assorted holiday sprinkles, mini candies, and colored sugar
- Decoration: 1/4 cup (30 g) mini chocolate chips or candy pearls
- Decoration: 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded coconut (optional, for snow effect)
Instructions
- Unroll the 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.
- Position for decorating:
- Place the cake roll seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Tint your frosting:
- Divide the vanilla frosting into three bowls. Tint one portion red, one green, and leave the third white.
- Frost the cake:
- 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.
- Decorate:
- 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 and serve:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set the decorations before slicing and serving.
Save Decorating together turned dessert into a joyful art project. My kids were so proud showing off their sprinkled sweater sections to the grandparents around the table.
Party Variations
Let guests decorate sections with extra candies using food-safe gloves for more fun. Set out colored coconut or candy pearls for individual creative touches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices with hot cocoa, coffee, or a sweet dessert wine for festive pairing.
Allergy & Nutrition Info
Each serving has about 320 calories, 14 g fat, 46 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein. Always check store-bought ingredient labels for allergens before serving.
Save This clever cake roll will brighten any party table and spark laughter. Enjoy decorating and sharing with friends for instant holidays cheer.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chocolate cake instead of vanilla?
Yes, a chocolate Swiss roll works well and adds a rich flavor, especially when paired with peppermint frosting.
- → How do I achieve the colorful frosting designs?
Divide vanilla frosting into three bowls, tint with red and green gel food coloring, then use an offset spatula to create patterns that resemble holiday sweater designs.
- → Is it necessary to chill the decorated cake?
Chilling for at least 15 minutes helps set the frosting and decorations, making the cake easier to slice and serve.
- → Can kids help with decorating?
Absolutely! Decorating sections can be a fun activity to engage kids during parties.
- → How long can leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- → What are some suggested pairings?
This cake pairs nicely with sweet dessert wines or a warm cup of hot cocoa.