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.
I first brought this Ugly Sweater Cake Roll to a family holiday party and everyone loved designing their own sweater slices. It's become a favorite, especially because the prep takes less than half an hour and cleanup is a breeze!
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 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 reroll the cake.
- Transfer to platter:
- 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 fun patterns to mimic the look of a holiday sweater.
- Add toppings:
- Decorate with sprinkles, mini candies, chocolate chips, colored sugar, and coconut as desired to create playful sweater designs: zigzags, 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 Our family loves to gather around and compete for the silliest sweater designs while snacking on cake. Even reluctant decorators get swept up in the holiday spirit!
Required Tools
Offset spatula or butter knife, medium mixing bowls, food-safe gloves (optional for coloring frosting), and a serving platter make decorating simple and mess-free.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy); may include soy and nuts depending on store-bought products. Double-check all packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 320 calories, 14 g total fat, 46 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein, making it a sweet treat perfect for sharing.
Save Serve right from the platter for maximum fun and holiday cheer. This cake roll is sure to steal the show at your next festive gathering!
Recipe Guide
- → What type of cake roll works best?
A vanilla or chocolate store-bought Swiss roll works well for easy assembly and flavor.
- → How do I achieve the sweater patterns?
Divide frosting into red, green, and white portions and use an offset spatula to create zig-zags, polka dots, and snowflakes.
- → Can I add filling inside the roll?
Yes, spread whipped cream or vanilla frosting inside before re-rolling for extra creaminess.
- → How long should I chill the decorated cake?
Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up the frosting and decorations before slicing.
- → Are there allergy considerations?
This dessert contains wheat, eggs, and dairy; check store-bought cake and decorations for potential soy or nuts.