Description
The Cinnamon Cake Roll is the ultimate holiday dessert, combining the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a luscious eggnog buttercream filling and glaze. Perfectly rolled and topped with a festive drizzle, this cake is a showstopper on any dessert table. Its delightful blend of flavors captures the cozy essence of the holiday season, making it a must-try for festive gatherings.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for holiday enthusiasts, cinnamon lovers, and home bakers looking to impress guests with a visually stunning dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake roll is approachable and guaranteed to wow.
Why It’s Great
- Seasonal Flavors: The combination of cinnamon spice and eggnog screams holiday cheer.
- Versatile: Easy to customize the filling and glaze for dietary preferences or flavor tweaks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance and storing for later.
- Gift-Worthy: A homemade treat that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Parchment paper or foil
- Cooking spray
- Sifter
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tbsp white rum or 1 tsp rum extract
- ¼ cup eggnog
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp eggnog
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with foil or parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray and lightly dust with flour.
- Whip the Eggs: Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl on high speed for about 5 minutes until frothy and pale yellow.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix in the sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 9 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Rolling the Cake:
- Prepare the Towel: While the cake bakes, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and generously dust it with powdered sugar.
- Roll While Warm: Once baked, immediately flip the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment or foil, and gently roll the cake with the towel. Let it cool completely (1–2 hours).
Making the Frosting:
- Prepare the Buttercream: Beat the butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by rum (or extract) and eggnog. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake Roll:
- Unroll and Frost: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the buttercream evenly, leaving a small border. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and eggnog in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cake roll.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the glaze for an extra festive finish.
Serving:
- Slice and Serve: Allow the glaze to set for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQ
1. Can I make the cake roll without eggnog?
Yes, substitute eggnog with an equal amount of milk and add a splash of vanilla extract.
2. What if my cake cracks?
No worries! Use frosting to “glue” cracks together—it’ll still taste amazing.
3. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the towel?
Be generous with the powdered sugar when dusting the towel before rolling.
4. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! A 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute works well in this recipe.
Conclusion
The Cinnamon Cake Roll is a festive and flavorful dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its warm spices and creamy eggnog frosting, it’s a true celebration of holiday flavors. Whether you’re serving it to guests or gifting it to loved ones, this cake will surely become a holiday tradition. So, get rolling and enjoy the sweetness of the season!
