Name: Festive Christmas Cake Roll (with Cake Mix!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 6 eggs; 1 13.25 oz. Box Super Moist French Vanilla Cake Mix; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup water (room temp.); 1 16 oz. can of cream cheese frosting; 4 oz. cream cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream

If you are looking for a delicious and fun treat to make for your friends and family, try this Festive Christmas Cake Roll (with Cake Mix!). Easier than it looks, moist, light, and a fun to make. The cream cheese frosting is equally distributed throughout the cake for the perfect bite each time. Best part? This vanilla cake roll is topped with white chocolate ganache.

Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself, I walk you step by step on how to make a this cake roll recipe. From choosing the perfect flavor combinations to mastering the art of rolling, get ready to embark on a deliciously festive adventure!

Can you make a cake roll with boxed cake mix?

To be completely honest, I have never made a cake roll or yule log before. I have always seen them and been intimidated. Even the day I made this one I was nervous. My daughter kept saying, “Why are you scared?” I just kept telling her that it might crack and its a lot more work then normal cakes we make. And if you know me I stick with spruced up cake mix recipes. Well, this one is no different.

I decided to read and do some research. I knew that I had to simplify the process. So I asked, Can you make a cake roll with cake mix? The answer is YES! Basically you just need to add some more eggs and whisk them before making the cake so that the texture is more of a sponge cake texture. I saw some red and green Christmas Cake roll recipes which were cute but still….more work. So here we are with my simplified version.

What you need to make this Christmas Cake Roll Recipe

Super Moist French Vanilla Cake Mix
Eggs
Oil
Water
Can of frosting
Cream Cheese
Powdered sugar
Sprinkle s
White chocolate chips & heavy cream
Baking sheet (don’t need a special plan I used my 13×18 half sheet pan)
Parchment paper

So if you have been looking for easy Christmas Cake Roll recipes, this one is for you. And if you want to make an activity out of it with your kids, go for it! Mine just ate all of the frosting and batter but- according to them they helped, too.

How to make this Vanilla Cake Roll

Step 1: Whisk the eggs

This first step is important in order to achieve a sponge cake that will be able to roll up. So crack your eggs into your stand mixer or mixing bowl. And use the whisk to whip up these eggs for about 6 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the batter

Next add in the cake mix, water, and vegetable oil. Switch to your paddle attachment and beat for a little bit, scrape down the sides, and beat a little longer.

Step 3: Bake the cake

Line your baking sheet pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Pour the batter in and bake at 375 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes. Watch closely as the cake is thin and will cook quickly.

Step 4: Roll the cake while warm

This step is very important. Immediately sprinkle the top of the cake with some powdered sugar and top with another piece of parchment paper. I grabbed a large cutting board and set it on top to help me flip it over and out of the pan. Then use the parchment paper to slowly roll the cake up.

Step 6: Let cool

Place the cake roll on a cooling rack if you have one and let cool down at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

Step 7: Make frosting

You 100% can use 2 cans of frosting of your choice if you would prefer. But I decided to doctor up a can of frosting by beating in some cream cheese and powdered sugar to make it taste more homemade.

Step 5: Unroll cake

Once completely cooled, slowly unroll the cake. Spread the frosting on your cake. I like to use an offset spatula for a nice smooth texture. My kids of course wanted sprinkles in the inside so we added some inside as well.

Step 6: Roll & Decorate

Then carefully peel off the parchment paper as you roll the cake back up. Just do it nice and slow. If for some reason it cracks- that’s okay. It will still taste good and you are adding some ganache on top.

Step 7: Make White Chocolate Ganache

To top it off I poured white chocolate ganache on top. You can also just spread more frosting on top. To make the ganache, warm up the white chocolate chips and heavy cream in intervals in the microwave until stir-able. Let set for a few minute at room temperature until it thickens and cools. Then drizzle on top of the cake.

Make sure to check out my How to Make Chocolate Ganache Post!

Serving the Vanilla Cake Roll

When ready to serve, slice and enjoy! Scoop a side of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Holiday cake roll with Christmas sprinkles

Storing the Cake roll

I used cream cheese in my cake roll, so after we served it I placed the rest in the fridge. But if you use regular frosting it can sit out at room temperature covered for a few days.

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