When the holidays roll around, I crave something that captures the warmth and spice of the season—and this Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll does just that. Imagine biting into a soft, tender cake infused with the rich flavors of eggnog and a hint of cinnamon, rolled up with a creamy, dreamy frosting that feels like holiday magic in every slice. Whether you’re looking to impress family at a festive gathering or simply want a delightful treat to cozy up with on a chilly evening, this cake roll brings all the nostalgic joy of eggnog in a fun, sliceable way. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a new holiday tradition you’ll look forward to year after year.
Why is Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll irresistible?
Holiday Flavor Explosion: This cake roll is bursting with the classic spices and creamy richness of eggnog, perfectly capturing festive cheer. Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can whip up this treat without stress. Show-Stopping Presentation: Its spiral design always impresses guests at any gathering. Versatile Delight: Enjoy it as a cozy family dessert or an elegant party centerpiece. Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, spiced, and creamy—everyone loves a slice of holiday happiness!
Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll Ingredients
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour – Use fresh flour for a tender texture that lets the eggnog flavors shine.
- Granulated sugar – Balances the spices and adds just the right sweetness.
- Eggs – Provide structure and richness; room temperature eggs blend best.
- Eggnog – The star ingredient delivering that classic festive flavor in every bite.
- Baking powder – Helps the cake rise light and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds warm spice that complements the eggnog perfectly.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors, making the cake irresistibly tasty.
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese – Gives a rich, smooth base with a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
- Vanilla extract – Lifts the creamy frosting with a warm, fragrant note.
- Nutmeg – A sprinkle adds that quintessential holiday spice touch.
Optional Garnish
- Toasted pecans – Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to finish the look and taste.
- Cinnamon dusting – A light sprinkle enhances aroma and visual appeal.
How to Make Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper; lightly grease edges to ensure an easy cake release.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk 4 room-temperature eggs with ¾ cup granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until pale, fluffy, and thick ribbons form.
- Fold in dry ingredients: Gently sift and fold in ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Stir in eggnog: Pour in 1 cup eggnog, folding gently until just combined; batter should be slightly thick but pourable, with a creamy off-white hue.
- Bake cake: Spread batter evenly and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes or until the top springs back and edges are lightly golden brown.
- Roll cake: Remove from oven, invert onto a sugared linen towel, peel off parchment, then carefully roll the warm cake (towel inside) to cool for 10 minutes.
For the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with an electric mixer at medium speed until silky smooth and airy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in sugar and spices: Add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg; beat until frosting is light, fluffy, and easily spreadable.
- Assemble roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake, discard the towel, then gently spread frosting in an even layer, leaving a ½-inch border to prevent overflow when you re-roll.
- Chill and slice: Wrap the roll snugly in plastic wrap, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting, then slice into ½-inch rounds to showcase beautiful spirals.
Optional: Dust slices with extra cinnamon or garnish with chopped toasted pecans.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll?
Celebrate the season with delightful accompaniments that elevate your holiday dessert experience.
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Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices and sweetness of this classic drink perfectly complement the creamy flavors of the cake roll, enhancing its festive spirit. A cozy cup by the fire is the perfect pairing for this treat.
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla is a heavenly addition, balancing the rich eggnog flavors with its creamy, cold texture. It creates a lovely contrast that keeps each bite exciting and indulgent.
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Ginger Snap Cookies: Their crunchy texture and spicy notes harmonize beautifully with the cake roll’s soft and creamy elements, adding variety to your dessert spread. Together, they create a delightful holiday flavors showcase that guests will adore.
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Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts add a satisfying crunch that contrasts the tender cake and frosting, while their nutty flavor enhances the entire dish. They also bring a lovely holiday vibe to your table settings.
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Christmas Tea: A fragrant blend, possibly with hints of cinnamon or clove, pairs wonderfully, enhancing the cake’s flavors while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s a comforting drink option, especially on cold winter evenings.
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Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: This luscious chocolate addition creates an indulgent experience, balancing sweetness with a rich and decadent touch. You can drizzle it over the cake rolls or serve it on the side for guests to indulge as they please.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a delicate touch that harmonizes with the cake roll’s flavors. It’s a simple yet refined topping that elevates the overall experience without overpowering it.
Tips for the Best Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They whip up fluffier, giving your cake roll a light, tender texture that highlights the eggnog flavor perfectly.
- Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake right out of the oven prevents cracking and shapes the spiral beautifully as it cools.
- Fold Gently: When combining dry ingredients and eggnog, fold carefully to keep the batter airy and ensure a soft, moist cake roll.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the assembled cake roll to set the frosting and make slicing neat, revealing those signature festive spirals.
- Balance Spices Just Right: Too much cinnamon or nutmeg can overpower; stick to the recipe for that perfect Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll flavor harmony.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Eggnog Cake Rolls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can bake the cake up to 24 hours ahead of time—simply follow the cooling and rolling steps, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The frosting can also be prepared up to 3 days in advance; store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, take the cake from the fridge, spread the frosting over the unrolled cake, and chill it for at least 30 minutes to set. This way, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that feels like magic, all while saving precious time during the holidays!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll
Room Temperature: Store the cake roll at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep it fresh and moist.
Fridge: If you want to enjoy it longer, refrigerate the cake roll wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. This keeps the frosting creamy and prevents drying.
Freezer: To freeze, slice the cake roll and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months—perfect for holiday prep!
Reheating: When ready to indulge, let the cake roll thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. Enjoy slices cold or gently warmed in the microwave for a cozy treat!
Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists on the classic recipe!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or coconut milk for eggnog to make a lactose-free version that stays just as festive and delicious.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy this holiday treat without compromise. It’s a simple swap that opens the door to inclusivity!
- Spiced Rum: Add a splash of spiced rum to the frosting for an adults-only version that brings an exciting twist to the traditional flavors.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for added texture and a nutty flavor explosion that pairs wonderfully with the eggnog.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a decadent touch that adds a delightful richness to every slice—perfect for chocolate lovers!
- Peppermint Twist: Blend crushed peppermint candies into the frosting for a refreshing minty kick that complements the eggnog beautifully.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce over the top will add a sweet contrast and make your cake roll look ultra-tempting!
- Fruit Variation: Incorporate finely grated orange or lemon zest into the batter for a citrusy brightness that livens up the classic holiday flavors.
These variations will make your cake roll an even more memorable centerpiece, bringing joy to your holiday table!
Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my eggnog is fresh enough to use in the cake roll?
Absolutely use fresh eggnog for the best flavor! Check the expiration date and give it a sniff—if it smells sour or has dark spots all over, it’s time to toss it.
What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll?
For up to 2 days, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve softness. If you want it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep the frosting creamy and the cake moist.
Can I freeze the Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll?
Yes! Slice the cake roll, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Why did my cake roll crack when I tried to roll it?
This happens if the cake cools too much before rolling or is too dry. Roll the cake immediately while warm, using the sugared towel as directed, to avoid cracks and get that perfect spiral.
Is this cake safe for pets or those with egg allergies?
Because this cake contains eggs and dairy, it’s not suitable for pets or those with egg or dairy allergies. If you have guests with allergies, I recommend making a separate allergy-friendly dessert to share the festive spirit safely!
Irresistible Christmas Eggnog Cake Roll Recipe Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper; lightly grease edges.
- In a large bowl, whisk 4 room-temperature eggs with ¾ cup granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Gently sift and fold in ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pour in 1 cup eggnog and fold gently until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes or until the top springs back.
- Remove from oven, invert onto a sugared linen towel, peel off parchment, and carefully roll the warm cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- In a chilled bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until silky smooth.
- Add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ¼ tsp grated nutmeg; beat until light and fluffy.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake, discard towel, and gently spread frosting with a ½-inch border.
- Wrap the roll in plastic wrap, chill for at least 30 minutes, then slice into ½-inch rounds.
