special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll

Celebrate special occasion with our tasty special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll, an amazing twist on classic holiday treats. This delightful dessert features a light and fluffy vanilla sponge cake rolled up with a creamy cream cheese filling, raspberry jam, and fresh raspberries bursting with flavor. Perfect for festive gatherings or family celebrations, this cake roll is both beautiful and delicious, making it a standout addition to your holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of fresh raspberries and creamy filling brings a joyful burst of flavor that encapsulates the spirit of the season.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can craft this beautiful dessert without stress.
• Versatile Presentation: Its stunning appearance makes it suitable for any occasion, from holiday parties to family dinners.
• Delightful Texture: The fluffy sponge cake paired with rich cream cheese and raspberries creates a delightful texture that everyone will love.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the cake roll in advance, saving you time during busy holiday festivities.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking the sponge cake evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the cake after baking.
• Electric mixer: Makes whipping eggs and cream effortless, ensuring light and fluffy textures.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently without deflating mixtures.

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Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (4g) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup (135g) sugar
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp (28g) vegetable oil

For the Raspberry Filling

• 10 oz (300g) raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Mixture

• 9 oz (250g) cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240g) whipping cream (chilled)

For the Topping

• 9 oz (250g) fresh raspberries
• 6 oz (180g) white chocolate
• 1/4 cup (60g) whipping cream
• pinch of salt
• fresh raspberries
• star anise
• fresh rosemary
• powdered sugar

How to Make special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your sponge cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grease it lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Sponge Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and vegetable oil; mix well.
4. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Sponge Cake

Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet:
1. Spread evenly with an offset spatula.
2. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Roll

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
2. Carefully roll the cake while it’s still warm using parchment paper as assistance, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Raspberry Filling

In a small saucepan:
1. Combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
2. Cook until berries break down into a thick jam-like consistency; set aside to cool.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well.
3. In another bowl, whip chilled cream until stiff peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture gently.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake Roll

Once cooled:
1. Unroll the sponge cake carefully.
2. Spread raspberry filling on top, followed by cream cheese mixture.
3. Re-roll tightly but gently without tearing.

Step 9: Prepare Topping

Melt white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave:
1. Mix in whipping cream until smooth; drizzle over rolled cake.
2. Garnish with fresh raspberries, star anise, rosemary sprigs, and powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll!

How to Serve special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll

Serving your special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll can be as festive as the cake itself. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this delicious treat during your holiday gatherings.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a decorative plate for a touch of elegance. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter by arranging several slices of the cake roll alongside other holiday desserts. This variety will cater to different tastes and make a stunning table display.

With Whipped Cream

• Offer whipped cream on the side for guests to add themselves. A dollop complements the flavors beautifully and adds extra creaminess.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Pair the cake roll with a mix of fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, to enhance its fruity flavor and add color to the presentation.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve slices alongside cups of coffee or tea. The warmth of these beverages contrasts nicely with the chilled cake roll, making for a cozy treat.

How to Perfect special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll

Perfecting your special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for an impressive result.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt together helps incorporate air into the mixture, leading to a fluffier sponge cake.
• Fold, Don’t Stir: When combining ingredients for the cake batter, gently fold in the flour mixture to maintain airiness rather than stirring vigorously.
• Cool Properly: After baking, cool the cake in the pan before rolling it up. This prevents cracking and helps retain moisture.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the assembled cake roll to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps set the filling and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll

Pairing your special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll with complementary side dishes will elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances out the tartness of the raspberries perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can refresh your palate while enhancing the fruity notes of the cake roll.
3. Chocolate Mousse
   Rich chocolate mousse provides a luxurious contrast that pairs beautifully with raspberry flavors.
4. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy indulgence that matches well with fruit-based desserts like this cake roll.
5. Lemon Sorbet
   The tangy taste of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate between bites and adds a zesty twist to your dessert spread.
6. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake roll while adding festive flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the parchment paper – Not lining your baking sheet with parchment can lead to sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Boldly overmix the batter – Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined for a light texture.
• Boldly forget to preheat your oven – Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect the cake’s rise. Always preheat before starting your recipe.
• Boldly ignore ingredient temperature – Using cold ingredients, especially cream cheese, can lead to lumps. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
• Boldly rush the cooling process – If you roll the cake while it’s still hot, it may crack. Allow it to cool completely before rolling.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place a layer of plastic wrap on top of the cake roll to prevent drying out.

Freezing special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes or until just heated through.
• Microwave – Heat a slice on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll?

A special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll is a festive dessert featuring a light sponge cake rolled with creamy filling, raspberry jam, and fresh raspberries.

How do I make my special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll look more festive?

You can decorate it with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, or edible glitter. Add sprigs of mint or rosemary for a beautiful presentation!

Can I use frozen raspberries for my special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll?

Yes! Frozen raspberries work well in this recipe; just ensure they are thawed and drained before using.

How long does it take to prepare the special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll?

The total time is approximately 40 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I customize the filling of my special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits or flavorings to the cream cheese filling according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

The special occasion Raspberry Cake Roll is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. It offers versatility with its filling options and decorations. Give this delightful dessert a try for your holiday celebrations, and don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors!