Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a festive dessert that truly wows both the eyes and the palate, this Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe is exactly what your holiday celebrations need. Picture a soft, fluffy white cake streaked with vibrant red and green swirls reminiscent of classic candy canes, filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a delightful crunch of crushed candy cane topping. Every bite offers a perfect blend of peppermint freshness and sweet creaminess wrapped in an elegant rolled cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a winter party or simply craving a seasonal treat, this Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe will quickly become the centerpiece dessert everyone asks for year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color in your Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe. Each plays a critical role—from the fluffy base cake to the minty punch and visual appeal.

• White cake mix: Provides a light, airy cake base that’s easy to work with and turns out tender every time.
• Large eggs: Essential for structure, these give the cake its rich, moist crumb.
• Water: Helps blend the batter smoothly without weighing it down.
• Canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender while keeping flavors neutral to highlight the peppermint.
• Peppermint extract: Infuses the whole cake with a cool, festive flavor perfect for winter treats.
• Cream cheese frosting: Adds creamy richness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Used to dust the parchment for rolling and for extra sweetness.
• Crushed candy cane: Brings a delightful crunch and an extra burst of peppermint on top.
• Leaf and red gel food coloring: Give the batter those iconic candy cane stripes in bright, festive hues.

How to Make Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cake will bake evenly and won’t stick, making the rolling process much smoother.

Step 2: Beat the Eggs Light and Frothy

Using a hand or standing mixer, beat six large eggs on medium speed for about six minutes until they become light in color and frothy. This step incorporates air, which is key for a fluffy, tender cake texture.

Step 3: Combine the Batter

Slowly add the white cake mix, canola oil, water, and peppermint extract to the beaten eggs while mixing gently. Keep the speed low to avoid deflating all the goodness you just created. The result should be a smooth, well-combined batter that’s bursting with peppermint flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Cookie Sheet

Spray the cookie sheet with baking spray and cover it again with parchment paper, making sure the paper overhangs by about three inches on each side. This overhang will be an invaluable aid when rolling your cake later on.

Step 5: Color the Batter

Divide your batter evenly into three bowls. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to one bowl, a few drops of leaf gel food coloring to the second, and leave the third bowl plain. Each color represents the iconic stripes of the candy cane.

Step 6: Pipe the Patterned Batter

Fill piping bags or resealable plastic bags (with the tip cut off) with each colored batter. Pipe thick diagonal stripes across the lined cookie sheet, alternating red, green, and white to recreate that signature candy cane look. This creative step adds a festive flair that will wow anyone who sees your cake.

Step 7: Bake Until Springy

Bake your cake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top springs back lightly to the touch. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and perfect for rolling without cracking.

Step 8: Flip and Roll While Warm

Immediately after baking, sprinkle a larger-than-the-cake piece of parchment paper with powdered sugar and carefully flip the cake onto it. Peel off the bottom parchment and begin rolling the cake gently with the parchment paper still wrapped inside. This helps the cake memorize the rolled shape and reduces the risk of cracks once cooled.

Step 9: Cool Completely then Unwrap

Allow the cake roll to cool completely on its own. Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake for frosting—this ensures the filling spreads easily without melting.

Step 10: Frost and Add Candy Cane Crunch

Spread the entire surface of the cake with the cream cheese frosting, covering it evenly with a generous layer. Then sprinkle one cup of crushed candy cane on top to add irresistible texture and a peppermint punch.

Step 11: Re-roll and Chill

Carefully re-roll the cake back into a tight log, securing the creamy, minty filling inside. Place the cake roll in the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to serve. Chilling helps everything settle and makes slicing a breeze.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional crushed candy canes or finely grated white chocolate on top of your chilled cake roll for extra sparkle and festive flair. A dollop of whipped cream can add a lovely lightness, balancing the richer cream cheese filling.

Side Dishes

This cake roll pairs brilliantly with a hot cup of peppermint tea or rich, frothy hot chocolate. For a more indulgent touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the cool mint flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake roll into thick, pretty spirals and arrange them on a decorative serving platter for a show-stopping holiday dessert display. For parties, consider making mini candy cane rolls by cutting thicker slices or rolling smaller cakes to individual size portions—guests will love the personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. Stored properly, it should stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for extending the holiday joy.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake roll by wrapping it carefully in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored this way, the cake will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted cake roll, it’s best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to keep the frosting’s texture intact. If you prefer, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to mellow and the frosting to soften a bit.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of box mix for this Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe?

Absolutely! While the box mix saves time, a homemade white cake batter will work beautifully too. Just ensure it’s a thin batter that can spread easily and maintain fluffiness for rolling.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring? Can I use liquid instead?

Gel coloring is best because it doesn’t alter the batter’s consistency, but you can use liquid coloring sparingly. Just add a tiny amount at a time as too much liquid might make the batter too runny.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when I roll it?

The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable right after baking, using the parchment paper to support it. This “trains” the cake to roll without cracking once cooled.

Can I substitute the peppermint extract with something else?

You can, but peppermint extract gives that signature wintery flavor to this Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe. Vanilla or almond extracts can work but will create a very different taste experience.

Is this cake roll suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes, this recipe does not include nuts. However, always check cake mix labels and candy cane ingredients to ensure they are processed in nut-free facilities if allergies are a concern.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Cake Roll Recipe is such a joyous way to bring festive magic to your dessert table. From the swirl of peppermint colors to the creamy frosting and candy cane crunch, every detail delights the senses. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the smiles it creates at your holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you make this cake roll, it will surely become a new seasonal tradition!

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