Looking for a show-stopping dessert to wow your family and friends this Christmas? Say hello to the Gingerbread Roulade Cake! This festive dessert combines the warm spices of gingerbread with a creamy filling, all rolled up into a picture-perfect log. It’s the treat that screams “holiday cheer” and will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s featured in our Christmas Guide 2024, so you know it’s a must-try!

The Perfect Holiday Baking Project

This roulade is not just a cake—it’s an experience. From its spiced aroma filling your kitchen to the satisfying roll-up moment, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Don’t worry if you’ve never made a roulade before; you’ll nail it with a little patience and some simple steps. And hey, if it cracks a bit while rolling, just call it “rustic charm.”Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon plus a pinch of fine salt
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

For the Filling:

• 6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine salt
• 8 gumdrops (for decoration)

How to Make It

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle. Line a rimmed baking sheet (10½ x 15½ inches) with parchment paper. Butter and flour the parchment and sides of the pan—this step is key for easy release later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, allspice, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Yolks

Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup granulated sugar until thick and ribbon-like (about 5 minutes). Mix in melted butter, molasses, and vanilla. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Beat Those Whites

Clean your beaters (no yolk residue allowed!) and whip egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the remaining tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Fold one-third of these whipped whites into your batter to lighten it up, then gently fold in the rest.

Step 5: Bake It

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 12–15 minutes or until the center springs back when lightly pressed.

The Rolling Adventure

Step 6: Roll While It’s Hot

Once out of the oven, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake. Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar. Place a clean kitchen towel over the cake and flip it onto your work surface. Peel off the parchment paper carefully. Now comes the fun part: roll up the warm cake with the towel inside, starting at one long edge. This “training” step helps prevent cracking later. Let it cool completely in its rolled-up form—about 30 minutes.

Time for Filling

Step 7: Make That Creamy Goodness

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until thick and fluffy.

Step 8: Fill & Roll Again

Unroll your cooled cake gently. Spread an even layer of filling across its surface (save about two tablespoons for decorating). Roll it back up tightly—this time without the towel—and place seam-side down on a serving platter.

Finishing Touches

Decorate with gumdrops by dipping them in reserved filling and lining them along the top of your roulade like colorful jewels. Dust liberally with confectioners’ sugar for that snowy effect. Slice it up and serve immediately—or refrigerate for later if you can resist sneaking a piece!

Why Elk Grove Folks Will Love This

Elk Grove knows how to do Christmas right—whether it’s strolling through Old Town’s festive lights or cozying up at home with loved ones. This Gingerbread Roulade Cake fits right into that vibe. It’s rich yet light, sweet but not cloying, and has just enough spice to remind you why gingerbread is a holiday classic.

So grab your apron and give this recipe a whirl! After all, nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like homemade dessert served with love (and maybe some coffee or eggnog on the side).

Source: foodnetwork.com
Header Image Source: foodnetwork.com