Spiced Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

This spiced cake roll with cream cheese filling is a festive dessert I love making for the holidays. With warm spices, a tender sponge, and a tangy-sweet cream cheese filling, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The rolled presentation makes it feel extra special, yet it’s simpler to prepare than it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it captures all the cozy flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses in a soft cake that pairs perfectly with creamy filling. Rolling the cake is easier than it seems, and I enjoy how each slice looks with its spiral of frosting. It’s a dessert that always impresses guests but doesn’t require fancy equipment.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground black pepper
• Ground allspice
• Salt
• Egg yolks
• Granulated sugar
• Butter, melted
• Molasses
• Vanilla extract
• Egg whites

Filling:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Butter, softened
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Gumdrops (optional, for decoration)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 10 1/2 x 15 1/2-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment. I butter and flour the parchment and sides.
2. I whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, allspice, and salt in a bowl.
3. I beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and ribbon-like, then mix in melted butter, molasses, and vanilla. I sift the spiced flour mixture into the bowl and fold until just combined.
4. In another bowl, I beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy, then add sugar and whip to soft peaks. I fold the egg whites gently into the batter.
5. I spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the center springs back when pressed.
6. While still hot, I dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel, and peel away the parchment. I roll it up with the towel from the long side and let it cool completely for 30 minutes.
7. For the filling, I beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt until thick and creamy. I reserve 2 tablespoons for decorating.
8. I unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and roll it back up (without the towel). I place it seam-side down on a platter, top with gumdrops dipped in the reserved filling, and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8–10 slices. Prep time takes around 30 minutes, baking is 15 minutes, cooling is 30 minutes, and assembly adds another 10 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add orange zest to the filling for extra brightness. For a more festive look, I decorate with sugared cranberries instead of gumdrops. I’ve also swapped the molasses for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the cake roll covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, I let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften slightly. I don’t reheat it, since it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I keep the cake from cracking when rolling?

I always roll the cake while it’s still warm with a kitchen towel. This “trains” the cake so it doesn’t crack later when filled.

Can I freeze this cake roll?

Yes, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Do I have to use gumdrops for decoration?

Not at all. The gumdrops are festive, but powdered sugar, sprinkles, or sugared fruit all work beautifully.

What’s the texture of this cake?

It’s soft and sponge-like, designed to be flexible enough for rolling without breaking.

Can I use different spices?

Yes, I sometimes add cloves or cardamom to the mix for a slightly different spiced profile.

Conclusion

This spiced cake roll with cream cheese filling is a dessert I enjoy making whenever I want something elegant yet approachable. With its cozy flavors and beautiful spiral presentation, it’s a cake that always feels celebratory and delicious.

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