Candy Cane Cake Roll with Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream

Introduction

The Candy Cane Cake Roll with Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream is a festive dessert that combines the holiday flavors of peppermint and chocolate in a visually stunning rolled cake. A light and fluffy peppermint-flavored sponge cake is swirled with a rich chocolate peppermint whipped cream filling, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Decorated with crushed candy canes and a drizzle of chocolate, this cake is the perfect showstopper for your holiday dessert table.

I first made Candy Cane Cake Roll for a Christmas gathering, and it quickly became the centerpiece of the dessert spread. The cake’s tender texture pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy filling, while the peppermint flavor brings a refreshing holiday twist. The crushed candy canes on top add a delightful crunch and festive flair.

What I love about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can use white chocolate instead of dark for the filling, add a touch of espresso powder for a mocha twist, or even tint the cake batter with red and white stripes for a candy cane look. Whether served at a holiday party or given as a thoughtful homemade gift, the Candy Cane Cake Roll with Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream is a delectable, festive treat that’s sure to impress.

Perfect for:

Christmas celebrations
Winter holiday parties
Gifting during the festive season
Peppermint and chocolate enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Candy Cane Cake Roll with Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream will be a holiday favorite:

Seasonal Flavors: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a nostalgic holiday vibe.
Show-Stopping Presentation: Its swirl design and candy cane garnish make it a table centerpiece.
Soft and Fluffy Cake: The sponge cake is light and tender, rolling effortlessly around the filling.
Creamy Filling: The chocolate peppermint whipped cream is airy, rich, and packed with flavor.
Crunchy Garnish: Crushed candy canes add texture and festive flair.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dessert in advance to reduce holiday stress.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the level of peppermint extract or chocolate to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly Fun: A delightful recipe to make with kids during the holidays.
Versatile Garnishes: Top with chocolate drizzle, extra whipped cream, or even edible glitter for variety.
Freezer-Friendly: Keeps well for weeks, making it ideal for planning ahead.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling and chilling time)
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cooling and Chilling Time: 2 hours
Servings: 10-12 slices
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 42g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Cake Roll:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ cup whole milk
Powdered sugar (for dusting towel)

The Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon peppermint extract

For the Garnish:

Crushed candy canes
Chocolate drizzle (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Peppermint Extract: Adds the signature holiday flavor to the cake and filling.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate richness.
Crushed Candy Canes: A crunchy, festive garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Roll:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until thick and pale.
Add Peppermint Extract: Mix in peppermint extract and milk.
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
Roll Cake: While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and roll the cake (with the towel) from the short end. Let it cool completely.

Make the Filling:

Whip Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until soft peaks form.
Add Peppermint Extract: Gently fold in the peppermint extract.

Assemble the Cake Roll:

Unroll Cake: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the chocolate peppermint whipped cream evenly over it.
Reroll Cake: Reroll the cake without the towel and place seam-side down on a serving platter.

Decorate:

Add Garnish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top and drizzle with chocolate if desired. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

How to Serve

10 serving suggestions for the Candy Cane Cake Roll with Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream:

With a Warm Drink: Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.
As a Holiday Centerpiece: Display on a festive cake stand.
Topped with Whipped Cream: Add an extra dollop on each slice.
With Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or mint ice cream.
For Gift Giving: Wrap slices in parchment paper and ribbon for homemade gifts.
For Brunch: Include it as part of a holiday brunch spread.
As a Frozen Treat: Serve slightly frozen for a refreshing twist.
With Peppermint Bark: Add pieces of peppermint bark as garnish.
For Dessert Buffet: Include as part of a holiday dessert table.
With Fresh Mint: Garnish slices with a sprig of fresh mint for added color.

Additional Tips

Use Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and real cream to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Chill the Roll: Allow the cake roll to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This helps it set properly and maintain its shape.
Prep the Pan Properly: Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar to remove lumps and ensure a smooth, even batter.
Evenly Spread the Batter: Spread the cake batter evenly on the baking sheet to promote even baking and a uniform roll.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the cake roll with powdered sugar for a festive snowy effect before serving.
Use Crushed Candy Canes for Garnish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the whipped cream for added texture and a visual pop of color.
Make it Peppermint Stronger or Softer: Adjust the peppermint extract quantity according to your preference – use more for a stronger peppermint flavor, or less for a subtle hint.
Stabilize Whipped Cream: Add a bit of cream cheese or gelatin to your whipped cream to help it maintain its shape and texture longer.
Decorate Creatively: Use fresh mint leaves, chocolate shavings, or whole candy canes to add a decorative touch and make your cake roll even more festive.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Swirl Roll: Add a swirl of melted chocolate into the whipped cream.
Mocha Peppermint Roll: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter.
Vanilla Peppermint Roll: Replace cocoa powder with more flour for a vanilla base.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with gluten-free flour.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed cookies to the filling.

Special Equipment

Jelly Roll Pan: For the perfect cake shape.
Electric Mixer: For whipping cream and mixing batter.
Sifter: To evenly mix dry ingredients.
Offset Spatula: For spreading the filling evenly.

FAQ Section

What is a Candy Cane Cake Roll?
A Candy Cane Cake Roll is a festive dessert made with a soft, fluffy cake rolled with a chocolate peppermint whipped cream filling, topped with crushed candy canes.
Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake roll and prepare the whipped cream filling a day in advance.
What ingredients do I need to make this Candy Cane Cake Roll?
You’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, crushed candy canes, heavy cream, and chocolate syrup.
How do I prevent the cake roll from cracking?
To prevent cracking, ensure that you roll the cake gently while it’s still warm, use parchment paper, and avoid overbaking. Roll and cool slowly before applying the filling.
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! You can use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate, add more peppermint extract for a stronger peppermint flavor, or substitute candy canes with peppermint sticks or peppermint candies.
How do I store leftovers of the Candy Cane Cake Roll?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets?
You can modify this recipe to suit dietary needs. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version and coconut cream or almond cream as a dairy substitute for a dairy-free option.
How do I crush candy canes for the topping?
Place the candy canes in a plastic bag, seal it, and use a rolling pin or a heavy object to crush them into small pieces. You can also use a food processor or blender for faster crushing.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Cake Roll with Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream is a festive holiday dessert that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. This beautiful roll features a soft, chocolatey sponge cake swirled with a rich, creamy filling infused with crushed candy canes and peppermint essence. It’s a decadent treat that’s perfect for holiday celebrations, bringing both flavor and flair to your dessert table.

This recipe is as versatile as it is delightful—try dusting the cake with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, drizzling it with chocolate ganache, or topping it with crushed candy canes for an extra festive crunch. Whether you serve it as the star dessert at a party or as a sweet surprise for family gatherings, this Candy Cane Cake Roll is sure to spread holiday cheer.

I’d love to see your Candy Cane Cake Roll with Chocolate Peppermint Whipped Cream creations! Share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see how you’ve added your personal touch to this stunning holiday dessert. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know any creative twists or unique decorations you used to make it your own!