This Halloween Cake Roll is a fun and festive dessert that will be the highlight of any spooky celebration! It combines vibrant colored stripes with a creamy whipped filling, making it perfect for Halloween parties or as a sweet treat for the family. The cake is easy to prepare and can be decorated with your favorite Halloween-themed sprinkles, candy eyes, or other spooky decorations. The process of rolling the cake is simple, and the results are delicious. A perfect blend of fun and flavor, this cake will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
🎃🍰 My mom made this Halloween Cake Roll every year, and it was always a hit! Now, every time I bake it, people rave about how festive and delicious it is—perfect for spooky season!
INGREDIENTS
- For the Cake: 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, food coloring (orange, purple, black), Halloween sprinkles (optional)
- For the Filling: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, orange food coloring (optional)
- For the Decoration: 1 cup whipped cream or buttercream frosting (colored black or purple), Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible decorations, candy eyes or other spooky edible decorations
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs and 1/2 cup of sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, which is key for a light, airy cake.
- Step 3:
- Add the 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Sift in the 1 cup flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder, and gently fold into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Step 5:
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Add orange, purple, and black food coloring to each bowl and mix until the desired colors are achieved. Make sure the colors are vibrant to give the cake a festive Halloween look.
- Step 6:
- Pour the colored batters into the prepared jelly roll pan, creating alternating colored stripes or swirling them together with a toothpick for a marbled effect.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Step 8:
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake (with the towel) from the shorter side and let it cool completely in the rolled shape.
- Step 9:
- In a separate bowl, whip the 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and optional orange food coloring until stiff peaks form.
- Step 10:
- Once the cake has cooled, unroll it and spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Halloween Cake Roll chilled or at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If you plan to make this cake ahead of time, assemble it the day before and decorate it just before serving.
- For a clean cut, use a sharp knife to slice the cake, wiping the blade between each cut.
Helpful Notes
- You can substitute the filling with a flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
- If you don’t have food coloring, you can keep the cake a natural color or use just one color to simplify the process.
- Experiment with different Halloween-themed decorations such as candy bats, spiders, or ghosts for a spooky touch.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Martha Stewart: "Always roll your cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking later on."
- Chef Duff Goldman: "Use a piping bag to add fine details when decorating cakes. It adds a professional touch with minimal effort."
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- This cake is festive and perfect for any Halloween party or gathering.
- The light and fluffy sponge paired with the creamy filling creates a delicious balance of flavors.
- It's a fun, creative way to add some Halloween spirit to your dessert table!
VARIATIONS
- Try filling the cake with chocolate mousse or a cinnamon-spiced cream for a richer flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a layer of jam or fruit preserves to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.