The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Few desserts capture the warmth and magic of the holidays quite like gingerbread. With its cozy spices, rich molasses flavor, and unmistakable aroma, gingerbread is a true symbol of Christmas baking. This Christmas Gingerbread Swiss Roll with Cream Cheese Filling takes everything you love about classic gingerbread and transforms it into an elegant, bakery-worthy dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Soft, spiced gingerbread sponge cake is rolled around a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling, creating a beautiful swirl that looks just as stunning as it tastes. Whether served at a Christmas dinner, holiday party, or cozy winter gathering, this swiss roll always feels special.
Why Gingerbread and Cream Cheese Are a Perfect Pair
Gingerbread is bold, warmly spiced, and slightly sweet, thanks to molasses and classic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Cream cheese filling provides the ideal contrast—cool, creamy, and gently tangy—balancing the richness of the cake without overpowering it.
Together, they create a dessert that feels nostalgic yet refined. Every bite delivers holiday flavor with a light, airy texture that doesn’t feel heavy after a big meal.
What Makes This Swiss Roll So Impressive
Despite its elegant appearance, this gingerbread swiss roll is surprisingly approachable. The sponge cake is flexible and forgiving, making it easy to roll without cracking. Rolling the cake while warm helps lock in its shape, while chilling after filling ensures clean, beautiful slices.
This dessert is:
- Perfect for Christmas and winter holidays
- Make-ahead friendly
- Visually stunning with minimal decorating
- Ideal for gifting or entertaining
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Sponge
- Large eggs
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cloves
- Salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- Cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Sugared cranberries
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Beat eggs and brown sugar until pale and thick.
- Mix in molasses and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake springs back lightly.
- Turn cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Carefully roll cake (with towel) from the short end and let cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Unroll cake gently and spread filling evenly.
- Re-roll cake tightly without the towel.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Gingerbread Swiss Roll
Roll while warm
This prevents cracking and helps the cake hold its shape.
Don’t overbake
A dry cake won’t roll properly. Remove it as soon as it’s set.
Chill before slicing
This gives clean edges and a defined swirl.
Festive Variations
Orange Cream Cheese Filling
Add orange zest to the filling for a bright holiday twist.
Maple Cream Filling
Swap some powdered sugar for maple syrup for cozy depth.
Chocolate Gingerbread Roll
Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra indulgence.
Spiced Sugar Dusting
Mix powdered sugar with a pinch of cinnamon and ginger for topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this swiss roll with:
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Spiced chai or black tea
- Mulled wine or hot cocoa
It’s light enough to enjoy after a hearty holiday meal and elegant enough to be the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This gingerbread swiss roll can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for the best presentation.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated.
Christmas Gingerbread Swiss Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
Soft gingerbread sponge cake rolled with creamy, tangy cream cheese filling for a festive holiday dessert.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
- Fold in molasses, vanilla, and dry ingredients.
- Bake until just set and roll warm cake in towel.
- Beat filling ingredients until smooth.
- Fill, re-roll, chill, and slice.
Notes
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Why This Dessert Belongs on Your Holiday Table
This Christmas Gingerbread Swiss Roll with Cream Cheese Filling combines everything we love about holiday baking—warm spices, nostalgic flavors, and beautiful presentation—into one unforgettable dessert. It’s festive without being fussy, comforting yet elegant, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a slice.
If you’re looking for a Christmas dessert that feels special but achievable, this is the one.
