Easter Cake Roll: A Festive and Fun Springtime Showstopper

There’s something so joyful about a colorful dessert that not only tastes delicious but also looks like it belongs on the center of your Easter table. This Easter Cake Roll has become one of my absolute favorite ways to celebrate spring. It’s light, fluffy, filled with creamy goodness, and bursting with festive pastel colors that bring a smile to everyone’s face.

If you’ve never made a cake roll before, don’t worry — it’s much easier than it looks. Plus, the moment you slice into it and reveal those beautiful swirls, it feels like a little party on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Easter Cake Roll

  • Bright, colorful, and perfect for Easter celebrations
  • Soft, airy sponge cake with a creamy filling
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients and fun techniques
  • Customizable with different fillings and sprinkles
  • A beautiful dessert centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Food coloring (pink, yellow, and green for a festive look)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

  • Pastel sprinkles
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

How I Make This Festive Easter Cake Roll

1. Preheat and Prep

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. I lightly grease the paper to make sure nothing sticks.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, I beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until they’re thick, pale, and fluffy. Then I add in the vanilla extract and mix again.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flourbaking powder, and salt. I fold the dry ingredients gently into the egg mixture until just combined.

3. Add the Fun Colors

I divide the batter into three bowls and add a few drops of pinkyellow, and green food coloring to each one. Then, I carefully spoon alternating dollops of each color into the prepared pan and gently swirl with a toothpick for a marbled effect.

4. Bake

I bake the cake for 10-12 minutes, just until it’s set and springy to the touch.

5. Roll the Cake

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, I dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar, flip the cake onto it, and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Then I roll the cake up in the towel (starting from the short end) and let it cool completely.

6. Make the Filling

While the cake cools, I whip the heavy creampowdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.

7. Fill and Roll

Once the cake is cool, I unroll it gently, spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, and roll it back up (without the towel this time).

8. Decorate

I dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle on pastel sprinkles for that perfect Easter look.

9. Chill and Serve

I refrigerate the cake roll for at least an hour before slicing. Each slice reveals those festive colors and soft swirls — pure spring magic!

My Favorite Tips for Cake Roll Success

  • Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking later.
  • Be gentle when unrolling and filling the cake. Patience is key!
  • Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without thinning the batter.
  • Chill before slicing to get clean, beautiful slices.
  • Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries or lemon zest to the whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.

What to Serve with This Cake Roll

  • A cup of hot tea or coffee for an elegant dessert moment
  • Fresh berries on the side for a bright touch
  • Lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing pairing at brunch
  • Additional whipped cream for an extra indulgent bite

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make it the night before and store it in the fridge — it’s actually better after it sets for a few hours.

Q: What if my cake cracks?
A: Don’t worry! A little powdered sugar and sprinkles on top will hide small cracks, and it will still taste amazing.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting instead of whipped cream?
A: You can, but I recommend whipped cream or a cream cheese filling for a lighter, more balanced taste.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.

A Beautiful and Fun Easter Dessert Everyone Will Love

This Easter Cake Roll never fails to wow both kids and adults. It’s colorful, creamy, and tastes as light and cheerful as spring feels. Whether you’re serving it after Easter brunch or surprising your family with a special treat, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite.

If you try it, let me know what fun twists you add — I’m already thinking about trying a lemon curd filling next time!

Easter Cake Roll: A Festive and Fun Springtime Showstopper

Easter Cake Roll: A Festive and Fun Springtime Showstopper

There’s something so joyful about a colorful dessert that not only tastes delicious but also looks like it belongs on the center of your Easter table. This Easter Cake Roll has become one of my absolute favorite ways to celebrate spring. It’s light, fluffy, filled with creamy goodness, and bursting with festive pastel colors that bring a smile to everyone’s face.
By Jason GriffithPublished on March 21, 2025
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time30 min
Total Time45 min
Servings4 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Food coloring (various pastel colors)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy.
  3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold it into the egg mixture.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter into separate bowls and add food coloring to achieve desired pastel shades.
  6. Spread the colored batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
  7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  8. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and invert the cake onto the towel. Carefully remove the parchment paper.
  9. Starting at one end, roll the cake up with the towel and let it cool completely.
  10. While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  11. Once cooled, unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface.
  12. Roll the cake back up without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
  13. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  14. Slice and enjoy your festive Easter Cake Roll!

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation
Calories: 350 calories
Protein Content: 6g
Carbohydrate Content: 45g
Fat Content: 18g
Tags: Easter cake, cake roll, spring dessert, festive dessert, holiday baking