Easter Cake Roll

Easter Cake Roll is a festive, pastel swirled dessert that instantly brightens any spring celebration. This soft vanilla sponge cake is rolled with silky buttercream and decorated with vibrant tie dye colors that make every slice look like edible art. Perfect for Easter brunch, spring parties, or family gatherings, this cake roll is both visually stunning and surprisingly easy to prepare. Using a simple white cake mix as the base, you can create a bakery style dessert at home with minimal effort. If you are looking for a cheerful, crowd pleasing treat that tastes as good as it looks, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Easter Cake Roll

There are so many reasons this Easter Cake Roll deserves a place on your holiday table.

First, it is visually impressive. The pastel swirls create a beautiful tie dye pattern that looks elegant and festive at the same time. Each slice reveals a unique design, making it perfect for photos and special occasions.

Second, it is easy to make. Starting with a boxed white cake mix simplifies the process while still delivering soft, fluffy texture and delicious vanilla flavor.

Third, it is versatile. You can customize the colors, switch up the frosting, or add flavor extracts to match your theme.

Finally, it is make ahead friendly. Preparing it in advance actually improves the texture and makes slicing cleaner and easier.

This dessert combines convenience, creativity, and irresistible sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

To make this colorful Easter Cake Roll, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 white cake mix plus the ingredients listed on the box

• 1 half cup butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk

• Purple gel food coloring

• Yellow gel food coloring

• Pink gel food coloring

• Blue gel food coloring

These simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that serves 10 and delivers beautiful presentation along with classic vanilla flavor.

Step by Step: How to Make Easter Cake Roll

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Thoroughly grease a jelly roll pan with shortening and lightly dust it with flour. Proper pan preparation is essential to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Mix the white cake batter according to the package directions. Once fully combined, divide the batter evenly into four separate bowls.

Step 3: Color the Batter

Add a different gel food coloring to each bowl. Stir well until each portion is evenly tinted with bright, smooth color. Gel food coloring works best because it produces vibrant shades without thinning the batter.

Step 4: Pipe the Design

Transfer each colored batter into its own zip top bag. Snip a small corner from each bag. Pipe diagonal stripes of each color across the prepared pan, alternating shades until the surface is covered. Fill in any empty spots with remaining batter.

Gently tap or shake the pan to level the batter evenly.

Step 5: Create the Swirl Effect

Using a toothpick, lightly drag through the colored stripes in gentle curves to create a tie dye pattern. Avoid over mixing so the colors stay distinct.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back lightly when touched. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause cracking later.

Step 7: Roll While Warm

Place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and lightly dust it with flour. Immediately flip the baked cake onto the towel. Lightly sprinkle flour over the top and cover with another towel.

Starting from one end, roll the cake up tightly with the towels inside. Rolling while warm helps maintain flexibility and prevents cracks. Allow it to cool completely in the rolled position.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

Beat the softened butter and vanilla extract together until creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Add milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the frosting becomes smooth and easy to spread.

Step 9: Fill and Roll Again

Once the cake has cooled completely, gently unroll it. Spread the buttercream evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, keeping it snug but not overly tight. Wrap it gently and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to help it hold its shape.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Remove from the refrigerator and slice into even pieces to reveal the stunning pastel swirl inside.

Helpful Tips

• Always roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracks.

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, consistent pastel tones.

• Do not overbake the cake to maintain softness and flexibility.

• Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.

• Trim the ends before serving for a polished presentation.

Small details like proper rolling and chilling make a big difference in final appearance.

Substitutions And Variations

This Easter Cake Roll can easily be customized to suit your taste.

• Replace buttercream with cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

• Add lemon zest to the frosting for fresh spring flavor.

• Use different color combinations for birthdays or baby showers.

• Add sprinkles to the filling for extra texture and fun.

• Substitute almond extract for vanilla for a subtle flavor variation.

You can even experiment with chocolate cake mix and pastel vanilla filling for a dramatic color contrast.

Storage Instructions

Store your Easter Cake Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain its structure and freshness.

For longer storage, wrap the unfrosted rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding frosting and serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, this Easter Cake Roll provides approximately:

• Calories: 348 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 65 grams

• Protein: 2 grams

• Fat: 9 grams

• Saturated Fat: 6 grams

• Cholesterol: 21 milligrams

• Sodium: 361 milligrams

• Potassium: 36 milligrams

• Fiber: 0.5 grams

• Sugar: 48 grams

• Vitamin A: 242 IU

• Calcium: 102 milligrams

• Iron: 1 milligram

Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on specific brands and ingredient measurements used.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Easter Cake Roll as a centerpiece dessert for Easter brunch or spring celebrations. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.

You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For an elegant presentation, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or garnish the platter with pastel candies.

This cake also makes a wonderful addition to dessert buffets, potlucks, or holiday tables where color and creativity are celebrated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Cake Roll

Can I make Easter Cake Roll in advance?
Yes, this dessert is ideal for preparing one day ahead. Refrigerating it allows the flavors to blend and makes slicing easier and cleaner.

Why did my cake crack when rolling?
Cracks typically occur if the cake was overbaked or allowed to cool before rolling. Always roll it while warm and avoid baking longer than necessary.

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely. A homemade white sponge cake works very well as long as it stays soft and flexible enough to roll without breaking.

How do I achieve bright pastel colors?
Gel food coloring provides vibrant shades without altering the consistency of the batter. Start with a small amount and build the color gradually.

Can I freeze the finished cake roll?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for baking this Easter Cake Roll and bringing a little extra color into your kitchen. This recipe is one of my favorite spring treats because it combines simple ingredients with stunning presentation and delicious flavor. I love how easy it is to prepare, yet it always feels special when sliced and served. Whether you are sharing it with family or celebrating with friends, I hope this cake roll brings joy to your table. Wishing you happy baking, beautiful swirls, and sweet moments ahead. Thank you for being part of this wonderful food loving community.

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