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Tuga Pops − Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 6 Months ago in Cake Recipes
5 out of 5 with 2 ratings

Orange Christmas Roll Recipe – Homemade & Perfect for the Holidays

Savor the holidays with our Orange Christmas Roll Recipe, a delightful, fluffy treat infused with vibrant citrus flavors to impress every guest!
1 h 8 servings Easy Prep time 20 min Cooking Time 20 min

Why you will love this Orange Christmas Roll Recipe – Homemade & Perfect for the Holidays

This orange-scented Christmas roll is a soft, spiraled cake made for slicing and sharing at the holiday table. Easy to prepare in about 1 hour, it blends bright citrus flavor with cozy sweetness, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels special without the fusslet's bake and enjoy.


Ingredients

1¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugarZest of ½ orange (no white pith)½ cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)6 large eggsâ…“ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powderButter, for greasingParchment paperCreamy liquid caramel, as needed

Equipment:

Rectangular swiss roll panParchment paperZesting toolMixing bowlWhiskMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsBaking ovenButter for greasingServing platter

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Line a rectangular Swiss roll pan (about 11 x 14 inches / 28 x 35 cm) with parchment paper and grease the paper lightly with butter.
  3. Finely zest the orange and mix it with the sugar.
  4. Add the eggs, flour, baking powder, and orange juice.
  5. Whisk gently until everything is well combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, until just set.
  7. While still hot, unmold the cake onto a sheet of parchment paper and carefully roll it up.
  8. Let it cool slightly, then transfer to a serving platter.
  9. Trim the ends, brush with caramel just before serving, and decorate with walnuts or toppings of your choice.
  10. Serve chilled or slightly cool.

Recipe Tips

When zesting the orange, use a microplane or fine grater to avoid including the bitter white pith. This will ensure a brighter, more vibrant flavor in your roll.
To prevent your Orange Christmas Roll from sticking to the baking pan, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease both the paper and the sides of the pan with butter. This will facilitate easy removal after baking.
Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour and baking powder. Overmixing can lead to a dense roll instead of a light and fluffy texture. Mix just until combined.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Novelo de Arte

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
223 kcal
Fat
4 g
Carbs
40 g
Protein
5 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative?

Yes, you can use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute designed for baking. However, make sure to adjust the quantity according to the conversion ratio of the substitute used.

How should I store leftover Orange Christmas Roll?

Store any leftover Orange Christmas Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the roll, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, for up to 2 months.

What can I do if my cake didn't rise properly?

If your cake didn't rise, it might be due to expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. Always check the expiry date of your baking powder before using, and mix the batter just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the flour.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - Its bright acidity and citrus notes complement the orange flavors in the roll beautifully.

General: Moscato - This sweet and fruity wine enhances the dessert's sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This light lager offers a crisp finish that balances the sweetness of the roll.

General: Wheat Beer - The fruity and slightly spicy notes in wheat beer pair nicely with the orange flavors of the dessert.

Other Beverages

Espresso: A rich and bold espresso enhances the flavors of the roll while providing a nice contrast to its sweetness.

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Tuga Pops

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