Coconut Swiss Roll – A Snow-Themed Holiday Cake with Tropical Creamy Perfection

There’s something magical about winter baking—the air smells of vanilla, butter, and warmth, while snow falls softly outside. For me, nothing captures that cozy magic better than a Coconut Swiss Roll, a dessert that looks like it’s dusted with snow and tastes like tropical sunshine.

The first time I baked this roll, it was the middle of December. I wanted something light yet festive—something that whispered holiday cheer without being heavy. That’s when I created this coconut holiday cake, filled with silky coconut cream and wrapped in a soft sponge that melts on the tongue. It’s now my go-to winter dessert idea every Christmas.

This cake is a showstopper at any holiday table—elegant, snowy, and easy to make even if you’re new to cake rolls. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply treating yourself to a cozy baking afternoon, this snow-themed cake is guaranteed to impress.

If you enjoy this type of recipe, check out my Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try for endless roll inspiration. You’ll also love my fruity Lemon Cream Roll, indulgent Chocolate Cake Roll, or vibrant Red Velvet Cake Roll.

So preheat your oven and grab your whisk—it’s time to bake a dessert that looks like winter but tastes like paradise.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Coconut Swiss Roll

• 🥥 Light, airy sponge with creamy coconut filling.
• ❄️ Perfect coconut holiday cake for winter celebrations.
• ⏱️ Quick and easy—ready in under an hour.
• ✨ A snow-themed cake that’s as stunning as it is simple.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly and make-ahead friendly.
• 🍰 Tastes like a slice of the tropics on a cold day.

Chef James asks: Would you serve your Coconut Swiss Roll chilled from the fridge or soft at room temperature?

🧁 Ingredients Needed

For the Sponge Cake

• 4 large eggs, room temperature – create lift and structure.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – balances coconut sweetness.
• ¾ cup cake flour – ensures a delicate, airy texture.
• 1 tsp baking powder + pinch of salt – perfect balance.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the tropical notes.

For the Coconut Filling

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled – for a rich base.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – adds structure and tang.
• ½ cup powdered sugar – smooth sweetness.
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (Trader Joe’s or Costco brands).
• 1 tsp coconut extract or 2 tbsp coconut milk – flavor boost.

For the Topping

• Powdered sugar – for the “snowy” finish.
• White chocolate drizzle or toasted coconut flakes (optional).

💡 Chef James Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before beating cream—it whips faster and stays fluffier.

🧊 Always store dairy safely—see USDA Food Safety Guidelines.

👨‍🍳 How to Make Coconut Swiss Roll (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Bake the Sponge

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper. Beat eggs and sugar until pale and frothy. Fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla. Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake 10–12 minutes or until springy to touch.

Step 2 – Roll While Warm

Dust a clean towel with powdered sugar. Invert the hot cake onto it, remove the parchment, and roll gently with the towel. Cool completely on a rack.

Step 3 – Prepare the Filling

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Whip the cream to soft peaks, add extract, then fold in the shredded coconut.

Step 4 – Assemble the Roll

Unroll the cooled cake, spread filling evenly, and roll again tightly. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 30 minutes to set.

Step 5 – Decorate and Serve

Unwrap, dust with powdered sugar “snow,” and add toasted coconut or a white-chocolate drizzle if desired.

💡 Chef James Extra Tip: Brush the sponge with sweetened coconut milk before adding filling for extra moisture and flavor.

🎄 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Keto Version: Use almond flour and unsweetened coconut cream for a low-carb twist.
• Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for whipped coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
• Festive Look: Decorate with silver sprinkles or sugar pearls for a sparkling snow-themed cake.
• Chocolate Coconut Roll: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder for a Bounty-bar effect.
• Tropical Twist: Add lime zest or chopped pineapple to the filling for a sunny touch.

Chef James Suggestion: Serve slices of Coconut Swiss Roll with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy holiday moment.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store covered up to 3 days. Serve chilled for a firm, clean slice.
• Freeze: Wrap the roll tightly (in plastic + foil) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before dusting with powdered sugar.
• Avoid Microwave: It melts the cream filling—slice and serve cold instead.

For safe storage of dairy desserts, refer again to the USDA Food Safety Site.

FAQs (People Also Ask Style)

🍽️ What to Serve With This Recipe

Your Coconut Swiss Roll pairs beautifully with light winter drinks and other holiday cakes from Tiramisucake.com.

• ☕ Serve with peppermint tea or hot white chocolate for a cozy contrast.
• 🍋 Balance the sweetness with a slice of Lemon Cream Roll — bright and refreshing.
• 🍫 For chocolate lovers, pair it with Chocolate Cake Roll for a duo of tropical and rich flavors.
• 🍓 Or create a colorful dessert tray with Strawberry Shortcake Roll for a festive look.

💡 Chef James Tip: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf — it’s simple but elegant.

🍰 More Recipes You’ll Love

If you love the tender texture and creamy filling of this Coconut Swiss Roll, try these delightful variations:

• Tiramisu Cake Roll — a coffee-infused classic that pairs beautifully with cream.
• Matcha Swiss Roll Cake — earthy and vibrant green for tea lovers.
• Red Velvet Cake Roll — perfect for romantic or holiday occasions.
• Ube Cake Roll — purple yam goodness with a sweet vanilla finish.

For even more inspiration, explore our pillar guide:
👉 Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try

📜Recipe Card

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💬 Conclusion

Every winter, I look forward to the moment I dust my Coconut Swiss Roll with powdered sugar and watch it sparkle like fresh snow. It’s not just a dessert — it’s a celebration of comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of tropical warmth when the air is cold outside.

This recipe proves that simple ingredients and a bit of patience can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or baking for fun, your Coconut Swiss Roll will steal the show — every time.

Try it, share it, and tag #Tiramisucake to show your own version of this snow-themed cake!

For more baking tips and safety info, visit USDA Food Safety and learn about cream-based dessert handling on Serious Eats.

Chef James’s final note: “May your holidays be sweet, your cake rolls fluffy, and your kitchen filled with the smell of coconut and joy.”