This eggnog roulade with rum buttercream recipe is the perfect holiday dessert. The light and spongy cake pairs wonderfully with a rich, decadent frosting.
Italian meringue buttercream.  I’m not sure that anything else could ever achieve the same rich decadence as this velvety icing. Have you tried it? I’m not talking about buttercream made from whipping butter and confectioners sugar together.  No, I’m referring to the gorgeous frosting that is made by adding hot sugar syrup to whipped egg whites before butter is added.  It’s outstanding and I highly recommend giving it a try. You know what makes Italian meringue buttercream even better? Rum and eggnog.  And how about if we take this eggnog rum buttercream and roll it up inside a delicate, fluffy eggnog roulade? Yup, you need this dessert. It has a wow factor that is perfect for holiday parties.
Please take note: this eggnog roulade with rum buttercream is a very advanced recipe. I’ve fumbled on both roulades and Italian meringue buttercream on more than one occasion. Please ask away in the comment section if you have any questions before diving in!
Eggnog Roulade with Rum Buttercream
Ingredients
For the roulade:
- 6 large eggs, separated and at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided in half, plus more for sprinkling on parchment
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cake flour
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh grated nutmeg and cinnamon
For the buttercream:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 10 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/2 cup dark rum
Instructions
Prepare the roulade:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 13 x 17-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing above and below the parchment.
- Whisk egg yolks with half the sugar and a splash of water to form a ribbon.
- In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and remaining sugar on high speed for one minute. Turn the speed down to medium-low and whisk until the egg whites reach a soft peak (the slower speed will form a more stable meringue). To tell when the whites have reached a soft peak, remove the whisk attachment and hold it with the whisk pointing upwards. The egg whites should form a peak that slightly droops at the top.
- Fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the yolks with a spatula and combine well. Fold in the remaining whites.
- Sift the flour into the egg mixture, folding to combine. Fold in the melted butter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter evenly. Then, clean around the edge of the pan with your thumb. Note: work gently but swiftly while folding the ingredients together and spreading them in the pan. The air in the whisked egg whites will make this cake very light and spongy, but the moment you begin working with the batter outside the mixer, it will slowly begin to deflate. The sooner it reaches the oven, the more volume your cake will have.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, until the cake is golden and spongy on top.
- Loosen the edges of the cake with a paring knife. Sprinkle a generous amount of sugar onto a piece of parchment paper and invert the cake onto the sheet. Place a dishtowel on top and roll the cake tightly between the two pieces of parchment. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the buttercream:
- In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites on medium speed until they form a stiff peak.
- While the egg whites are whisking, add the sugar, water and corn syrup to a medium saucepan and cover. Bring the sugar to a boil. Remove the lid from the pan once steam has formed on the sides (this will prevent the sugar from crystalizing.) Insert a candy thermometer and cook the sugar until it reaches 235-240 degrees F.
- Once the egg whites have reaches a stiff peak, turn the speed to low and carefully pour the sugar syrup down the inside of the mixer into the meringue. Don't pour too quickly or the eggs will scramble. This is called an Italian meringue.
- Whip the meringue on high until it comes back to room temperature. This process will take 20-30 minutes.
- When the meringue is cool and at a stiff peak, add chopped butter, one piece at a time, with the mixer on medium-low.
- Turn the mixer speed up to high and slowly add the eggnog and rum. Add a few tablespoons at a time and wait until the liquid is fully incorporated into the buttercream before adding an additional more. Repeat until all of the liquid is incorporated. If you add the liquid too quickly the buttercream will deflate.
Assemble the roulade:
- Gently remove the parchment from the cake. Use an offset spatula to spread the buttercream on the cake as evenly as possible.
- Re-roll the cake tightly. Slice off the edges for a clean presentation. Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg and cinnamon.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Veronica says
Anything with eggnog definitely gets my vote!!!
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says
I love anything eggnog. I’m don’t drink it alone, but I’m a sucker for any sweets flavored with eggnog. mmm
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
That buttercream looks amazing!!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
Wow–that dessert not only looks beautiful, but anything with eggnog and run during this time of year is fabulous!
Kris Cearley says
I am concerned about using raw egg like in the Italian buttercream frosting. does the hot syrup pasteurize the egg whites? Thanks
Savory Simple says
That’s a great question! The sugar syrup is very hot when you add it to the egg whites, over 230 degrees F. As you whip it into they whites they essentially cook, making it totally safe.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
I made chocolate buttercream with meringue once (from the baked book) and it really is something else! The flavors in this roulade are terrific, just the thing for the holidays!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Roulade cakes are always so festive! And yes, the rum buttercream sounds fabulous!
little kitchie says
looks like a perfect holiday dessert! i want that buttercream!!!!!!
Christi S. says
Looks delicious.
Karen H. says
Egg nog and rum cake? Yum! I need to make this!
Kate says
I’ve never made anything eggnog…maybe it’s time to try it…
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Oh my gravy, Jen. You are one brilliant woman. That Italian meringue buttercream looks OUT OF THIS WORLD. Whyyy have I never tried it before? And your roulade looks PERFECT.
Yosef - This American Bite says
Love the look of the roulade, the perfect holiday dessert.
Collette Lemons says
This will make everyone forget about Twinkies… I need to make this for Christmas….
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
How gorgeous! Looks like I need to try Italian meringue buttercream!