Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Cake Rolls

These no-bake cake rolls aren’t just easy; they’re a revelation for anyone seeking a healthier dessert option without compromising on flavor or fun. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Easy: No baking, no complex techniques. Just mixing, rolling, and chilling!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with natural sweeteners and fiber-rich oat flour, they’re a snack you can feel good about.
• Dietary Friendly: Naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
• Customizable Flavors: From warm spices to chocolate or fruity notes, the base dough and frosting can be adapted to your taste.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and store them in the freezer for quick access whenever a sweet craving hits.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for an everyday snack.

Essential Ingredients for Your No-Bake Cake Rolls

Crafting these delectable no-bake cake rolls requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why:

What ingredients do you need to make the no-bake cake rolls?

• Oat Flour: This is the cornerstone of our no-bake dough, providing structure and a wholesome, gluten-free base. I haven’t tested any direct substitutes for oat flour, as its unique texture and binding properties are key to the rolls holding together without baking. If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats into a fine powder in a high-speed blender or food processor. It’s a fantastic source of fiber and provides a lovely soft texture to the finished rolls.
• Protein Powder: Adding your favorite protein powder is a brilliant way to elevate both the nutritional profile and the flavor of these rolls. It not only boosts the protein content, making these a more satisfying snack, but also contributes to the sweetness and overall depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use protein powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional oat flour. However, keep in mind that protein powder often adds a subtle sweetness, so you might want to adjust by adding a tablespoon or two of coconut sugar or your preferred granulated sweetener to the dough if omitting it. For a discount on my favorite plant-based protein, use code “amb-dani”!
• Spices (Optional but Recommended): For those who love a warm, inviting flavor, a blend of spices transforms these into “spiced cake” rolls. I personally love a generous dash of cinnamon, a hint of invigorating ginger, a touch of cozy nutmeg, and just a pinch each of aromatic cardamom and cloves. These spices create a depth of flavor that’s reminiscent of traditional baked goods, perfect for autumn or holiday seasons, but truly enjoyable year-round. Feel free to adjust the quantities or even create your own blend, perhaps a pumpkin pie spice mix!
• Almond Butter: This ingredient is essential for binding the dough and adding a rich, creamy texture, along with healthy fats. You can absolutely substitute almond butter with any other nut butter (like peanut butter or cashew butter) or seed butter (such as sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option). Each alternative will lend a slightly different flavor profile, so choose your favorite! Ensure it’s a smooth, drippy kind for best results.
• Dates: Medjool dates are my go-to for natural sweetness and their incredible binding power. Soaking them before blending helps them break down easily into a smooth paste, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough. While you could technically substitute maple syrup for sweetness, I haven’t tested the exact measurements, and the dates contribute significantly to the dough’s texture and ability to hold its shape, so proceed with caution if making this swap.
• Plant Milk: A touch of plant milk (almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk all work wonderfully) helps to bring the dough to the right consistency. Start with the minimum amount and add more gradually until your dough is pliable and holds together without being too wet or sticky.

Crafting the Perfect Frosting for Your Cake Rolls

No cake roll is complete without a luscious layer of frosting! For these no-bake delights, you have two fantastic options, allowing you to choose based on your preference for convenience or a homemade touch.

What about the frosting?

Option 1: Store-Bought Frosting for Ultimate Ease
If you’re short on time or simply want to make your life even easier, opting for a high-quality store-bought frosting is a great choice. The market now offers an abundance of healthier options with cleaner ingredients. I’m a big fan of the Simple Mills brand; their ingredients are generally excellent, and they offer a range of delicious flavors. I typically reach for their vanilla frosting, which provides a classic, sweet counterpoint to the spiced cake rolls. When choosing a store-bought option, look for brands with minimal added sugars, natural flavors, and wholesome ingredients to keep your no-bake treats as healthy as possible.

Option 2: Homemade Cashew Cream for a Decadent Touch
For those who love to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy a richer, creamier texture, homemade cashew cream is an absolute dream! I absolutely adore this option. While it might not set as firmly as a traditional frosting, its silky smooth consistency and delicate flavor are simply divine. The best part? This recipe makes a bit extra, which is perfect because it’s incredibly versatile. I frequently keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use it as a delightful frosting, a “cream cheese” spread for bagels, or even as a base for parfaits. It’s truly “So Good!” and adds a wonderful depth to your cake rolls.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your No-Bake Cake Rolls

Creating these delightful no-bake cake rolls is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of healthy, flavorful treats ready to enjoy in no time!

How to make the cake rolls:

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine all the ingredients for the cake roll dough in a food processor. Pulse and blend until a cohesive dough forms. It should be moist enough to hold together when pressed but not overly sticky. Start with the smaller amount of plant milk and add more, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Taste the dough and adjust sweetness with a little maple syrup or coconut sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
2. Roll It Out: Lay a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface or a cookie sheet. Transfer your dough onto the parchment paper and, using your hands or a rolling pin, press and roll it out into a flat, even rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 an inch. Ensure the edges are as straight as possible for neat rolls.
3. Apply the Frosting: Evenly spread your chosen frosting (store-bought or homemade cashew cream) over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. Make sure the layer is consistent for a beautiful swirl in your finished rolls.
4. Roll and Chill: Starting from one of the longer ends, carefully use the parchment paper to help you roll the dough tightly into a log. The parchment paper prevents sticking and helps maintain a firm, even roll. Once rolled, place the log in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it much easier to slice into neat, individual rolls.
5. Slice and Enjoy: After the log has firmed up in the freezer, remove it and carefully slice it into individual cake rolls, about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. Arrange them on a plate and enjoy immediately! For optimal texture, you might want to let them thaw for about 5-10 minutes if they’re very hard from the freezer.

Storing Your Delicious Creations

One of the best features of these no-bake cake rolls is how wonderfully they store, making them perfect for meal prep or having a healthy treat always on hand.

How to store the rolls:

Once your cake rolls are sliced, place them in an airtight container. They keep beautifully in the freezer for up to several weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy one (or a few!), simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This brief thawing period allows them to soften slightly, bringing out their best texture and flavor. Storing them in the freezer ensures they remain fresh and firm, maintaining their delightful shape and taste.

Tips for Success & Variations

While the recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can ensure your no-bake cake rolls turn out perfectly every time. Plus, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors!

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Dough Too Sticky? If your dough is too wet to handle, try adding a little more oat flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches a workable consistency.
• Dough Too Dry? If the dough is crumbling, add a tiny bit more plant milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until it comes together. Remember, the goal is a pliable dough that holds its shape.
• Frosting Not Spreading Easily? If your homemade cashew cream is too thick, add a tiny splash more plant milk or lemon juice to thin it out slightly.

Flavorful Variations:

• Chocolate Lovers: Add a tablespoon of cacao powder to the dough for a rich chocolate base. You could also sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips before rolling!
• Lemon Zest: For a brighter flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough and a bit more lemon juice to the cashew cream frosting.
• Nutty Crunch: Before rolling, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) or shredded coconut over the frosting layer for added texture.
• Fruity Twist: Incorporate some freeze-dried fruit powder (like raspberry or strawberry) into the dough for a vibrant, fruity flavor.

Make-Ahead & Serving Suggestions:

• These rolls are ideal for making ahead of time, especially for busy weeks or upcoming events. Just store them in the freezer!
• Serve them as a delightful after-dinner treat, a wholesome snack for kids (and adults!), or even a pre-workout energy boost. Their convenient size makes them perfect for portion control.

Recipe Card: No-Bake Cake Rolls

No-Bake Cake Rolls

These no-bake cake rolls are incredibly fun and easy to make! They are vegan, gluten-free, and come together quickly. Prepare a batch and conveniently store them in your freezer for a delightful treat throughout the week!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Freezer Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 1 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup protein powder *
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almond butter **
• 6 large Medjool dates soaked and pitted
• 1/4-1/3 cup plant milk

Spices (optional, for spiced cake rolls)

• 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg, cardamom, & a pinch of cloves

Store-Bought Frosting Option

• 1/2 cup store bought frosting (of choice, ideally healthier brand)

Homemade Cashew Frosting Option

• 1 cup cashews soaked (for at least 4 hours or boiled for 10 mins)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp coconut oil or cacao butter melted
• pinch of sea salt

Instructions

 

• For the Homemade Cashew Cream (if using): If opting for homemade cashew frosting, begin by preparing it. Add all the cashew cream ingredients (soaked cashews, vanilla, maple syrup, lemon juice, melted coconut oil/cacao butter, and sea salt) to a high-speed food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. This recipe yields a generous amount, so store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It’s fantastic as a frosting, “cream cheese” alternative, or a creamy spread.
• Prepare the Cake Roll Dough: In a food processor, combine all the dry ingredients first (oat flour, protein powder, spices if using), then add the wet ingredients (vanilla extract, almond butter, soaked dates, and plant milk). Begin by adding 1/4 cup of plant milk and process until a dough forms. The consistency should be pliable and hold together when pressed, but not overly wet or sticky. If it’s too dry, add more plant milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. If it’s too wet, add a little more oat flour. Taste the dough and add a touch of maple syrup or coconut sugar if you desire a sweeter roll.
• Roll Out the Dough: Lay a piece of parchment paper on a clean surface or a large cookie sheet. Transfer the prepared dough onto the parchment paper. Using your hands or a rolling pin, press and roll the dough out evenly into a rectangular shape, aiming for approximately 1/2 inch thickness. Try to make the edges as straight as possible for uniform rolls. Once rolled out, spread an even, consistent layer of your chosen frosting (store-bought or homemade cashew cream) over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Roll and Chill: Starting from one of the long ends of the rectangle, carefully use the parchment paper to assist you in rolling the dough up tightly into a log. The parchment paper will prevent sticking and help create a firm, compact roll. Once rolled, place the log, still wrapped in parchment paper, into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This essential step allows the dough to firm up considerably, making the slicing process much cleaner and easier.
• Slice and Serve: After the log has hardened sufficiently in the freezer, remove it. Unwrap and use a sharp knife to carefully cut the log into individual slices, about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. Your beautiful no-bake cake rolls are now ready to be enjoyed! If they are very firm from the freezer, you can let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before consuming for a softer texture. Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the freezer.

Notes

*You can substitute the protein powder with an equal amount of additional oat flour. If doing so, consider adding 1-2 tbsp of coconut sugar for sweetness.

** Any smooth nut or seed butter (peanut, cashew, sunflower seed) will work as a substitute for almond butter.

For the cashew cream, ensure cashews are thoroughly soaked (at least 4 hours, or boil for 10 minutes) for a super smooth texture.

The freezer time is crucial for easy slicing. Don’t skip it!

Keyword cake, easy recipe, frosting, No-Bake, rolls, vegan, gluten-free, healthy dessert, spiced cake

Final Thoughts on These Delightful No-Bake Treats

These no-bake cake rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a versatile, healthy, and incredibly convenient solution for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a quick treat or a beginner venturing into healthy desserts, this recipe offers simplicity without sacrificing flavor. With their customizable nature, freezer-friendly convenience, and wholesome ingredients, these rolls are sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Give them a try and discover your new favorite guilt-free indulgence!

Don’t forget to share your creations and any delicious variations you come up with. Happy rolling!