Red Velvet Cake Roll

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Red Velvet Cake Roll combines the classic flavors of rich red velvet cake with a creamy filling, resulting in an elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Swirled and sliced for a stunning presentation, this delightful treat is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant color and luscious taste. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence, this cake roll is a must-try for red velvet lovers!

Anna Johnson

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-17T02:53:50.630Z

This Red Velvet Cake Roll is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of rich flavors and textures that come together to create an unforgettable treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Red Velvet Cake Roll is a versatile dessert that shines at any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or a simple dinner party, its striking red color and elegant swirls are sure to be a hit. The creamy filling adds a touch of indulgence, making it a favorite for guests of all ages. Its impressive presentation elevates the dining experience, transforming even an ordinary meal into a special occasion.

Not only does this cake roll look stunning on a dessert table, but it also caters to different tastes. The combination of sweet and slightly tangy cream cheese filling perfectly complements the rich flavor of red velvet, ensuring everyone finds something to love. Plus, with its unique shape, you can serve it in individual slices, making it easy for guests to enjoy without the mess of traditional cake.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Red Velvet Cake Roll, make sure to follow the steps carefully. Be mindful of the baking time; underbaking or overbaking can affect the texture of your cake. It should be soft and springy to the touch when done. Also, rolling the cake while it's warm is crucial. This helps prevent cracks when you eventually unroll it to fill and roll it again.

Using high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your dessert. If possible, opt for natural cocoa powder and fresh eggs for improved taste. Additionally, for the red food coloring, consider gel coloring for a more vibrant hue without altering the batter's consistency. Making these small adjustments can elevate your cake roll from good to truly exceptional.

Serving Suggestions

When it's time to serve your Red Velvet Cake Roll, there are plenty of ways to enhance its appeal. Dust the top with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for added color and flavor. Consider pairing it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to further enrich the dessert experience.

For those who love extra sweetness, a drizzle of chocolate ganache over the sliced cake can create a delightful contrast. Not only does it add an appealing visual element, but it also intensifies the overall chocolate flavor. Offering a variety of toppings allows guests to choose their favorite combinations, making your cake roll not just delicious, but also a fun dessert experience.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Red Velvet Cake Roll:

For the Cake Roll

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect Red Velvet Cake Roll:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy, then add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, immediately roll the cake with the parchment paper to cool.

Prepare the Filling

While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Assemble the Cake Roll

Unroll the cake carefully, spread the cream cheese filling over the surface, and then roll it back up without the parchment paper. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious creation!

Storing Your Cake Roll

To keep your Red Velvet Cake Roll fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Once fully assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also store it in an airtight container if you prefer.

If you plan to enjoy the cake roll over several days, it’s best to refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the unfilled cake roll before adding the cream cheese filling. This way, you can enjoy it at a later date without compromising the flavor.

Variations to Try

While the classic Red Velvet Cake Roll is a beloved treat, you can experiment with variations to suit your taste. For example, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter for an extra hint of chocolate in each bite. Alternatively, infuse the cream cheese filling with citrus zest for a refreshing twist that balances the richness of the cake.

You can also customize the food coloring to create different festive variations. For a fun twist during the holidays, try using green food coloring to celebrate St. Patrick's Day or a combination of colors for birthdays. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe one you can reinvent for different occasions.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different color for the cake?

Yes, you can use any food coloring you prefer for a unique twist!

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Red Velvet Cake Roll

This Red Velvet Cake Roll combines the classic flavors of rich red velvet cake with a creamy filling, resulting in an elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Swirled and sliced for a stunning presentation, this delightful treat is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant color and luscious taste. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence, this cake roll is a must-try for red velvet lovers!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Anna Johnson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake Roll

  1. 3 large eggs
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  4. 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  5. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy, then add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.

Step 02

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 03

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, immediately roll the cake with the parchment paper to cool.

Step 04

While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Step 05

Unroll the cake carefully, spread the cream cheese filling over the surface, and then roll it back up without the parchment paper. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 4g