There’s something truly magical about baking, isn’t there? The way your kitchen fills with warmth and delightful aromas can instantly brighten your day. Now, imagine that feeling wrapped up in a stunning Red Velvet Cake Roll! This dessert isn’t just about its striking crimson color; it’s a perfect blend of rich chocolatey flavor and creamy, dreamy filling. Trust me, every slice you serve is bound to impress! It’s a bit of a showstopper, yet surprisingly easy to make. I love pulling this beauty out at gatherings—it never fails to bring smiles and happy sighs from friends and family. So, let’s dive into this delicious experience together!

Ingredients List
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful Red Velvet Cake Roll! Here’s what you’ll need:
- ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour: This forms the cake’s base, giving it structure.
- ¼ cup (20 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that rich, chocolatey depth we love in red velvet.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Essential for lifting the cake as it bakes.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- 4 large eggs: These bring moisture and help achieve that fluffy texture.
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, and this will also help with that beautiful color.
- 1 Tbsp neutral oil: Think canola or vegetable; this keeps the cake moist.
- 2 Tbsp buttermilk: For that classic tang; or mix 2 Tbsp milk with ½ tsp vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes!
- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar: It reacts with the baking soda for a lighter cake.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A must for flavor enhancement.
- 2 Tbsp red food coloring: This gives our cake that signature, vibrant hue.
- Powdered sugar: Optional for a lovely dusting on top.
For the luscious filling, you’ll need:
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese: Make sure it’s cold for easier blending.
- ½ cup (113 g) butter: Room temperature is best for a smooth texture.
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar: This sweetens and thickens the filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For that extra layer of deliciousness.
How to Prepare a Red Velvet Cake Roll
Now that we’ve rounded up all our ingredients, let’s make some magic happen! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this beautiful Red Velvet Cake Roll, ensuring every bite is just perfect.
Prepping the Cake Batter
First things first, let’s whip up that cake batter! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your cake is light and fluffy—trust me, it makes a difference! In a separate bowl, beat the eggs on medium speed for about 5 minutes until they’re light and frothy. Then, gradually add in the sugar and oil, mixing until well combined. Next, gently fold in the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and the red food coloring. Finally, add in your dry ingredients and mix just until combined—overmixing could make the cake tough.
Baking the Cake
Now it’s time to bake! Spread the batter evenly in your prepared jelly roll pan and pop it into the oven for about 13–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back lightly to the touch. Keep an eye on it because you want it just right—not too dry! Once baked, carefully lift the cake out using the parchment paper. Give it just 3 minutes to cool slightly before we roll it up!
Rolling the Cake
Rolling the cake while it’s warm is essential for preventing cracks. Starting from one short end, gently roll the cake with the parchment paper still attached, rolling it up tightly. This may feel a bit tricky, but take your time! Once it’s rolled, let it cool completely in this shape—this helps it hold the roll when we fill it.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cake cools, let’s prepare that luscious cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the cold cream cheese and room temperature butter until smooth and creamy. Then, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s perfectly blended. It should be light and fluffy! I like to chill this mixture in the fridge while I wait for the cake to cool—it helps it set nicely.
Assembling the Cake Roll
Once your cake is cool, it’s time to unroll it carefully. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving about a ½-inch bare edge at one end. This bare edge helps to seal the cake when you re-roll it. Now, roll it back up tightly, removing the parchment as you go. Place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
Chilling and Serving
Wrap your cake roll in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 1–2 hours to set. This step is key for clean slicing later! When you’re ready to serve, dust the top with powdered sugar for that beautiful finish. Then, slice it up, and watch as everyone dives into this stunning dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this delightful dessert ready to bake in no time!
- Delicious Flavor: The perfect harmony of rich cocoa, tangy cream cheese, and that signature red velvet taste is simply irresistible.
- Impressive Presentation: This stunning cake roll is a showstopper at any gathering, guaranteed to impress friends and family.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Make Ahead: You can easily prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, making it a stress-free option for entertaining!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Red Velvet Cake Roll turns out perfectly, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly.
- Don’t Skip the Sifting: Sifting your dry ingredients is crucial for a light cake. It helps to remove any lumps and aerates the flour.
- Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a minute or two before the suggested time. You want it just set, not overbaked!
- Roll While Warm: Remember to roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracks. If it cools too much, it can be more challenging to shape.
- Chill Before Slicing: Chilling the filled cake roll makes slicing much cleaner and prevents the filling from oozing out.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delightful Red Velvet Cake Roll. Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately:
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Protein: 5 g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy indulging in this sweet treat knowing it’s a deliciously balanced dessert!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your Red Velvet Cake Roll? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and their answers:
- Q1. Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake roll and fill it, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2–3 days. Just dust with powdered sugar right before serving! - Q2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! Just mix 2 tablespoons of milk with ½ teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It works like a charm! - Q3. Can I substitute the cream cheese filling?
Sure thing! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, try using whipped cream or a chocolate ganache for a different twist. - Q4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2–3 months! - Q5. Can I use a different food coloring?
Definitely! While red is classic for a Red Velvet Cake Roll, feel free to experiment with other colors for fun occasions.
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Red Velvet Cake Roll: 5 Steps to Stunning Perfection
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Red Velvet Cake Roll filled with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (20 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 Tbsp buttermilk (or 2 Tbsp milk mixed with ½ tsp vinegar, rested 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp red food coloring
- Powdered sugar, optional (for dusting)
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
- ½ cup (113 g) butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Whip eggs on medium speed for about 5 minutes until light. Gradually add sugar and oil.
- Mix in buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and food coloring. Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake 13–15 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly.
- Lift cake out using parchment. After 3 minutes, roll the warm cake (short end to short end) with the parchment and let cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; chill until ready.
- Unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly (leave ½-inch bare at one end), then re-roll tightly.
- Chill 1–2 hours to set. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and slice.
Notes
- Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking.
- Chilling before slicing gives cleaner cuts.
- Can be frozen (well-wrapped) for up to 2–3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cake Roll, Cake Roll, Dessert, Cream Cheese Filling