Imagine the blissful moment when you sink your fork into a slice of Red Velvet Cake Roll, where velvety textures dance with rich cocoa and tangy cream cheese. The aroma wafts through the air, promising a sweet escape that makes any day feel like a celebration, whether it’s a Tuesday or your dog’s birthday.

This delightful dessert wraps its luscious filling in a beautifully swirled cake, making it the perfect showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve a treat. Who doesn’t love a bit of culinary drama on their plate? The anticipation builds as you slice through the roll to reveal its stunning red and white layers—a visual feast that’s just as exciting as the taste!
Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Cake Roll
- This incredible Red Velvet Cake Roll transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
This cake roll has become a staple at my gatherings—people practically fight over the last slice. One time, my Aunt Edna declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which I found amusing since we were all gathered to celebrate her 90th birthday.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Choose a good quality flour for structure; avoid self-rising flour to maintain control over leavening.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder; it adds depth without additional sweetness that can overwhelm.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your batter with granulated sugar; balance is key to achieving that signature flavor.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs help provide moisture and bind everything together for that perfect texture.
- Buttermilk: Use buttermilk for its acidity; it adds richness and tenderizes the cake beautifully.
- Vegetable Oil: Keep it light with vegetable oil; it keeps the cake moist without adding heavy flavors.
- Red Food Coloring: Go for gel-based food coloring; it yields vibrant color without watering down your batter.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents create lift in your cake, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; avoid imitation versions to ensure quality.
- Cream Cheese: For the filling, use full-fat cream cheese; it provides a rich and creamy texture that’s irresistible.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetener helps create a smooth filling without grittiness; sift before using for best results.
- Heavy Cream: Whip this into soft peaks to fold into your filling; it adds lightness and volume.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake Roll
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of dry ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Pour in buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth—think of it as creating your edible masterpiece!
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; we want air bubbles here to keep our cake light and airy!
Bake It Up: Pour batter onto prepared jelly roll pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the edges pull away slightly from the pan—your kitchen should smell heavenly by now.
Cool Down: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto powdered sugar-dusted parchment paper. Carefully peel off parchment paper once cool enough to handle.
Make Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth in a bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until creamy consistency forms. Fold in whipped heavy cream gently—this gives us our dreamy filling!
Assemble The Roll: Spread filling evenly over cooled cake layer. Starting from one end, carefully roll up tightly using parchment paper to guide you—this is where we try not to break anything!
Chill & Serve: Wrap rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing into pieces. Enjoy each bite while basking in compliments from family and friends!
And there you have it—a scrumptious Red Velvet Cake Roll that’s not only impressive but also incredibly tasty! Just remember to save at least one piece for yourself before everyone else gets their hands on it!
You Must Know About Red Velvet Cake Roll
- This showstopping Red Velvet Cake Roll delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, whip up your batter while the oven heats. Bake the cake for about 15 minutes, then immediately roll it in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This crucial step prevents cracking later on. Let it cool completely before filling with cream cheese frosting or your favorite filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional cream cheese frosting for whipped cream or chocolate ganache if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add flavor variations, such as almond extract or orange zest in the cake batter for a unique twist! Don’t hesitate to personalize your dessert – after all, it’s your masterpiece!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Red Velvet Cake Roll fresh, store it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to five days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s well-wrapped and consume within three months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving; this helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Red Velvet Cake Roll
- This professional-quality Red Velvet Cake Roll relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
The first time I made a Red Velvet Cake Roll was during a family gathering, and let me tell you, my cousin nearly tackled me for the last slice! The delighted faces at the table reminded me why I love baking so much—it’s all about bringing people together.
FAQ
What is a Red Velvet Cake Roll?
A Red Velvet Cake Roll is a delightful twist on traditional red velvet cake, featuring a light sponge cake rolled around a creamy filling like cream cheese frosting. It combines rich cocoa flavor with vibrant red color and velvety texture—a true showstopper at any gathering!
Can I use different fillings for my Red Velvet Cake Roll?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is classic, you can experiment with whipped cream or even chocolate ganache as fillings. Feel free to add fruits like strawberries or raspberries too; they complement the rich flavor beautifully!
How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?
To avoid cracks, ensure you roll your cake while it’s still warm in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This technique helps shape it without breaking apart as it cools down—like magic!
Is it possible to make this cake roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare your Red Velvet Cake Roll up to two days in advance. Just store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge until you’re ready to serve; this helps enhance its flavors over time.
Conclusion for Red Velvet Cake Roll
Creating a stunning Red Velvet Cake Roll is easier than you might think! With simple tips like rolling while warm and personalizing fillings, you’ll impress everyone at your next gathering. Remember to store leftovers properly for maximum freshness—if there are any leftovers at all! Enjoy this delightful treat that combines elegance with comfort food goodness!
Red Velvet Cake Roll
Indulge in a slice of Red Velvet Cake Roll, where luscious cream cheese filling meets a light and fluffy red velvet cake. This stunning dessert not only captivates with its vibrant colors but also delights your taste buds with rich cocoa and tangy sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings, this showstopper is guaranteed to impress friends and family alike!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Mix in buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until edges pull away from the pan.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto powdered sugar-dusted parchment paper.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in whipped heavy cream.
- Spread filling over cooled cake, roll tightly using parchment paper to guide you, then chill for at least an hour before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For variations, try filling with whipped cream or chocolate ganache. Add flavor twists like almond extract or citrus zest for an exciting twist!







