There’s nothing quite like the joyful spirit of baking during the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with a dazzling Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting? As I whipped up this recipe in my cozy kitchen, the vibrant red batter felt as festive as the twinkling lights outside, setting the perfect mood for family gatherings and celebrations.
This delightful cake roll not only brings an elegant touch to your dessert table, but it also offers a unique twist on the classic red velvet cake, boasting a tender, silky sponge wrapped around a delectable cream cheese filling. Each slice is a feast for the eyes, showcasing a luscious red swirl that’s sure to impress your guests.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to shake off the fast-food routine, this easy-to-follow recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness and promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday event. Let’s dive into making this irresistible treat and unleash the festive cheer in your kitchen!
Why is Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting a must-try?
Decadent flavors await you in every slice, blending rich cocoa with smooth cream cheese for an unforgettable taste. Eye-catching presentation makes this dessert the star of any gathering, ensuring your efforts are rewarded with wow-factor! Quick and easy to assemble, this recipe can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, perfect for busy bakers. Endless customization options, like flavored fillings or festive garnishes, keep it exciting and versatile. Timeless appeal works for all occasions, from cozy family dinners to elegant holiday parties. Your dessert table will thank you!
Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
Get ready to create a delightful masterpiece!
For the Cake
• Large Eggs – Essential for structure and moisture; make sure they’re room temperature for the best texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and ensures tenderness; consider a sugar substitute if desired.
• Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes egg whites for perfect fluffiness; lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though flavor may change.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a chocolatey depth; be sure to sift it to avoid lumps.
• Cake Flour – Creates a tender crumb; gluten-free flour is a viable alternative.
• Red Food Coloring Gel Paste – Provides that signature festive red color; gel paste yields more vivid results than liquid coloring.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best outcome.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and elevates flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
• Cream Cheese – Gives a rich, tangy flavor; soften it to ensure a smooth filling.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds creaminess to the filling; be sure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens the filling and helps achieve that creamy texture; powdered sugar substitutes can work for lower sugar needs.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to make a showstopping Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line and grease a 15×10-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well prepared for easy removal.
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Whip Egg Whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add half of the sugar, continuing to whip until you reach stiff peaks for a fluffy texture.
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Mix Yolk Batter: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks together with the remaining sugar until they’re pale and creamy. Mix in the cocoa powder, cake flour, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture in stages; this keeps the batter airy. Once combined, spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when gently pressed and the edges slightly pull away from the pan.
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Cool & Roll: Carefully invert the cake onto a clean, sugared kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment, trim the edges if necessary, then roll it up with the towel, starting from a short end. Allow the rolled cake to cool for about 1 hour.
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Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Assemble & Chill: Once the cake is cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, then reroll the cake without the towel, placing it seam-side down. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing to let it set properly.
Optional: Dust with extra confectioners’ sugar before serving for a delightful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe!
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Nutty Surprise: Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the cream cheese filling for a satisfying crunch. It adds texture and flavor that elevates the traditional filling.
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Chocolate Delight: Mix in mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for an indulgent touch. The melting chocolate enhances every bite, making it truly decadent.
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Citrusy Twist: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing burst of citrus. This brightens the flavors and adds a cheerful note to the cake.
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Mini Rolls: Create adorable mini cake rolls using the same batter. Just scale down your portions and bake in smaller pans—perfect for portion control and fun finger food!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the batter for a hint of warmth. This unexpected twist will surprise your palate and make each slice memorable.
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Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use a plant-based cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
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Fruit Flare: Fold in finely chopped strawberries or raspberries into the cream cheese filling. These fruity additions not only add color but also a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness.
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Matcha Magic: For a unique flavor profile, swap some of the cocoa powder for matcha powder. This adds a beautiful green swirl and an earthy taste that pairs surprisingly well with cream cheese.
What to Serve with Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Imagine a festive gathering where your luscious dessert is the star—but what should you set alongside it to complete the meal experience?
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich filling, enhancing every bite of your cake roll.
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Fresh Raspberries: The tartness of fresh raspberries cuts through the sweetness, providing a refreshing counterpoint that brightens the overall dessert.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats echo the cake’s flavors while bringing an added crunch and a touch of elegance to your dessert lineup.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm sponge; together, they create a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of rich coffee balances the sweetness of the cake roll, deepening the overall flavor experience with each sip.
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Festive Punch: A bright, fruity punch offers a refreshing, non-alcoholic pairing that complements the cake’s rich texture and festive vibe.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce takes your dessert over the top, adding indulgence and a touch of flair that’s sure to impress.
Get creative with these pairings, and elevate your dessert experience to one that your guests will talk about long after the last slice is gone!
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting
Fridge: Keep the Red Velvet Cake Roll wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps prevent it from drying out and maintains freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, slice the cake roll, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If desired, you can gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm dessert experience, but do not overheat.
Make-Ahead Tips: Feel free to prepare the cake roll in advance, as the flavors blend beautifully over time. Just ensure it’s well wrapped to preserve that delicious cream cheese filling!
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake and assemble the cake roll up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. To maintain its quality, wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap after chilling to prevent it from drying out. If prepared ahead, it’s best to serve it the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. On the day of serving, just slice and enjoy this stunning dessert that will still look and taste just as delicious! Don’t forget to dust with confectioners’ sugar for an extra festive touch!
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cake Roll
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Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to achieve the lightest, fluffiest cake possible. Cold eggs can lead to a dense texture.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift your cocoa powder and cake flour to avoid any lumps in your batter. This step helps create a smooth and even cake roll.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining your whipped egg whites and yolk batter, fold gently. Overmixing can deflate the air you’ve painstakingly whipped into the egg whites, resulting in a flat cake.
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Use a Sugared Towel: Dusting your kitchen towel with confectioners’ sugar helps prevent the cake from sticking when rolling. This ensures a clean, beautiful roll each time.
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Chill Before Slicing: Allow the assembled Red Velvet Cake Roll to chill for at least 2 hours. This step helps the filling set and makes slicing much easier and neater.
Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
What type of eggs should I use for the cake?
It’s best to use large eggs at room temperature for the Red Velvet Cake Roll. Room temperature eggs trap air better when whipped, creating a fluffier texture. Make sure to let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before using them for optimal results.
How should I store the cake roll after baking?
Keep the Red Velvet Cake Roll wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days, ensuring you enjoy each slice without it drying out.
Can I freeze the cake roll?
Absolutely! For longer storage, slice the cake roll into individual portions, then wrap each piece firmly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—this helps maintain its delicious texture and flavor!
What should I do if my cake cracks when rolling?
If your cake cracks while rolling, don’t worry! This can happen sometimes. To avoid it in the future, make sure not to overbake the cake; it should be soft and springy to the touch. If cracking occurs, you can always disguise it with a little extra cream cheese frosting when serving—the more, the merrier!
Is there an alternative for cream cheese due to allergies?
Certainly! If you or your guests have a cream cheese allergy, you can substitute the filling with mascarpone cheese or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Both will provide a creamy texture without compromising on flavor!
Decadent Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line and grease a 15×10-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add half of the sugar.
- In another bowl, beat the egg yolks together with the remaining sugar until pale and creamy. Mix in cocoa powder, cake flour, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture, spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the cake springs back when gently pressed.
- Carefully invert the cake onto a clean, sugared kitchen towel, peel off the parchment, roll it up with the towel, and cool for 1 hour.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth, gradually mix in confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract.
- Once cooled, gently unroll the cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, reroll the cake without the towel, and chill for at least 2 hours.