Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

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The Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll is the ultimate holiday showstopper. With its rich crimson hue, soft sponge texture, and sweet cream cheese filling, this dessert is every bit as festive as it is delicious. It’s like wrapping Christmas joy into a swirled slice of cake. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve gathering or contributing to the dessert table at a holiday potluck, this cake roll never fails to dazzle.

What makes this dessert even more magical is how every bite carries the flavors of celebration. The velvety cocoa notes in the sponge layer are balanced beautifully by the tangy, smooth cream cheese filling, while the rolled presentation brings a touch of elegance to the plate. Garnish it with powdered sugar snow, sugared cranberries, or sprigs of rosemary for a picture-perfect finish.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

This cake roll is everything a holiday dessert should be: rich, eye-catching, and festive. It’s easier than it looks, making you feel like a pastry pro with just a few simple techniques. The cake is incredibly moist and flexible, which makes rolling a breeze. And the cream cheese filling? Silky, not-too-sweet, and irresistibly smooth. It’s the kind of dessert people will ask about and request again next year.

Can I Use Boxed Cake Mix for a Red Velvet Roll?

While a boxed mix might seem like a shortcut, traditional boxed red velvet cake tends to be too soft and crumbly for rolling. For the best results, a homemade sponge with the right balance of structure and moisture is key. This ensures it bends without breaking and holds its shape once filled. If you’re set on using a mix, look for one labeled as “sponge cake” or consider adding extra eggs to strengthen the batter.

Ingredients for the Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

Every component of this cake roll plays a crucial part in its success. The cake base must be soft but structured enough to roll without cracking, and the filling should be creamy without being too runny. Here are the essentials:

Eggs: Provide structure and flexibility for the sponge. Room temperature eggs whip better, giving your cake lightness.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped eggs.

Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.

Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, enhancing the red velvet flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the sponge, offering just the right texture.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that signature red velvet taste.

Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift without making the cake too airy to roll.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.

Red Gel Food Coloring: Provides a vibrant color that doesn’t water down the batter.

Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor.

Cream Cheese: The star of the filling. Use full-fat for best richness.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the filling.

Butter: Softens the cream cheese and adds flavor to the filling.

Vanilla Extract (for filling): Adds a warm note to the cream layer.

How To Make the Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. Add oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and red food coloring, mixing until combined. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until no dry streaks remain.

Step 2: Bake and Roll the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the top springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel away the parchment and roll the cake in the towel while warm. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy and creamy. Chill slightly if too soft.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Roll

Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least an hour to set.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Dust with powdered sugar or decorate with holiday toppings like sugared cranberries or white chocolate drizzle. Slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled or at room temp.

How to Serve and Store Your Red Velvet Cake Roll

This cake roll slices beautifully and makes 10 to 12 servings, perfect for holiday parties or gifting. For a clean cut, use a serrated knife wiped clean between slices. The roll can be served slightly chilled or brought to room temperature for a softer bite.

To store, keep the roll tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it (whole or in slices) wrapped well, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Red Velvet Cake Roll?

Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whip

A warm mug of hot chocolate with a swirl of peppermint whipped cream complements the cake’s richness.

Sparkling Cranberry Punch

A festive drink to cut through the sweet and add a fruity fizz to your dessert course.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Simple, creamy vanilla ice cream served on the side enhances the contrast in texture.

Mulled Wine

For adult gatherings, a spiced red wine pairs perfectly with the deep cocoa tones of the cake.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

A little drizzle over each slice adds a sweet-salty finish that guests will adore.

Candied Pecans

For crunch and a nutty note, sprinkle some over the top or serve on the side.

Cream Liqueur Coffee

Add a touch of Baileys or your favorite cream liqueur to coffee for a warming finish to the dessert.

Festive Fruit Platter

Fresh berries, orange slices, and grapes help balance the richness of the cake and round out your dessert table.

Want More Cake Roll Ideas?

If you’re into swirled sweets, try these other roll desserts that bring a twist to tradition:

• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls for a fruity springtime version.
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if you’re craving something buttery and bold.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe to lighten the mood with citrusy bites.
• Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies for a chewy, nostalgic treat.
• Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes when you’re looking for that ooey-gooey campfire vibe.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for sugared cranberries or maybe a drizzle of white chocolate? Did you sneak in peppermint?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s make the holidays sweeter together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

The Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll isn’t just a dessert; it’s a festive tradition wrapped in layers of color, flavor, and holiday cheer. It may look like a bakery masterpiece, but you’ll be amazed at how approachable and fun it is to make at home. Whether you’re bringing it to a gathering or enjoying a slice by the fire, this cake roll is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

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