Name: Red Velvet Cake Roll
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ¼ cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re craving something that’s both visually stunning and indulgently sweet, this Red Velvet Cake Roll might just be your new go-to dessert. Imagine a fluffy, deep-red sponge cake wrapped around a silky cream cheese filling, rolled into a spiral of pure joy. It’s festive, rich, and surprisingly easy to master.

This cake roll is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or when you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The contrast between the tender red cake and the creamy white filling is not only eye-catching but also delivers that classic red velvet flavor everyone adores.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cake Roll

This dessert is all about elegance and comfort rolled into one. The sponge stays soft and moist, the filling is tangy and rich, and the presentation always turns heads. Plus, it slices beautifully, making it ideal for sharing.

You’ll also love that this roll uses basic pantry ingredients but delivers bakery-level results. And once you learn how to roll it just right, the variations you can make are endless.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For the best flavor and color, use unsweetened natural cocoa powder. It gives the cake its signature red velvet depth without overpowering it. Dutch-processed cocoa is smoother but might mute the vibrant red hue you’re looking for, so stick with natural for a classic look and taste.

Ingredients for the Red Velvet Cake Roll

Creating this beautiful dessert doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, but each one plays an important role in texture and flavor.

Eggs provide structure and help the cake stay flexible enough to roll without cracking.

Granulated sugar sweetens the sponge and helps stabilize the whipped eggs.

Vegetable oil keeps the sponge moist and tender.

Buttermilk is essential for that traditional red velvet tang and soft crumb.

Red food coloring gives the cake its iconic deep red hue.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.

All-purpose flour builds the cake’s base with just the right density.

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder adds that subtle chocolatey undertone we love in red velvet.

Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the cake its rise.

Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the cocoa.

For the cream cheese filling:

Cream cheese is the star here—tangy and smooth.

Butter adds richness and helps with structure.

Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the filling.

Vanilla extract ties everything together with warm aroma.

How To Make the Red Velvet Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang to lift the cake out later. Grease the paper well.

Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

Beat the eggs and sugar together until thick, pale, and ribbony—this can take about 4-5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step gives the cake its light structure.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Whisk in the oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift into the wet mixture and gently fold until combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the top springs back when touched.

Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm

While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and roll the cake up gently with the towel inside. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Filling

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 8: Fill and Roll

Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the filling evenly, then re-roll it without the towel. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

How to Serve and Store the Red Velvet Cake Roll

This Red Velvet Cake Roll makes 8 to 10 generous slices, perfect for sharing at a party or holiday gathering. It’s best served slightly chilled so the cream cheese filling holds its shape, but not so cold that the sponge loses its softness.

To store, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it (wrapped well in foil and plastic) for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Red Velvet Cake Roll?

Coffee or Espresso

The mild bitterness of coffee balances the sweet, tangy richness of the cake.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries brighten up every bite and add a fresh contrast.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream on the side gives it an airy, creamy bonus.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For an extra-indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Hot Chocolate

If it’s wintertime, nothing pairs better with red velvet than a warm mug of hot chocolate.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle a little over each slice for a fun twist on traditional flavors.

Festive Sprinkles

If you’re serving this during the holidays, dress it up with a few sprinkles or a dusting of edible glitter.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed making this Red Velvet Cake Roll, you’ll fall in love with these decadent options too:

• Butter Pecan Pound Cake for a rich nutty treat.
• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls with sweet summer flavor.
• Decadent Caramel Banana Pecan Cake when you’re craving sticky-sweet comfort.
• Classic French Butter Cookies for a buttery bite-sized dessert.
• Easter Chocolate Lasagna if you want a layered, no-bake delight.

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 swirl in a little extra filling? Maybe topped it with a chocolate ganache? I love hearing how others get creative with this one.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday sweets on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feel-good recipes!

Conclusion

The Red Velvet Cake Roll is that special blend of flavor and beauty that transforms a simple dessert into a centerpiece. It’s ideal for celebrations but easy enough for a weekend bake. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Happy baking!