Red Velvet Cake Roll

Name: Red Velvet Cake Roll
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp red gel food coloring; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)

Published: January 26, 2026

by Sarah Conley

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.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Red Velvet Cake Roll:

All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating the structure of the cake; sifted for lightness.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that subtle chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly; adjust based on your taste preference.
Baking Powder: Essential for giving the cake its lift and fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors beautifully.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds richness without altering the taste.
Buttermilk: The tanginess balances out sweetness and makes the cake tender.
Eggs: These provide structure and stability; always use room temperature eggs for best results.
Vanilla Extract: For that warm aromatic essence that gets everyone drooling.
Red Food Coloring: The star of the show! Use gel coloring for vibrant results without adding too much liquid.
Cream Cheese: For the luscious filling; opt for full-fat for extra creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up your cream cheese filling without any grittiness; sifted is best.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Red Velvet Cake Roll:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan (15×10 inches) and line it with parchment paper. Greasing helps prevent sticking while ensuring easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures an even distribution of all dry elements.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix sugar and vegetable oil until well blended. Add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Stir until completely smooth—this is where all those beautiful colors come together!

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry

Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until no flour streaks remain visible. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake to be light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Roll it Up

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before turning it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. While it’s still warm, roll it up tightly along with the towel to maintain its shape as it cools completely.

Step 7: Prepare Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Once your cake has cooled completely (patience is key!), unroll it gently and spread an even layer of cream cheese filling across its surface.

Step 8: Final Assembly

Roll up the cake again (without the towel this time) to form your beautiful Red Velvet Cake Roll! Place seam-side down on a serving platter—voilà!

Transfer to plates and drizzle some chocolate ganache on top or dust with more powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.

Now that you know how to create this stunning dessert masterpiece, it’s time to gather friends or family around—because sharing is caring! Enjoy every slice of this delectable treat filled with laughter, memories, and maybe just a bit of frosting smudge on your cheek!

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 Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Red Velvet Cake Roll, start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper. Whip the batter while the oven warms up, then bake immediately for optimal fluffiness.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Red Velvet Cake Roll! Swap out buttermilk for yogurt if you’re out, or add a splash of peppermint extract for a unique twist. Top with your favorite cream cheese frosting variations.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Red Velvet Cake Roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days. For reheating, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds without compromising the cake’s texture.

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.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Baking this cake roll reminded me of the first time I made it for my family; they devoured it faster than I could say “Red Velvet!” Their compliments were sweeter than any frosting I could whip up!

FAQs

What is Red Velvet Cake Roll?

Red Velvet Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the charming appearance of a rolled cake. This treat features a soft, velvety sponge infused with cocoa powder and buttermilk, resulting in a rich flavor and vibrant red color. Typically, it’s filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy sweetness, making every bite irresistible. The cake roll is not only delicious but also visually appealing, often garnished with powdered sugar or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

How do you make Red Velvet Cake Roll?

To make a Red Velvet Cake Roll, start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Whisk together the dry ingredients, including flour and cocoa powder, in one bowl. In another bowl, mix eggs, sugar, and buttermilk until smooth. Combine both mixtures and add food coloring for the signature red hue. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake until set. Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting on top, roll it up tightly, and refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Can I use a different filling for my Red Velvet Cake Roll?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is traditional for a Red Velvet Cake Roll, you can get creative with your fillings. Options like whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or even custard can provide unique flavors that complement the red velvet base. Experimenting with fillings allows you to customize the cake roll to fit various tastes or dietary preferences while still enjoying its classic structure.

How should I store Red Velvet Cake Roll?

To keep your Red Velvet Cake Roll fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you’ve made several rolls or wish to preserve it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving to retain its moist texture and delicious flavor.

Conclusion

In summary, the Red Velvet Cake Roll is a stunning dessert that blends rich flavors with an elegant presentation. Making this delicious treat involves simple steps from preparing the batter to rolling it with creamy filling. You can also personalize your cake roll with various fillings to match your preferences. Whether for special occasions or casual gatherings, the Red Velvet Cake Roll will surely impress your guests and satisfy their sweet cravings!

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Red Velvet Cake Roll

Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Cake Roll

What You’ll Need