Red Velvet Cake Roll: 7 Steps to a Showstopping Dessert

Name: Classic Red Velvet Cake Roll
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-491765H45M36S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; Powdered sugar, for dusting; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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The first time I ever laid eyes on a Red Velvet Cake Roll, I was instantly captivated. It was at a quaint little bakery during a holiday trip, nestled amongst other festive treats. The swirl of vibrant red cake against the snowy white cream cheese frosting was simply breathtaking, like a perfectly wrapped present just waiting to be unveiled. I remember thinking how elegant and intricate it looked, surely a creation only master bakers could achieve. But then, as I watched my grandmother effortlessly whip one up for our Christmas Eve gathering, a dessert that became an instant family legend, I realized that this showstopping dessert was far more approachable than it appeared. The sheer delight on everyone's faces as she sliced into that perfect spiral of moist cake and creamy filling was a moment I've cherished. It wasn't just a dessert; it was a memory in the making, a testament to the magic of home baking. That memory sparked my own journey to master the art of the Red Velvet Cake Roll, and today, I'm thrilled to share my perfected recipe with you, so you too can create a dessert that will leave a lasting impression.

Table of Contents

Why This Red Velvet Cake Roll Recipe is a Must-Try

Visually Stunning: The dramatic spiral of deep red cake and creamy white frosting makes the Red Velvet Cake Roll an absolute showstopper, perfect for any special occasion or holiday table.
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The subtle cocoa and tangy buttermilk in the cake perfectly complement the rich, sweet, and slightly tart cream cheese frosting, creating a harmonious balance that's simply addictive.
Easier Than You Think: While it looks elaborate, making a cake roll is often less intimidating than stacking a traditional layer cake. Our step-by-step guide breaks it down into simple, manageable tasks, ensuring success even for novice bakers.
Versatile for Any Celebration: From Valentine's Day to Christmas, birthdays, or just a delightful weekend treat, this Red Velvet Cake Roll fits seamlessly into any celebratory spread, always garnering compliments.

Key Ingredient Notes for Your Perfect Red Velvet Cake Roll

Achieving the perfect Red Velvet Cake Roll hinges on understanding a few key ingredients and their roles. Don't skip these notes!

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is absolutely essential for authentic red velvet flavor and texture. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create a tender, moist crumb, and also enhances the characteristic slight tanginess of the cake. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute: simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk (whole or 2% works best) until you reach 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly. This DIY buttermilk will work wonders for your Red Velvet Cake Roll.

Cocoa Powder

While red velvet is known for its color, cocoa powder is crucial for its flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder. A good quality, unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a deeper, richer flavor and also contribute to the dark base that allows the red food coloring to really pop. Don't use hot cocoa mix or sweetened cocoa powder, as this will throw off the sugar balance in the Red Velvet Cake Roll recipe.

Red Food Coloring

To achieve that iconic, vibrant red hue for your Red Velvet Cake Roll, gel food coloring is highly recommended over liquid food coloring. Gel colors are far more concentrated, meaning you'll need less of it to get a brilliant color, and it won't dilute your batter as much as liquid coloring can. Start with the recommended amount, but don't be afraid to add a little more if you want a deeper, more striking red for your cake roll.

Classic Red Velvet Cake Roll Preparation — Heavenly Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting 4

Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips for Your Red Velvet Cake Roll

Crafting a beautiful Red Velvet Cake Roll is a rewarding experience. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be rolling like a pro!

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, extending the paper over the short ends for easy lifting. Grease the parchment paper and lightly flour it. This preparation is key to ensuring your cake doesn't stick, which is vital for a successful Red Velvet Cake Roll.

The Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until light. Then, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Whisk until well combined and the color is uniform. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. The batter for your Red Velvet Cake Roll should be smooth and vibrant.

Baking the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it to the edges with an offset spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center. While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle the towel generously with powdered sugar. This powdered sugar layer is crucial for preventing sticking when you roll the cake for your Red Velvet Cake Roll.

The Crucial Roll

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert it onto the powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, carefully and tightly roll the warm cake (along with the towel) into a spiral. Place the rolled cake, seam-side down, on a wire rack and let it cool completely. This warm rolling technique helps train the cake to hold its shape, preventing cracks later when you add the frosting to your Red Velvet Cake Roll.

Cream Cheese Frosting Perfection

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a tiny splash of milk or cream, but it should be firm enough to hold its shape. This tangy frosting is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of the Red Velvet Cake Roll.

Unroll, Frost, and Re-Roll

Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving about a 1-inch border plain on one of the short ends (this helps prevent the frosting from squishing out when you re-roll). Starting from the opposite short end, carefully and tightly re-roll the cake, this time without the towel. The experience of unrolling and re-rolling this beautiful Red Velvet Cake Roll is truly satisfying.

Chill and Serve

Once re-rolled, wrap the Red Velvet Cake Roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling helps the frosting set and makes slicing much cleaner. Before serving, dust with a little extra powdered sugar, or garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries. For best results, use Basics Glass Food Storage containers to keep any leftovers fresh in the refrigerator.

Variations & Serving Suggestions for Your Red Velvet Cake Roll

The classic Red Velvet Cake Roll is delightful on its own, but there are many ways to customize it and enhance your serving experience.

Flavor Variations

Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to your cream cheese frosting for a bright, refreshing twist that complements the red velvet flavor beautifully.
Chocolate Chip Swirl: Fold a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for a little extra texture and chocolatey goodness in your Red Velvet Cake Roll.
Espresso Kick: A pinch of instant espresso powder in the cake batter or frosting can deepen the chocolate notes without adding a coffee flavor, making the red velvet even more intense.

Garnishes & Presentation

Simple Elegance: A dusting of powdered sugar is a classic and beautiful finish for any Red Velvet Cake Roll.
Chocolate Curls or Shavings: Elevate the presentation with delicate chocolate curls or shavings sprinkled over the top.
Fresh Berries: Bright red raspberries or sliced strawberries not only add a pop of color but also a fresh, tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a sophisticated touch and a hint of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

A slice of this delightful Red Velvet Cake Roll pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a sparkling rosé for a more elegant affair. It's the ideal conclusion to any meal, providing a luxurious yet comforting dessert experience. Consider serving it alongside other holiday favorites like Chocolate Strawberry Cream Bomb Cake or even a Spice Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting for an impressive dessert spread. The versatility of the Red Velvet Cake Roll makes it a year-round favorite.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Carbohydrate Content	45g
Cholesterol Content	75mg
Fat Content	18g
Fiber Content	1g
Protein Content	4g
Saturated Fat Content	10g
Serving Size	1 slice (approx. 1/8 of roll)
Sodium Content	250mg
Sugar Content	30g
Trans Fat Content	0.5g
Unsaturated Fat Content	7g

Conclusion

There's something truly magical about bringing a beautiful dessert to life in your own kitchen, and this Red Velvet Cake Roll is no exception. It embodies elegance, comfort, and a touch of celebratory flair all in one delicious package. From the initial thrill of seeing that vibrant red batter to the satisfying moment of slicing into a perfectly swirled piece, every step of making this Red Velvet Cake Roll is a joy. Whether you're baking for a special occasion, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to something wonderful, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and create a masterpiece that tastes as incredible as it looks. Happy baking!

FAQs

What causes red velvet cake to be red?

Historically, the red hue in red velvet cake was a result of a chemical reaction between cocoa powder (especially older, non-Dutch processed varieties) and acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar. This reaction would make the natural anthocyanins in cocoa powder visible. Today, with modern cocoa processing, food coloring (typically red gel food coloring) is used to achieve the cake's signature vibrant red color.

Can I make this Red Velvet Cake Roll ahead of time?

Yes, a Red Velvet Cake Roll is an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can bake the cake, roll it in the towel, and let it cool completely. Once cool, unroll, frost, re-roll, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best flavor and texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Why did my Red Velvet Cake Roll crack when I unrolled or re-rolled it?

Cracking usually happens if the cake isn't rolled while it's still warm, or if it's cooled too much before the initial roll. The warm cake is more pliable and less likely to break. Ensure you roll it immediately after removing it from the oven, using a clean, powdered sugar-dusted towel to prevent sticking. If it still cracks a little, don't worry too much u2013 the frosting will often hide minor imperfections, and it will still taste delicious!

What's the best way to store leftover Red Velvet Cake Roll?

Due to the cream cheese frosting, any leftover Red Velvet Cake Roll should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For optimal taste and texture, allow slices to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying.

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Heavenly Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting