Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making a red velvet cake roll! This delightful dessert is not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant red color, but it’s also a dreamy combination of soft cake and creamy frosting that just melts in your mouth. I love how the rich cocoa flavor balances with the tangy cream cheese filling—it’s simply irresistible! Rolling it up is like wrapping up all that deliciousness, creating a beautiful swirl that makes it look oh-so-elegant. Trust me, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this red velvet cake roll is sure to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! So, let’s dive into the fun of baking this gorgeous dessert together!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this red velvet cake roll is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering treat:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, giving it that perfect tender texture.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a touch of rich chocolate flavor that complements the red velvet beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to give your cake that lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 3 large eggs: These add moisture and richness to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key for that delicious flavor!
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: This is what gives your cake its signature vibrant hue!
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: This is the star of your frosting, bringing that creamy tanginess.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Just a little to add extra flavor to your creamy filling.
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you start, so it mixes in smoothly. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Roll
Prepping the Cake
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your 15×10 inch jelly roll pan, give it a good grease, and then line it with parchment paper. This is super important because it helps the cake release easily once it’s baked. Trust me, no one wants to deal with a stuck cake!
Mixing Ingredients
Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until it’s all combined. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy—this step is crucial for a nice airy texture! Then, add in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and that fabulous red food coloring, mixing until it’s all blended. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix; we want to keep that fluffiness!
Baking and Cooling
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Here’s a little tip: as soon as it’s out of the oven, carefully roll the cake up in the parchment paper while it’s still hot. This helps shape it for later. Set it aside to cool completely—patience is key here!
Making the Frosting
While the cake cools, let’s whip up that creamy frosting! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat it until it’s smooth and creamy—oh, the aroma is heavenly! Make sure there are no lumps because we want it silky.
Rolling and Chilling
Once your cake is completely cool, unroll it gently and spread that luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Now, roll it back up, this time without the parchment paper. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing. This helps everything set and makes for easier cutting. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you slice into this beauty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in just about an hour—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Festive Appearance: The stunning red color and elegant roll make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Delicious Taste: The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting is simply irresistible.
- Fun to Make: Rolling the cake is a unique twist that adds a bit of excitement to your baking!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the frosting or add different flavors to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
To ensure your red velvet cake roll turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately; even a little too much flour can lead to a dense cake. Also, remember to let your cream cheese soften completely before making the frosting—this helps it blend smoothly without lumps. When you’re rolling the cake, do it while it’s still warm; this helps prevent cracks. And, don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for the frosting to set and makes slicing much easier. If you happen to have any leftover frosting, it’s fantastic as a dip for fruits or cookies, so don’t let it go to waste! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious red velvet cake roll. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
This cake is a delightful treat, and while it’s not a health food, it’s perfect for those special occasions when you want to indulge a little! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake roll in advance?
Absolutely! This red velvet cake roll is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake the cake, roll it up, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before frosting it. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, whip up the cream cheese frosting, spread it on, roll it back up, and chill again. It’s a great way to save time if you’re preparing for a party or special event!
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese or just want to try something different, there are some tasty alternatives! You can use mascarpone cheese for a similarly creamy texture but with a milder flavor. Another option is Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar for sweetness—this gives you a lighter frosting. You could even try whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version; just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Making a gluten-free red velvet cake roll is super easy! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum, as this helps mimic the texture of traditional flour. If you want to get fancy, you can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but you’ll need to adjust the amounts and add a binder like eggs or applesauce to keep it moist.
Can I add different flavors to the cake?
Oh, you bet! This red velvet cake roll is a fantastic base for flavor variations. Want to spice things up? Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a mocha twist, or fold in some mini chocolate chips for added sweetness. You could also incorporate different extracts, like almond or hazelnut, instead of vanilla for a unique flavor. The sky’s the limit—get creative and have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
To take your red velvet cake roll to the next level, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess complements the rich flavors perfectly. I also love adding fresh berries—strawberries or raspberries add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. For a little extra flair, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving. Trust me, these little touches will make your dessert table shine and leave everyone wanting more!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out these red velvet cheesecake brownie bars or this chocolate lava cake recipe!
Print
Red velvet cake roll: 7 steps to pure bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious red velvet cake roll filled with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add oil, vanilla, and food coloring to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake is hot, roll it with the parchment paper and let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread the frosting, and roll it up again.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a nice touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: red velvet cake roll
