Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting towel)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 3–4 minutes until thick and pale.
Add oil, vanilla, red food coloring, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
3. Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
Bake 12–14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when gently pressed.
4. Roll the Cake While Warm
Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
Immediately invert the warm cake onto the towel.
Peel off the parchment.
Roll the cake tightly from the short end, towel and all.
Let it cool completely (about 30 minutes).
5. Make the Filling
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until creamy and smooth.
6. Fill the Cake Roll
When the cake is cool, gently unroll it.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
Roll the cake back up without the towel.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Cooking Tips
✔ Roll While Hot
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm prevents cracks later when filling.
✔ Don’t Overbake
A dry cake cracks—pull it as soon as it springs back to the touch.
✔ Use Gel Food Coloring for Best Color
Gel produces a more vibrant red without thinning the batter.
✔ Chill Before Slicing
A chilled cake roll slices cleaner and holds its swirl beautifully.
Variations
🍫 Chocolate Velvet Cake Roll
Replace red food coloring with an extra 1 tbsp cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Roll
Fold ½ cup chopped strawberries into the filling or spread a thin layer of strawberry jam before the cream cheese layer.
🍰 Red Velvet Oreo Roll
Add ½ cup crushed Oreo cookies to the filling.
🍒 Holiday Peppermint Roll
Mix ¼ cup crushed peppermint into the filling and garnish with more on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 14 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g