Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

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Celebrate the holidays in style with this festive Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll. It’s the perfect blend of tender red velvet sponge cake and a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all wrapped into an elegant spiral that looks as good as it tastes. With its vibrant red color and snowy white center, this dessert is destined to be the star of any Christmas table.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or add a cheerful sweet touch to your family’s Christmas Eve dinner, this cake roll delivers. It’s not just beautiful and indulgent, but surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and no need for complicated techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

• Elegant and festive presentation
• Classic red velvet flavor with a luscious cream cheese filling
• Perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday dinners or parties
• Surprisingly simple to roll with no cracking
• Can be dressed up with toppings like white chocolate drizzle, candied pecans, or festive sprinkles

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What Kind of Pan Should I Use for a Cake Roll?

To get that perfect spiral shape, you’ll need a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. This shallow baking sheet ensures your sponge layer is thin and flexible enough to roll without cracking. Avoid using standard 9×13 baking pans—they’re too deep and will make the cake too thick to roll.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

• All-purpose flour – The base of the sponge cake, giving it structure while keeping it soft.
• Cocoa powder – Just a touch to add a classic red velvet flavor without overpowering the cake.
• Baking powder & baking soda – Helps the sponge rise evenly and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Enhances the chocolate and sweetness in the cake.
• Eggs – Provides structure and helps with the flexibility needed for rolling.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist cake.
• Buttermilk – Adds tang and tenderness, essential for red velvet.
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor.
• White vinegar – Reacts with cocoa and baking soda for authenticity.
• Red food coloring – For that signature bold red hue.
• Cream cheese – The star of the filling, creamy and tangy.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the filling.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness to the cream cheese frosting.

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How To Make the Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, sift together 3/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 large eggs on high for 5 minutes until pale and frothy. Add 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon red food coloring. Mix until combined. Fold in the dry ingredients gently until no streaks remain.

Step 3: Bake the Sponge

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched. While baking, place a clean kitchen towel flat on a surface and dust generously with powdered sugar.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

Once baked, immediately turn the cake onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up from the short end, towel and all. Let it cool completely rolled.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese, 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake Roll

Unroll the cooled cake gently. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface. Re-roll the cake (without the towel) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Dust with extra powdered sugar or top with chopped pecans, sprinkles, or holiday greens.

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Serving This Holiday Cake Roll

This Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll yields 10 slices and comfortably serves 8 to 10 people. It’s a crowd-pleaser at Christmas dinners, potlucks, or holiday brunch tables. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a hot drink like coffee or mulled cider.

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Storing This Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the roll (before garnishing) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and garnish before serving. Always keep it chilled to maintain the structure of the cream cheese filling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this red velvet roll in advance?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Make it a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Roll the cake while it’s hot and pliable, using a powdered sugar-dusted towel. Cooling it in a rolled shape helps set the memory.

Can I use natural food coloring instead of artificial?
You can! Beetroot powder or natural red dyes work, but the color may be more muted.

Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor, but you can substitute low-fat in a pinch.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet that closely matches the 10×15” dimensions can work. Just make sure the batter isn’t spread too thick.

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Want More Cake Ideas with a Holiday Flair?

If this festive roll brought some holiday magic to your kitchen, you’ll love these other sweet creations:

• Classic Apple Strudel Recipe
• Gingerbread Cake
• Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• Custard Pie – Festive Dessert for Christmas Eve
• Christmas Cookie Lasagna

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday dessert board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how your cake roll turned out. Did you decorate it with crushed candy canes? Add a chocolate drizzle? Maybe even a peppermint twist?

I love seeing your creations and sharing baking tips. Follow more of my daily holiday treats here: Mad For Meals Pinterest

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