Description
Celebrate the season with this festive Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll—an easy recipe that’s equal parts showstopper and crowd-pleaser. This gorgeous holiday dessert features a soft red velvet sponge rolled with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for Christmas Eve, holiday parties, or whenever you need sweet food ideas that impress. A cozy favorite among dessert and breakfast ideas alike!
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
8 oz cream cheese
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs on high for 5 minutes until pale and frothy. Add sugar, oil, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in dry ingredients gently until just combined with no streaks remaining.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12–14 minutes until cake springs back when lightly touched.
6. While baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust generously with powdered sugar.
7. Once the cake is done, invert it onto the towel, peel off parchment, and gently roll it with the towel from the short end. Cool completely.
8. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
9. Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and re-roll (without towel). Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
10. Slice and serve. Garnish with powdered sugar, nuts, or holiday sprinkles if desired.
Notes
This roll is easiest to handle when warm—don’t wait to roll it.
Use full-fat cream cheese for best filling texture.
Store chilled and garnish just before serving for the freshest look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Christmas dessert, holiday cake roll, red velvet, easy recipe, food ideas, cream cheese filling