Red Velvet Cake Roll (Printable)

A tender red velvet sponge rolled around a smooth cream cheese filling, perfect for celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Red Velvet Sponge

01 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
08 - 1 tablespoon buttermilk
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
11 - 1 tablespoon red food coloring
12 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting

→ Cream Cheese Filling

13 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
14 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
15 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the surface.
02 - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes until thick and pale. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
04 - Add oil, buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix gently until combined.
05 - Fold in the dry ingredients in two additions, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cake springs back when touched.
07 - While baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust generously with powdered sugar.
08 - Immediately loosen edges of baked cake and invert onto the prepared towel. Peel off parchment paper. Starting from a short end, roll up the cake and towel together while warm. Let cool completely, seam side down.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy and well combined.
10 - Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread cream cheese filling evenly over the surface. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel.
11 - Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to set. Before serving, dust with additional powdered sugar. Slice and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of tangy cream cheese filling and tender red velvet sponge creates that perfect sweet and tangy balance everyone craves
  • This dessert looks incredibly impressive but comes together faster than you would expect
  • The make ahead nature means you can prepare it the day before and focus on hosting instead of last minute baking
02 -
  • Roll the cake while it is still warm, or it will crack when you try to shape it later
  • The towel trick really does work, so do not skip dusting it generously with powdered sugar
  • Overmixing the flour will make your sponge tough, so fold gently and stop as soon as you no longer see dry streaks
03 -
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a deeper red without adding excess moisture to your batter
  • Let your cream cheese and butter come to room temperature before beating to avoid lumpy filling

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