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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Red Velvet Cake Roll

Published: Mar 27, 2025 by Janet · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Red Velvet Cake Roll is a crowd-pleaser with its vibrant color and indulgent flavor. The moist red velvet cake is light yet rich, while the creamy, fluffy filling adds the perfect contrast. It's a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. The combination of the soft, tender cake with the sweet and tangy cream cheese filling will make your taste buds dance with joy!

Ingredients

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix

  • 3 large eggs

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • ⅓ cup water

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ cup heavy cream

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Spread the batter evenly onto a greased baking sheet.

  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  3. While the cake is still hot, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Flip the cake onto the towel and roll it up tightly with the towel. Allow it to cool completely.

  4. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.

  5. Once the cake has cooled, unroll it and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake.

  6. Roll the cake back up, dust with powdered sugar, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8-10 slices

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Cook time: 12-15 minutes

  • Cooling time: 1 hour (for refrigeration)

Variations

  • Chocolate Red Velvet Cake Roll: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake mix for a richer flavor.

  • Flavored Cream Cheese Filling: Try adding a little lemon zest or cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a unique twist.

  • Nutty Red Velvet Roll: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cream cheese filling for a crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Red Velvet Cake Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake is best enjoyed cold. To reheat, slice the cake and place it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake up to a day in advance. Just keep it rolled up in the towel and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble, unroll, spread the filling, and roll it back up.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, while this recipe calls for red velvet cake mix, you could experiment with other cake mixes like chocolate or vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Can I freeze the Red Velvet Cake Roll?

Yes, you can freeze the cake roll. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready to come out of the oven.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling it up?

Make sure the cake is completely cooled before unrolling and re-rolling it. The towel method also helps to prevent cracking by creating a gentle shape as the cake cools.

Can I use a homemade red velvet cake recipe instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can substitute the box mix with a homemade red velvet cake recipe. Just be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.

Can I make a smaller version of this cake roll?

Absolutely! You can halve the ingredients to make a smaller roll, or even use a mini cake roll pan.

Can I add food coloring to the filling?

You can add a few drops of red food coloring to the cream cheese filling if you want it to match the vibrant red of the cake.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as the cake mix you use doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

You can use an egg substitute in place of eggs, such as flaxseed meal or an egg replacer, but the texture might vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it. With its soft, fluffy cake and rich, creamy filling, it's a perfect treat for any special occasion or a simple indulgence when you need a sweet pick-me-up. The best part? It's easy to make, and with a little chilling time, you can have a dessert that's both delicious and show-stopping!

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Red Velvet Cake Roll

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This Red Velvet Cake Roll is a visually stunning and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion! Combining the richness of red velvet cake with a smooth cream cheese filling, it offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Whether it's for a holiday, birthday, or a sweet treat for yourself, this easy-to-make recipe will impress anyone with its beautiful appearance and irresistible flavor!

  • Author: Janet
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including cooling)
  • Yield: 8-10 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 box red velvet cake mix

3 large eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

⅓ cup water

¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake: Follow the instructions on the cake mix package. Spread the batter evenly onto a greased baking sheet.

  2. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  3. Roll the cake: While the cake is still hot, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Flip the cake onto the towel and roll it up tightly with the towel. Let it cool completely.

  4. Make the filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.

  5. Assemble: Once the cake has cooled, unroll it, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake, then roll it back up.

  6. Chill: Dust with powdered sugar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • If you prefer a chocolate version, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake mix for a richer flavor.

  • Try variations of the cream cheese filling by adding lemon zest or cinnamon.

  • For a crunchy texture, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.

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Hi, I’m Janet! Welcome to Recipes by Janet, where I share simple, delicious, and reliable recipes for every meal.

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