Get ready to impress your guests with a stunning Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll! This festive treat combines rich flavors and a beautiful presentation, making it a must-try for your holiday gatherings. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps and essential ingredients to create a delicious cake roll that will leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and spread some holiday cheer!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: This cake roll boasts a stunning red hue, making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich cocoa and creamy filling creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
- Texture Contrast: The soft, tender cake pairs beautifully with the smooth and creamy filling, providing a satisfying bite.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe allows for variations in filling or decoration, making it versatile for different occasions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon red food coloring
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
Filling Ingredients
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
When I make my Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll, I gather my ingredients first. This helps me stay organized and focused.
For the dry ingredients, you will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to sift these well. Sifting helps remove lumps and makes the cake light.
Next, we have the wet ingredients. You will use 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of red food coloring, and 1/4 cup of buttermilk. The red food coloring is key to that festive look.
Finally, for the filling, gather 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This filling is creamy and sweet, making the cake roll a real treat.
Each ingredient plays a part in making this cake roll festive and delicious. The combination of flavors and colors will wow your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Prepare a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Mixing the Batter
– In a medium bowl, combine and sift together:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– In a large bowl, beat together:
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– Add 3 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition.
– Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon red food coloring. Mix until smooth.
Baking Process
– Gently fold in half of the dry mixture.
– Add 1/4 cup buttermilk.
– Mix in the rest of the dry ingredients until just combined.
– Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
– Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Rolling the Cake
– After baking, turn the cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel.
– Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
– Start rolling from one short end using the towel.
– Let it cool for 30 minutes in that rolled shape.
Making the Filling
– In a bowl, beat together:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Gradually mix in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Assembling the Cake Roll
– Unroll the cooled cake gently.
– Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, leaving a small edge.
– Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel.
– Chill the roll for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving a Perfect Texture
To make your cake roll soft and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix the dry and wet ingredients, stop as soon as they blend. This keeps air in the batter. Also, use fresh ingredients for the filling. Fresh cream cheese and butter will make a big difference in taste.
Decorating Suggestions
For a festive touch, dust the top of your cake roll with powdered sugar. This makes it look snowy and special. Add seasonal garnishes like fresh cranberries and mint leaves. They add color and a pop of flavor that brightens the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the cake roll into slices for a beautiful presentation. Each slice reveals the lovely red and white swirl. Pair your cake with a holiday beverage, like hot cocoa or spiced cider. This will enhance the festive spirit and delight your guests.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature will help them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and filling.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: To achieve a light and fluffy cake roll, mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before rolling the cake, dust the towel with powdered sugar. This will prevent sticking and help maintain a beautiful finish when unrolling.
- Chill for Best Slicing: Allow the cake roll to chill for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner cuts.
Variations
Flavor Upgrades
You can make this red velvet cake roll even more exciting. Just add peppermint extract for a fresh, minty flavor. This works great for the holiday season! You can also include chocolate chips in the filling. The extra chocolate adds richness and texture to your cake.
Gluten-Free Option
If you need a gluten-free option, it’s simple! Just swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the blend works well for baking. This way, everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
Alternate Fillings
Want to change up the filling? Try using whipped cream instead of cream cheese. This makes the cake lighter and airier. You can also spread fruit preserves inside. Strawberry or raspberry preserves add a fruity twist that pairs well with the cake’s sweetness.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your red velvet cake roll fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container. If you don’t have a container, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep air out and moisture in. Make sure to eat it within 3 to 5 days for the best taste.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to save your cake roll for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap first. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. For best results, freeze it for up to 2 months.
When you are ready to enjoy it, take it out of the freezer. Place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight to thaw. This keeps the texture smooth. You can also thaw it at room temperature for about 2 hours if you are in a hurry.
Shelf Life
Look for signs that your cake roll has gone bad. If you see mold or bad smells, it’s best to throw it away. The filling can spoil faster, so be extra careful. If it tastes off or has a strange texture, it’s time to say goodbye to your cake roll.
FAQs
Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake roll in advance. I recommend making it up to one day ahead. Just store it in the fridge after it cools. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and moist.
How do I prevent cracks while rolling?
To avoid cracks, roll the cake gently. Start at one short end. Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This helps the cake slide out easily. Roll it snug, but not too tight. Allow it to cool in this rolled shape. This way, it keeps its form without cracking.
What can I use instead of red food coloring?
If you prefer natural options, you can use beet juice. Beet juice gives a nice red hue. Another option is pomegranate juice, but it may be less vibrant. These alternatives add color and flavor without artificial dyes.
This blog post walked you through making a delicious cake roll. You learned about the key ingredients—both dry and wet. I shared step-by-step instructions to bake and assemble the cake. Plus, I offered tips for texture and decoration. Lastly, there are storage tips and fun variations to try.
Baking is a joy that brings people together. Enjoy creating your cake roll for any occasio
