Impress your friends and family this holiday season with a stunning Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll. This delightful dessert combines the rich flavor of red velvet cake with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling, all rolled into a festive, show-stopping treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or attending a cookie exchange, this cake roll is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper to ensure easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, mixing until combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Add the red food coloring, adjusting the amount to achieve your desired shade of red.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the cake to crack when rolled.
Step 3: Roll the Cake
While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel, then gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting at one short end, roll the cake and towel together into a spiral. Let the rolled cake cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake Roll
Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it and remove the towel. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese filling over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Re-roll the cake tightly (without the towel), then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Before serving, dust the cake roll with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra festive touch. Slice into even pieces and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter and filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Overbaking can make the cake dry and prone to cracking.
- Rolling Technique: Roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracks and to shape it properly for filling later.
- Refrigeration: Chilling the assembled cake roll helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
Creative Variations
- Festive Colors: Add green food coloring to the cream cheese filling for a festive red and green effect.
- Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate inside the roll before spreading the filling.
- Peppermint Flair: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a holiday twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll as:
- A centerpiece dessert for holiday dinners
- A treat at holiday cookie swaps
- A delightful gift for friends and neighbors
Storage Instructions
Store your cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cake roll ahead of time? Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare and refrigerate it up to 2 days in advance, or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I use a different filling? Absolutely! Try a whipped cream filling, chocolate ganache, or even a mascarpone mixture for a unique twist.
How can I prevent the cake from cracking? Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps prevent cracks. Be gentle and don’t rush the process.
Conclusion
The Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll is a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday table. Its rich red velvet flavor, creamy filling, and stunning presentation make it a dessert everyone will love. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a memorable treat that’s perfect for celebrating the season.