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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature - 1 tablespoon red food coloring - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling) When measuring ingredients, it is best to use standard units. Here’s a quick guide: - Cup: Commonly used for dry and wet ingredients. - Teaspoon: Used for smaller amounts like baking powder or vanilla. - Tablespoon: Used for larger small quantities like food coloring. To make your cake roll even more festive, consider these options: - Crushed candy canes for a fun crunch. - Extra powdered sugar for a snowy look. - Chocolate shavings for a rich touch. This list of ingredients sets the stage for a delightful Christmas treat. Mix and match the garnishes to fit your style! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature - 1 tablespoon red food coloring - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling) - Optional: crushed candy canes for garnish Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper to avoid sticking. In a big mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, mix the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until it is smooth. Now, slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir just until combined. Don't overmix; this keeps the cake soft. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it is done. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. While the cake bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel. Dust it with powdered sugar. Once the cake is out of the oven, quickly invert it onto the towel. Carefully take off the parchment paper. Start rolling the cake from one end, using the towel to help. Roll it tight. Let it cool in this rolled shape for about 1 hour. This helps set the shape and keeps it from cracking later. Once cool, unroll the cake gently. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, but leave a small border. Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Place it seam-side down on a platter. If you want, top it with crushed candy canes or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. To get a great roll, start with a warm cake. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, flip it onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. This helps keep it from sticking. Roll the cake tightly while it’s still warm. Let it cool completely in that rolled shape. This step is key for a perfect finish. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Another mistake is not using enough powdered sugar on the towel. If you skip this step, the cake may stick. Also, don’t skip the cooling time. If you unroll it too soon, it can crack. You’ll need a few essential tools to make this cake roll. A rimmed baking pan is a must. A clean kitchen towel is also important for rolling the cake. Use a whisk for mixing your ingredients. A spatula helps spread the cream cheese filling. Finally, a sharp knife is great for slicing the cake roll for serving. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better emulsification, resulting in a lighter cake. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture; a few lumps are okay! Cool the Cake Completely: Allow the rolled cake to cool fully to prevent the cream cheese filling from melting and oozing out when rolled. Experiment with Flavors: Add a splash of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive twist or try different flavors of food coloring for a unique look. {{image_2}} You can change the filling to make your cake roll special. Here are some ideas: - Chocolate Ganache: Melt dark chocolate with cream for a rich taste. - Whipped Cream: Use freshly whipped cream for a light option. - Fruit Compote: Add a layer of your favorite fruit spread for a fresh twist. - Nut Butter: Try almond or peanut butter for a nutty flavor. These fillings add fun textures and tastes to the cake roll. While red velvet is classic, you can explore other flavors too. Try these: - Chocolate Red Velvet: Add more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor. - Spiced Red Velvet: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy taste. - Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to brighten the cake. Experimenting with flavors keeps the cake exciting and festive. Decorations make your cake roll stand out. Here are some options: - Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate for a glossy finish. - Edible Glitter: Sprinkle edible glitter for a sparkly look. - Fresh Berries: Top the cake with fresh raspberries or strawberries. - Mint Leaves: Add mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. These decorations add a festive touch to your dessert. After enjoying your Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll, store any leftovers in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze the cake roll, first wrap it well in plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil for extra protection. Label the roll with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you want to warm up the cake roll, place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cake dry. Serve it warm with a dollop of cream cheese filling for a tasty treat! You can use milk with vinegar. Just add one tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will make a good buttermilk substitute. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream. Thin them with a little water to get the right consistency. To prevent cracks, roll the cake while it is warm. Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll it tightly but gently. Let it cool in the towel for about an hour. This helps it keep its shape. Yes, you can make the cake roll a day before. After rolling it, wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the cream cheese filling until you are ready to serve. The flavors will blend well overnight. For decoration, you can sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. This adds a festive touch. You can also dust the roll with powdered sugar. If you want, pipe extra cream cheese filling on top for a pretty look. We explored the key steps for making a delicious cake roll. We covered the ingredients, tools, and tips needed to succeed. I shared common mistakes to avoid and how to store any leftovers. Different fillings and flavors can make each cake roll unique. Remember, practice makes perfect. With these tips, your cake roll can impress anyone. Happy baking!

Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

A festive red velvet cake rolled with a creamy filling, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
  • optional crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15x10-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  • In another bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
  • Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately invert the cake onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
  • Starting from one end, roll the cake tightly in the towel. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled form, about 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, make the cream cheese filling by beating the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
  • Once the cake has cooled, unroll it gently and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Roll the cake back up carefully, this time without the towel, and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
  • If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch, or dust the roll lightly with additional powdered sugar.

Notes

Optional: sprinkle with crushed candy canes for garnish.
Keyword cake roll, Christmas, dessert, red velvet