Chef Mitchell preparing Red Velvet Dessert Roll
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the Red Velvet Dessert Roll during a culinary competition where creativity was key. The rich flavor and elegant appearance of the roll captivated both judges and audience alike. I spent countless hours perfecting this recipe, ensuring that each bite delivers the classic red velvet taste with a creamy filling. It has since become a favorite among my friends and family, and I’m excited to share it with others."

As a chef specializing in American cuisine, I have a deep appreciation for traditional dessert recipes. My experience includes working in top restaurants and creating innovative dessert menus. I enjoy sharing my passion for baking with others, helping them recreate beloved classics like this Red Velvet Dessert Roll.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Red Velvet Dessert Roll served on a plate

Why This Red Velvet Dessert Roll Recipe Works

This Red Velvet Dessert Roll recipe stands out due to its rich flavor, striking color, and elegant presentation. The combination of buttermilk and cocoa powder creates a perfect balance of moisture and taste, while the rolled form adds an element of surprise. It's an impressive dessert that is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

The technique of rolling the cake while it's warm is crucial to prevent cracking. This method ensures that the cake maintains its shape, allowing for a beautiful presentation when sliced. The cream cheese filling provides a creamy contrast to the soft, dense cake, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the batter mix evenly and creates a lighter cake. Additionally, when rolling the cake, do it gently to avoid cracking, and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make the Red Velvet Dessert Roll ahead of time. It's best to prepare the cake and filling a day in advance, then roll and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes slicing easier. Just make sure to keep it tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.

If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable oil with other neutral oils like canola oil or melted coconut oil. These alternatives will not significantly alter the flavor of the cake. For a healthier option, unsweetened applesauce can also be used in part to replace some of the oil.

The Red Velvet Dessert Roll is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. It should spring back gently when pressed. Overbaking can dry it out, so be sure to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.

Yes, you can freeze the Red Velvet Dessert Roll. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.

The Red Velvet Dessert Roll pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, can also complement the flavors nicely. For an added touch, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top.

The Red Velvet Dessert Roll can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. To maintain its freshness, ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.

Yes, making the Red Velvet Dessert Roll in advance is a great idea. Prepare it a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen, making it even more delicious when served.

The best way to reheat the Red Velvet Dessert Roll is to slice it and warm it gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make it slightly warm without drying it out. Alternatively, you can serve it at room temperature for a softer texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much flour.

Solution: To prevent dryness in the future, check your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Make sure to measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes, the cake may not have a crispy exterior.

Solution: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the oven door frequently. Additionally, using parchment paper can help achieve a better texture on the cake's surface.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the cake is overcooked, it will have a tough texture.

Prevention: To prevent this, keep a close eye on the baking time and use a toothpick to check for doneness earlier than the suggested time. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven immediately.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can leave the cake gooey.

Recovery: If this happens, return the cake to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Cover the top loosely with foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior of the dessert roll is burnt, it may be due to excessive oven temperature or incorrect placement in the oven.

Prevention: To avoid burning, always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature. Place the cake in the center of the oven for even baking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dessert roll is too sweet, consider reducing the amount of sugar in the filling next time.

Too Salty: If it tastes too salty, ensure that you're using unsalted butter in the filling.

Bland: To enhance flavor, adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla to the cake batter can help balance sweetness.

Fresh ingredients for Red Velvet Dessert Roll

Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Dessert Roll

The main ingredients for the Red Velvet Dessert Roll include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder, which contribute to its classic red velvet flavor. The use of buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, while the red food coloring gives it its signature hue. Cream cheese is a key component of the filling, providing a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet cake.

Quality ingredients are vital to achieving the best flavor and texture. Fresh eggs, high-quality cocoa powder, and pure vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in the final product. Always check the expiration dates on your ingredients, especially for baking essentials like baking powder and baking soda.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour is essential for achieving the right texture in your dessert roll. For best results, measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
  • Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth to the flavor of the red velvet cake. Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for the best results, as it impacts both the taste and color of the cake. Make sure it’s fresh and not expired for optimal flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the star of the filling in this dessert roll. Use a full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture. Soften it to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth filling, making it easy to spread over the cake.
Cooking process for Red Velvet Dessert Roll

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making a Red Velvet Dessert Roll involves a few key steps that make the process enjoyable and ultimately rewarding. From preparing the batter to rolling the cake, each stage is crucial for achieving the perfect dessert. Pay attention to the cooling process, as it plays a vital role in the final presentation.

To achieve perfect results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and follow the steps carefully. Rolling the cake while it's still warm is important, as it helps maintain its shape, preventing cracks when you cut into it. With practice, this dessert will become a favorite for gatherings and celebrations.

Key Technique for Perfect Red Velvet Dessert Roll

The most important technique for rolling the cake is to do it while it’s warm. This helps the cake to retain its shape and prevents cracking. Additionally, using a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar will help to avoid sticking, allowing for a smooth roll. Taking your time during this step will ensure a beautiful presentation when serving.

Red Velvet Dessert Roll

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    For sweetness
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1 tablespoon milk
    To thin out

For the Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    For leavening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To balance flavors
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
    For moisture
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    For tenderness
  • 2 large eggs
    For binding
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    For chocolate flavor
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
    For color
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, cocoa powder, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

  2. Bake the Cake

    Pour the batter into a greased and lined jelly roll pan (15x10 inches). Spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  3. Cool and Roll the Cake

    Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely.

  4. Prepare the Filling

    While the cake cools, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, heavy cream, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

  5. Fill the Cake

    Unroll the cooled cake gently. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.

  6. Roll the Cake Again

    Starting from the short end, carefully roll the cake back up without the towel. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

  7. Slice and Serve

    After chilling, remove the roll from the refrigerator and slice it into pieces. Serve chilled for a delightful dessert.

  8. Garnish (Optional)

    For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some cocoa powder or add fresh berries on top before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep the Red Velvet Dessert Roll fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 5 days when properly stored. If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it as mentioned earlier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Red Velvet Dessert Roll chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh fruit. To elevate the presentation, consider drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce over the slices before serving.

Recipe Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can incorporate different flavors into the filling, such as adding crushed cookies or nuts. Experimenting with different extracts, like almond or orange, can also add a unique flavor profile to the dessert roll.