Name: Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll is the ultimate showstopper dessert for your holiday table. With its bold red sponge wrapped around a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling, it delivers the perfect balance of festive flair and nostalgic flavor. Each slice is a swirl of soft cake and creamy sweetness, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with crushed peppermint and white chocolate curls for an elegant holiday touch.

Not only is it stunning, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make! Whether you’re serving guests or preparing a cozy family treat, this cake roll will charm every dessert lover. From its eye-catching appearance to its melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s bound to become a new Christmas tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

It’s festive, vibrant, and ideal for holiday celebrations.
The cream cheese filling offers the perfect creamy contrast to the cocoa-rich sponge.
Make-ahead friendly and easy to slice and serve.
Customizable toppings: crushed candy canes, white chocolate, or festive sprinkles.
A great alternative to classic Christmas cakes or pies.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For that rich red velvet flavor, opt for unsweetened natural cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa has a smoother flavor but less tang, which might tone down that classic red velvet taste. Using natural cocoa helps preserve the tangy edge when combined with vinegar and buttermilk, key to the signature red velvet profile.

Ingredients for the Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

Each ingredient plays a special role in this festive cake roll:

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the cake, ensuring a light and airy sponge.
Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a gentle chocolate flavor, essential to red velvet.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These leavening agents keep the sponge fluffy and soft.
Salt – Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the sponge and helps create that soft texture.
Eggs – Provide richness and help the batter whip into a pliable sponge.
Buttermilk – Adds moisture and the slight tang that makes red velvet unique.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake tender and flexible enough to roll.
White Vinegar – Enhances the red color and deepens flavor.
Red Gel Food Coloring – Use gel for the boldest color without thinning the batter.
Vanilla Extract – For warmth and depth.

Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream Cheese – Softened to room temp for a silky texture.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling and helps stabilize it.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and structure.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

How To Make the Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan (10×15 inches) with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in buttermilk, oil, vinegar, vanilla, and red gel coloring until combined.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle to keep the batter airy. Pour it into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake and Roll

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back to the touch. Immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake up in the towel (from short end to short end). Let cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble and Chill

Unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly, then re-roll tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight).

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Dust with powdered sugar and top with crushed peppermint and white chocolate curls for a snowy holiday finish.

Serving and Storing Your Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll

This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or dessert trays. To serve, slice the chilled roll with a serrated knife for clean swirls.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, tightly wrapped. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll?

Hot Cocoa or Peppermint Mocha

The creamy and chocolatey drink pairs perfectly with the sweet tang of the cake.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Add a scoop of vanilla for a creamy, cold contrast.

Mulled Wine

Spiced and warm, mulled wine complements the sweetness and adds a cozy holiday vibe.

Spiced Nuts

A bowl of warm candied pecans or almonds makes a lovely crunchy counterpart.

Eggnog

Classic holiday drink meets classic holiday dessert. Match made in heaven.

Chocolate Drizzle or Ganache

Drizzle over slices for extra decadence.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness to the dense cake.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you adore festive desserts like this cake roll, don’t miss these other wintery delights from the Nora Nosh kitchen:

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake – Rich and fruity for romantic winter vibes.
Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls – A fruity twist on the classic roll.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe – Buttery, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth.
Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake – A warm and gooey dessert made for winter mornings.
Magic Lemon Cobbler – If you want citrusy brightness to balance all that richness.