Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll (Festive Holiday Dessert)

Christmas baking is all about magic—recipes that look stunning on the table yet taste even better than they look. The Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll is a dessert that perfectly captures that festive charm. With its bold red color, soft sponge texture, and luscious cream cheese filling, this cake roll delivers both beauty and flavor in every slice. Wrapped like a snowy Christmas ribbon, it’s elegant enough for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for anyone to make at home.

Red velvet has long been a holiday favorite, but transforming it into a rolled cake gives it an impressive, bakery-style presentation while keeping the flavor comforting and familiar. This recipe creates a velvety, tender sponge that rolls seamlessly without cracking and holds a rich, smooth filling. If you’re looking for a Christmas dessert that stands out—one that feels luxurious, cheerful, and irresistibly festive—this Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll will quickly become a new holiday tradition.

Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll Recipe

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake Roll:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vinegar
Red gel food coloring (as needed for a vibrant red)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

Powdered sugar dusting
White chocolate drizzle
Christmas sprinkles
Crushed peppermint
Sugared cranberries

How to Make Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Grease lightly with nonstick spray to ensure the cake releases smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
This ensures even color and a soft, tender crumb.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
Add oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and vinegar.
Mix until smooth, then add red food coloring until the batter turns deep red.
Fold in the dry mixture gently to avoid deflating the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake 12–14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.

Step 5: Roll the Cake (Very Important)

Immediately after removing the cake from the oven:

Lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
Flip the warm cake onto the towel.
Peel off the parchment paper.
Roll the cake gently with the towel from the short end inward.
Allow it to cool completely in the rolled shape—this prevents cracks later.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Roll

Unroll the cooled cake carefully.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.
Roll it back up tightly (without the towel).
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour to set.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle white chocolate, or top with festive sprinkles.
Slice with a serrated knife for clean pieces.

Why This Cake Roll Is Perfect for Christmas

The Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll stands out on any dessert table thanks to its vibrant holiday colors and elegant presentation. It combines all the warm, cozy flavors of red velvet with the festive charm of a Christmas dessert.

Aesthetic Appeal

The red and white swirl resembles a candy cane or Christmas ribbon, making each slice look festive and intentional.

Perfect Texture

Moist, tender cake rolled with silky cream cheese frosting creates a luxurious holiday bite.

Ideal for Crowds

Easy to slice and serve, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, and family dinners.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Assemble the cake roll a day ahead and decorate before serving—stress-free holiday baking.

A Festive Twist on a Classic Flavor

Red velvet is already beloved, but turning it into a rolled cake elevates it into something special for the holidays.

Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll

Use Gel Food Coloring

It produces a deeper red without adding excess liquid.

Don’t Overbake

The cake must be soft and pliable. Overbaking leads to cracking.

Roll While Warm

This is the secret to a perfect shape without breaking.

Dust the Towel Well

Powdered sugar prevents sticking and adds a light sweetness.

Spread the Filling Generously

The cream cheese layer is what makes each slice creamy and balanced.

Chill Before Slicing

Cold cake slices beautifully and holds its shape.

Christmas Variations

Peppermint Red Velvet Cake Roll

Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the filling.
Top with crushed candy canes.

White Chocolate Red Velvet Roll

Fold ½ cup melted white chocolate into the cream cheese filling.

Snowy Coconut Roll

Press shredded coconut onto the outside for a snowy winter finish.

Chocolate Ganache Drip Roll

Drizzle the top with dark chocolate ganache for an elegant holiday look.

Gingerbread Spiced Version

Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the cake for a winter spice twist.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Keeps well for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freeze without decorations for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the cake and filling a day in advance.
Assemble and chill until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy Christmas effect
Add sugared cranberries for a festive pop
Serve with hot cocoa or peppermint mochas
Pair with mulled wine for adults
Add a drizzle of white chocolate to enhance holiday flavor
Display on a holiday platter surrounded by cookies and candies

Nutrition (Approx. per slice)

Calories: 315
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 4g

Conclusion

The Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of everything joyful about the holiday season. Its bright red color, creamy filling, and elegant spiral shape make it a true centerpiece for Christmas gatherings. With a texture that’s soft and velvety and a filling that’s sweet, smooth, and tangy, each bite offers festive comfort and indulgence. This dessert brings together the nostalgia of classic red velvet with the sophistication of a rolled cake, creating a treat that feels both familiar and magical.

As Christmas brings families and friends together, desserts like this cake roll become part of the traditions people look forward to year after year. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for holiday hosts who want to create something memorable. Whether you serve it at a Christmas dinner, bring it to a party, or enjoy it by the lights of your tree, the Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll never fails to delight.

With its combination of color, flavor, and holiday charm, this recipe is destined to become a yearly favorite. Let this festive roll brighten your dessert table and bring joy to your holiday celebrations. The beauty, taste, and warmth it brings embody everything that makes Christmas special.