There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season — the smell of cinnamon in the air, the soft glow of lights, and of course, the indulgence of festive desserts. One of the most beloved holiday treats that never fails to impress is the Red Velvet Christmas Roll. With its rich red hue, velvety texture, and luscious cream cheese filling, this dessert captures both the beauty and flavor of Christmas in every slice.

This recipe is perfect for impressing your guests at holiday dinners, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through every step to make your roll flawless, soft, and absolutely irresistible.

🍰 What is a Red Velvet Roll Cake?

A Red Velvet Roll Cake is a classic red velvet sponge rolled with smooth cream cheese frosting. Think of it as the elegant cousin of red velvet cupcakes — just a bit more sophisticated and show-stopping. When sliced, you get beautiful red-and-white spirals that look stunning on any Christmas dessert table.

🎄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Eye-Catching: Its rich red color and swirl design make it perfect for Christmas.
Deliciously Creamy: The tangy cream cheese filling pairs perfectly with the cocoa-flavored cake.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance — it tastes even better chilled!
Crowd Favorite: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

🧁 Ingredients

For the Cake

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs (room temperature)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp red food coloring
1/4 cup buttermilk

For the Filling

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

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

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add oil, vanilla, food coloring, and buttermilk. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

While warm, turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and roll it up gently (with the towel inside). Let it cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Roll

Once cooled, unroll the cake and spread the filling evenly. Re-roll without the towel and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

🎅 Decorating Ideas

Make it festive by:

Dusting powdered sugar “snow” on top.
Adding green and red sprinkles.
Drizzling white chocolate over the roll.
Garnishing with small candy canes or cranberries.

💡 Pro Tips

Don’t overbake — a dry cake cracks when rolled.
Always roll while warm for a smooth spiral.
Chill before slicing for clean, perfect cuts.
Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red hue.

🎉 Serving Suggestions

Serve your Red Velvet Christmas Roll with:

A cup of hot cocoa or coffee ☕
A scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨
A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce 🍫

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Christmas Roll is more than just a dessert — it’s a holiday experience. The soft cake, creamy filling, and festive appearance make it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas celebrations. Every bite is rich, nostalgic, and full of joy — just like the holidays themselves.

So this season, skip the ordinary and make something unforgettable. Bake this roll, slice it up, and watch your guests’ faces light up with holiday cheer!