Red Velvet Berry Christmas Roll: A Festive Holiday Dessert

The holiday season is a perfect excuse to bring a show-stopping dessert to the table. Enter the Red Velvet Berry Christmas Roll—a fluffy red sponge cake wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, dotted with fresh berries, and perfect for sharing. With its vibrant colors and decadent flavors, this dessert is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, office parties, or a cozy night in, this festive roll is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

For the Cake Roll

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

For the Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream

For Garnish

• Fresh raspberries or strawberries
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Optional: fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease and flour the paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs with sugar and cream of tartar using a hand or stand mixer until thick and pale, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Gently fold in vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until evenly combined.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, taking care not to deflate the batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

6. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread to the edges.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Avoid overbaking to keep it soft and pliable.

Step 3: Roll the Cake

8. While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel and dust it with powdered sugar.
9. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, invert it onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
10. Starting at the short edge, gently roll the cake into a log shape with the towel inside. Allow to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Filling

11. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
13. Add heavy cream 1 tbsp at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Roll

14. Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
15. Sprinkle fresh berries over the filling, leaving a 1-inch border on the edges.
16. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel. Place seam side down on a serving platter.
17. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra berries and mint leaves if desired.

Tips for a Perfect Red Velvet Roll

• Room temperature eggs: Ensures the batter whips up light and airy.
• Don’t overmix: Folding gently prevents a dense roll.
• Roll while warm: Rolling immediately after baking prevents cracking.
• Fresh berries: Adds natural sweetness and a festive pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled for cleaner slices.
• Pair with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or a festive punch.
• Slice into 1-inch portions for dessert platters or gift boxes.

Variations

• Chocolate Christmas Roll: Swap cocoa powder for double the amount for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Berry Medley Roll: Mix raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries inside.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds with the filling for crunch.
• Mini Rolls: Bake in smaller pans for individual servings—great for parties.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Red velvet cake has a long history in American baking, dating back to the early 20th century. Its rich red color originally came from cocoa reacting with acidic ingredients like buttermilk or vinegar. Today, it’s synonymous with festive celebrations, from Valentine’s Day to Christmas. Adding berries not only enhances the flavor but also reflects the seasonal colors of holiday décor, making this roll a visually stunning centerpiece.

Recipe Notes

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing is possible: wrap tightly in plastic and foil, freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• For a brighter red, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.

Red Velvet Berry Christmas Roll

A festive red velvet cake roll with cream cheese filling and fresh berries, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 310

Ingredients

  

Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 4 eggs large, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.33 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 0.5 tsp cream of tartar

Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Jelly roll pan
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat eggs with sugar and cream of tartar until thick and pale.
4. Fold in vegetable oil, vanilla, and red food coloring.
5. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Pour batter into pan and bake 12-15 minutes until lightly springy.
7. Invert cake onto powdered-sugar-dusted towel, peel parchment, roll into log. Cool completely.
8. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream to desired consistency.
9. Unroll cooled cake, spread filling, sprinkle berries, and re-roll. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish.

Notes

Store in airtight container for up to 3 days. Can freeze for up to 1 month.