Black Velvet Cake Roll
Black Velvet Cake Roll is truly a decadent dessert that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. This rich, moist cake swirled with a creamy filling creates a stunning visual that is as impressive as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat at home, this recipe is a step-by-step guide to creating a show-stopping dessert that’s worth every bit of effort. With its creamy filling and flavorful chocolate cake, this cake roll is bound to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Black Velvet Cake Roll is a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. The minimal ingredients allow for a quick and straightforward process while still delivering a rich flavor profile that everyone will love. You’ll appreciate how family-friendly it is, with ingredients that most households already have in their pantry. Whether you’re looking for a traditional dessert or something a little outside the box, this recipe checks all the boxes for easy prep and delightful taste.
Ingredients for Black Velvet Cake Roll
For this visually-striking dessert, you will need a selection of ingredients that will bring out the rich flavors and create the perfect texture. Gather the following:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, giving it structure.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the chocolate essence that elevates the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 4 large eggs: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Ensures the cake is sweet and delightful.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm aroma and depth of flavor.
- Red food coloring: For that stunning visual appeal that makes this cake special.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a decorative touch and sweetness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of your creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the filling.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Helps to thicken and sweeten the cream cheese mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Further enhances the filling’s flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang on the long sides for easy removal later.
Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This step is crucial for removing any lumps and ensures even mixing.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale, creating a base that’s airy yet rich. Add in the vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Incorporate red food coloring to achieve your desired shade, making the cake even more visually appealing.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, carefully spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched lightly.
As the cake bakes, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar to prevent sticking when rolling.
Once baked, invert the cake onto the prepared towel immediately, peeling off the parchment paper with care.
Roll the cake and towel together from the short end, letting it cool completely while rolled. This keeps the shape intact.
To prepare the filling, beat cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, ensuring every bite has a taste of that sweet goodness.
Roll the cake back up (sans towel!) and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Before slicing and serving, dust with powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.
Tips & Tricks
Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened properly to achieve a creamy and smooth filling.
Add a touch of flavor: Consider adding a hint of espresso powder to the cocoa mixture to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Don’t skip the cooling: Allowing the cake to cool while rolled in the towel helps maintain its shape and prevents cracking.
Experiment with fillings: Try flavored whipped cream or chocolate ganache for a fun twist on the traditional cream cheese filling.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Presentation matters! Serve slices of your Black Velvet Cake Roll on elegant plates garnished with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a warm beverage, making it an excellent choice for after-dinner desserts.
Nutritional Information
While indulgent, this treat is meant to be enjoyed in moderation. A typical slice offers a balance between richness and flavor. Calories can vary, but on average, one slice contains approximately 350 calories, along with a good dose of carbohydrates and some fats from the cream cheese and butter. Consider it a delightful indulgence on special occasions!
Storing Tips & Variations for Black Velvet Cake Roll
To keep your dessert fresh, store the wrapped cake roll in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze the rolled cake (without dusting it with powdered sugar) for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge before serving. For healthier swaps, consider using light cream cheese or a sugar substitute, and for a creative twist, experiment with adding flavored extracts or even a fruit blend to the filling.
Conclusion for Black Velvet Cake Roll
There’s never been a better time to treat yourself and your loved ones to the amazing Black Velvet Cake Roll. With its alluring appearance and delectable taste, it’s a recipe everyone should try. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get started on this delightful journey into baking bliss!
FAQs
1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, using cake flour will result in a softer crumb, but be mindful that the structure may vary slightly.
2. How can I prevent the cake from cracking?
Cooling the cake while it’s still rolled in a towel helps maintain its shape and prevents cracking.
3. What if I don’t have red food coloring?
While red food coloring is essential for the traditional look, you can leave it out if you prefer a standard chocolate look.
4. Can this cake be made in advance?
Absolutely! The cake roll can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute gluten-free flour in this recipe; just be sure it’s a good quality blend designed for baking.
Black Velvet Cake Roll
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour This is the base of your cake, giving it structure.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Adds the chocolate essence that elevates the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cake rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 4 large eggs Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Ensures the cake is sweet and delightful.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a warm aroma and depth of flavor.
- Red food coloring For stunning visual appeal.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) Adds a decorative touch and sweetness.
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened The star of your creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness to the filling.
- 2 cups powdered sugar Helps to thicken and sweeten the cream cheese mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling) Enhances the filling’s flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang on the long sides for easy removal later.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Add in the vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Incorporate red food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched lightly.
- As the cake bakes, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
- Once baked, invert the cake onto the prepared towel immediately and peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake and towel together from the short end, letting it cool completely while rolled.
Filling Preparation
- To prepare the filling, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
Assembly
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll the cake back up (sans towel!) and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Before serving, dust with powdered sugar.