A simple Red Velvet Yule Log for the holidays.

This Red Velvet Yule Log makes a bright and soft cake roll. It looks good on a plate and tastes rich. Try it with other red velvet treats like Cherry Red Velvet Cupcakes for a full dessert table.

why make this recipe

Make this log for a fun and fast holiday bake. The cake gives a soft crumb and the cream cheese makes it smooth. You can match it with other red velvet recipes such as Fluffy Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting to please a crowd.

how to make Red Velvet Yule Log

This roll uses a thin cake that you bake, roll, and fill. You make the batter, bake in a pan, roll while warm, cool, fill, and frost. For tips, read similar ideas like Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls.

Ingredients :

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups cream cheese frosting
Powdered sugar for dusting

You can also use ideas from other red velvet snacks like Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms for party treats.

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a jelly roll pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, food coloring, and vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Sprinkle powdered sugar over a clean kitchen towel and invert the cake onto the towel. Remove the pan and peel off the parchment paper.
Roll the cake tightly in the towel and let it cool completely.
Once cooled, unroll the cake, spread cream cheese frosting over the surface, and re-roll.
Place seam-side down on a serving platter and frost the outside.
Decorate as desired and serve.

For step ideas and a twist on rolled cakes see a trifle guide like Red Velvet Cake Trifle.

how to serve Red Velvet Yule Log

Slice the log with a sharp knife. Serve each slice on a small plate. Add fresh berries or a dust of powdered sugar. Serve with coffee or milk.

how to store Red Velvet Yule Log

Wrap the log in plastic wrap or place it in a cake box. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer life, freeze wrapped slices up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before you eat.

tips to make Red Velvet Yule Log

Grease the pan well to lift the cake easily.
Roll the warm cake in a towel to set its shape.
Use room temp cream cheese for smooth frosting.
Do not overmix the batter to keep it soft.
Cut with a clean, sharp knife for neat slices.

variation (if any)

Use chocolate ganache on the outside instead of cream cheese.
Add a thin layer of jam under the frosting for fruit taste.
Swap almond extract for more vanilla if you prefer.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pan size?
A: Yes. Use a pan of similar depth so the cake bakes fast and stays thin.

Q: Can I make this without food color?
A: Yes. The cake will be more brown-red but will still taste the same.

Q: Can I make the cake ahead?
A: Yes. Bake and roll the cake, then wrap and chill. Fill and frost on the day you serve.

Q: How do I fix a crack in the roll?
A: Put more frosting in the crack and press gently. Chill to set the shape.

Q: Can I use a store-bought frosting?
A: Yes. A good store cream cheese frosting works fine.

Conclusion

For a clear how-to on the cake roll steps, see How to Make a Red Velvet Cake Roll – Sally’s Baking.

Red Velvet Yule Log