Easy Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cake Mix Recipe

11 Shares

Valentine’s Day feels made for something sweet and dramatic, doesn’t it? This Easy Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cake Mix brings both a soft ruby-red sponge, a creamy swirl of frosting, and a snowy drift of sprinkles. It’s elegant enough for a date night yet easy enough for a weekday bake. In about 2½ hours, you’ll have 12 slices of love-ready cake and a few bonus cupcakes cooling nearby.

Why This Easy Red Velvet Cake Roll Works

This recipe works beautifully because cake mix offers consistent texture and flavor. The whipped eggs give lift and a light crumb. Rolling the cake while warm keeps it flexible, avoiding cracks later. The frosting’s Valentine’s sprinkles add cheerful color, while the white chocolate drizzle gives a polished finish. Plus, you get a few surprise cupcakes from the leftover batter perfect for taste testing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake Roll Ingredients

½ cup water: keeps the batter smooth and spreadable.
1 box red velvet cake mix: provides flavor and structure.
¼ cup neutral oil: ensures moisture without heaviness.
6 large eggs: give volume and stability.
3 tbsp Valentine’s sprinkles: for festive bursts of color.

Filling Ingredients

3 cups powdered sugar: creates a sweet, silky frosting.
1 cup unsalted butter: forms the creamy base.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: adds warmth.
3–4 tbsp heavy cream: makes the frosting fluffy and spreadable.

Garnish Ingredients

2 oz white chocolate: drizzle for shine and sweetness.
Extra sprinkles: decorate before serving.

You can easily swap ingredients for instance, half-and-half for cream or canola for vegetable oil — as discussed later.

How to Make Easy Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cake Mix

Step 1 — Prepare Your Pan and Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 10x15x1-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, then spray it. Line five muffin cups for the extra batter. Beat the eggs on high for about 6 minutes until foamy. Add the cake mix, water, and oil. Beat on low for 30 seconds, scrape the sides, then beat on medium for 1 minute. Spread 3½ cups of batter evenly on the sheet pan and fill the muffin cups with the rest.

Step 2 — Bake and Cool

Bake both the cake and cupcakes for 14–16 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cupcakes on a rack. Meanwhile, sprinkle a clean towel generously with powdered sugar. After 10 minutes of cooling, flip the cake onto the towel and peel away the parchment.

Step 3 — Roll the Cake While Warm

Starting from a short edge, roll the cake up gently inside the towel. This step matters the warmth helps it shape without cracking. Let it cool completely, seam side down.

Step 4 — Make the Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Once combined, slowly beat in cream until smooth and fluffy. Stir in Valentine’s sprinkles for a playful finish.

Step 5 — Fill, Roll, Chill, and Garnish

Unroll the cooled cake. Spread frosting evenly, leaving a ½-inch border at the edges. Roll it back up tightly, wrap it in plastic, and chill at least 2 hours. Just before serving, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top and scatter more sprinkles. Let it set for 10 minutes, then slice.

Moist red velvet cake roll with cream cheese frosting and heart sprinkles — A moist red velvet cake roll topped with creamy frosting and Valentine’s sprinkles.

Tips for the Best Cake Roll Texture

Roll while warm to keep it supple. Avoid overbaking, or the cake will dry out. Use powdered sugar on your towel so it doesn’t stick. Leave a border for the frosting to prevent overflow. If your frosting feels thick, add cream a tablespoon at a time until spreadable. Proper rolling and cooling help create that neat, satisfying swirl.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

You can use different cake mixes, adding cocoa and red food coloring for custom shades. Replace cream with whole milk or half-and-half. Neutral oils like canola or coconut work fine. Margarine substitutes well for butter. You can also choose milk or dark chocolate for the drizzle or skip it entirely. Use any sprinkles or skip them for a minimalist look.

Serving Suggestions

Slice your cake roll and serve it with coffee, tea, or cold milk. It’s lovely beside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries. The bonus cupcakes can be frosted with leftover filling and shared alongside the roll a fun touch for Valentine’s brunches or cozy nights in. For more festive dessert inspiration, check out cinnamon roll dump cake for easy holiday baking or peach upside-down mini cakes for festive dessert tables.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guide

Wrap your cake roll tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months (wrapped in plastic and foil). Thaw overnight in the fridge. Add the chocolate drizzle right before serving for best presentation. Each full roll contains about 4500–5000 calories total, 40–50g protein, 220–240g fat, and 600–650g carbohydrates perfect for sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a cake mix for a cake roll?

Yes! Cake mix creates a consistent texture and simplifies the process. You still get that soft, moist crumb without the extra measuring.

Should red velvet cake be moist?

Absolutely. The mix of oil and eggs locks in moisture, and quick baking keeps the crumb tender.

How to make a boxed cake mix taste like a bakery cake?

Use room-temperature eggs, whip them well, and avoid overmixing. A touch of vanilla and cream adds that bakery richness.

Can you make a jelly roll with a box cake mix?

Yes, as long as the batter is light and airy. The whipped eggs in this recipe make it ideal for rolling without breaking.

More Such Recipes

Moist red velvet cake roll slice with frosting and pink heart sprinkles — A moist red velvet cake roll slice topped with creamy frosting and heart sprinkles.

Conclusion

This Easy Red Velvet Cake Roll with Cake Mix proves that fancy desserts don’t need to be complicated. It’s soft, creamy, and stunning enough for any Valentine’s table but simple enough for beginners. Try it once, make it yours with your favorite sprinkles or drizzle, and share your creation on Pinterest or Facebook. Love really is baked right in.