If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious, you’ve just found it. The Purple Velvet Cake Roll with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a vibrant celebration of color and flavor, featuring a fluffy, tender sponge cake dyed a stunning shade of purple and swirled with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and slightly tart, making every bite an irresistible treat that will brighten up any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple yet crucial ingredients that come together to create both the signature texture and extraordinary color of the cake roll. Each ingredient adds its own layer of magic—from the lightness of the eggs to the zing in the cream cheese frosting.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: For the perfect cake structure without being too dense.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds tenderness, making the sponge light and pillowy.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the sponge a gentle lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and enhances sweetness.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature: The base for a rich and voluminous batter.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while creating a beautiful, airy texture when whipped.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and subtle tang, contributing to a delicate crumb.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the warm, comforting notes in the cake.
- Purple gel food coloring: For that gorgeously vibrant hue that makes this cake roll unforgettable.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Prevents sticking when rolling and adds a sweet finish.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The creamy base for the frosting’s tangy richness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and body to the frosting.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a luscious consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor depth.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest (optional): Brings a fresh hint of tang that perfectly complements the cream cheese.
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake Roll with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
First up, get your oven ready at 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This will make lifting the cake out a breeze after baking. Lightly grease and dust the pan with flour to ensure the cake won’t stick—a little extra care here pays off when you’re ready to roll!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients create the perfect base for a soft, tender cake. Setting them aside now makes it easier to incorporate later without overmixing.
Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
This step is pure magic. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and nearly triples in volume. The air you incorporate here is what gives your sponge its light, fluffy texture. Don’t rush it—this is the foundation of your purple velvet cake roll with tangy cream cheese frosting recipe!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Add Color
Gently fold in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to your whipped egg mixture. Then, slowly add your purple gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach that perfect, vibrant shade. Using gel instead of liquid coloring keeps your batter’s consistency just right and your color bold.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, folding carefully until just combined. Be gentle here—you want to preserve all that air you whipped into the eggs. Overmixing will lead to a denser cake, and that’s the last thing we want in this purple velvet cake roll with tangy cream cheese frosting recipe.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into your prepared pan, spreading smoothly with a spatula. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when gently touched. Keep a close watch as sponge cakes can turn quickly from perfectly baked to overdone.
Step 7: Roll the Cake
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Invert the warm cake onto the towel and carefully peel away the parchment paper. Starting from a short edge, roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely, seam-side down. This carefully rolled cake will make the frosting step so much easier, preventing cracks.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake cools, whip up the luscious filling by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice or zest if you’re using it. Beat until the frosting is creamy and fluffy, bursting with a delicious tang that perfectly balances the sweet cake.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake Roll
When the cake is completely cool, unroll it gently and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface. Then, re-roll the cake without the towel, placing it seam-side down on a serving platter. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the roll firm up—this step makes slicing neat and easy.
How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake Roll with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is half the fun, and this cake roll lends itself beautifully to creative garnishing. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy finish, while a delicate swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkle of purple sugar crystals or edible glitter will make it sparkle. Fresh berries can add a pop of contrasting color and a juicy bite alongside each slice.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The creaminess of the frosting and the tender cake make it a lovely balance to refreshing fruit salads or a citrusy sorbet, offering a contrast that keeps the palate excited.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make the experience even more special? Serve your purple velvet cake roll in slices fluttering with edible flowers or alongside a drizzle of berry coulis for a sophisticated touch. For birthday celebrations or tea parties, individual slices can be plated with whipped cream rosettes and tiny macarons for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Purple Velvet Cake Roll with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days when tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting creamy without drying out, so you can enjoy its deliciousness a little longer.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake roll ahead of time or save leftovers for later, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the cake roll well in plastic and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen cake stays good for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge to retain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Generally, this cake roll is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can let slices sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving—no need to microwave, as that can alter the frosting consistency and cake crumb.
FAQs
What is the best way to achieve a vibrant purple color in the cake?
Using gel food coloring is the key to vibrant color without affecting the cake’s texture. Add it a little at a time until you reach your desired shade. Liquid food coloring can dilute the batter, so gel or paste forms work best.
Can I make this cake roll gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that is one-to-one measure for measure. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake’s structure intact.
Why should I roll the cake while it’s warm?
Rolling the cake while warm helps set its shape without cracking later. The powdered sugar-dusted towel prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to roll tightly.
Is the lemon juice in the frosting necessary?
The lemon juice or zest is optional but adds a lovely bright tang that complements the cream cheese beautifully. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a sweeter frosting, but it really lifts the flavor to new heights.
How long can this cake roll sit out before serving?
Since the filling contains cream cheese and butter, it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated until about 15-20 minutes before serving to maintain safety and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of slicing into a homemade cake roll that’s as vibrant on the inside as it looks on the plate. The Purple Velvet Cake Roll with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a showstopper, combining a soft sponge with a tangy, creamy filling that will delight every guest. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert that sparks smiles and celebrations everywhere it’s served!
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Purple Velvet Cake Roll with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Purple Velvet Cake Roll features a vibrant and fluffy sponge cake infused with rich purple gel color, baked to perfection and rolled with a tangy and creamy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for festive occasions or a colorful dessert table, this jelly roll cake is both visually stunning and delightfully delicious.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple gel food coloring (as needed)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest (optional for tang)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the room temperature eggs and granulated sugar for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and has tripled in volume, which provides a light and airy base for the cake.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Gently fold in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and enough purple gel food coloring to achieve your desired vibrant purple shade. Ensure this is done carefully to maintain airiness.
- Combine dry and wet mixes: Sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined, avoiding overmixing which could deflate the batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched, indicating it is cooked through.
- Roll the cake: Immediately dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Invert the warm cake onto the towel, then carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from a short end, roll the cake up with the towel inside. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled shape with the seam side down to prevent cracking.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice or zest, then beat until fluffy and well combined.
- Assemble the cake roll: Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it without the towel and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface. Carefully re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake roll for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar or optionally decorate with whipped cream or purple sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant purple hues without altering the batter’s texture or moisture content.
- Immediately rolling the cake while it is warm prevents cracking and helps shape the roll smoothly.
- Store any leftover cake roll tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- The optional lemon juice or zest in the filling brightens the flavor and adds a subtle tang complementary to the cream cheese.
- For a fun twist, garnish with edible purple flowers or additional sprinkles before serving.
