1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help in rolling the cake. Grease the parchment lightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
3. Beat Eggs and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the vegetable oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until combined.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
7. Immediate Rolling:
- Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Roll the cake up from the short end, with the parchment paper still attached. Cool on a wire rack, seam side down.
8. Prepare the Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy and smooth.
9. Unroll and Fill the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. Remove the parchment paper. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Re-roll the Cake:
- Roll the cake back up, this time without the parchment paper. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
11. Serve:
- Before serving, dust with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for extra flair. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips:
- Coloring: The amount of red food coloring needed may vary depending on the brand and type (liquid vs. gel). Adjust to reach your desired color.
- Rolling the Cake: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is crucial to prevent cracking.
- Cooling Time: Don’t skimp on the cooling time after filling and re-rolling the cake. It helps the filling set and makes the cake easier to slice.
Enjoy your Red Velvet Cake Roll as a beautiful and delicious treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion!