Name: Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 eggs, room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons oil; 2 tablespoons buttermilk; 1 teaspoon cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon pink gel food coloring; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip, thawed; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that’s as delightful to see as it is to eat, this Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe will be your new go-to favorite. Imagine a light, fluffy roll cake with a subtle pink hue that’s irresistibly soft, wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling that’s perfectly sweet and creamy. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort and a fresh, fun twist, making it ideal for any celebration or just a lovely treat to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A pink cake roll with three visible layers is placed on a white rectangular plate on a white marbled surface. The outer layer is a soft pink sponge cake dusted with a light layer of white powdered sugar. Inside, there is a thick creamy white swirl filling that contrasts with the pink cake, visible in the cross sections of the two sliced pieces at the front. The cake looks soft and moist with a smooth creamy texture in the filling. In the background, there are two silver forks on a white napkin, and a small glass jar with a metal lid on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and charming pink color. Get ready to gather these essentials that will make your baking journey smooth and rewarding.

4 eggs, room temperature: They provide the structure and help achieve that light, fluffy sponge texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with moisture and tenderness.
2 tablespoons oil: Adds moisture without weighing the cake down; keeps it soft and pliable.
2 tablespoons buttermilk: Adds a hint of tang and tenderizes the crumb for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
1 teaspoon cider vinegar: Reacts with baking powder and buttermilk to keep the cake airy and light.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances flavor with a warm, familiar aroma.
1/8 teaspoon pink gel food coloring: Brings the signature gentle pink hue that makes this roll so charming.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The building block of the cake’s structure, providing balance for softness and durability.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Powers the lift to ensure the cake rises perfectly light.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and elevates sweetness.
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened: Forms the rich, tangy base for the filling.
1 1/2 cups cool whip, thawed: Adds airy lightness and smooth creaminess to the filling.
3/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting without grittiness.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (for filling): Adds a subtle depth that complements the cream cheese beautifully.

How to Make Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or 325 if you’re using a very dark pan to avoid over-browning). Grease a 15x10x1 inch pan thoroughly with cooking spray, then cover it with parchment paper and grease the parchment again to ensure your cake releases effortlessly.

Step 2: Ready the Towel for Rolling

Lay a clean tea towel flat on your workspace and sprinkle it generously with powdered sugar. This trick keeps the cake from sticking and helps form a perfect roll once it’s baked.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these aside ensures they’re evenly mixed before folding into the batter, preventing any clumps and giving your sponge a consistent texture.

Step 4: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the eggs on high for about 3 minutes until they turn pale and fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat, creating a light, airy base foundational to this Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe’s delicate crumb.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients and Color

Slowly beat in the oil, buttermilk, cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and the pink gel food coloring. This blend not only enriches the batter but lends that signature pink tone you’ll love showing off.

Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold the flour mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be gentle here so you keep as much air in the batter as possible, which guarantees a soft and spongy cake ready to roll.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and tilt it to level evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cake springs back when gently touched—a surefire signal it’s perfectly baked and ready for the next step.

Step 8: Roll the Cake

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, invert it onto the sugared tea towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake up in the towel starting at the short end. This rolling step while warm shapes your cake and prevents cracking later. Let it cool completely on a wire rack while rolled up.

Step 9: Prepare the Filling

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the thawed cool whip, combining until the filling is luscious, fluffy, and spreadable—ready to complement the tender cake perfectly.

Step 10: Assemble the Swiss Roll

Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, and carefully roll it back up, this time without the towel. Place the roll seam side down on a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour to let everything set beautifully.

How to Serve Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe

A pink Swiss roll cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top sits in the center of a white rectangular plate on a white marbled surface covered with white lace fabric. The roll has two visible layers: a smooth pink outer sponge layer with a soft shiny texture, and a thick white cream filling spiraled inside. One slice is cut from the roll and lies in front of it on the plate, showing the swirl pattern clearly. A shiny metal cake server is positioned under the slice with a pink cake crumb on its edge. Nearby, a glass bottle with milk and a silver lid, alongside striped yellow and white straws, are placed to the left. Three silver forks rest on stacked white square plates in the lower-left corner of the image. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Dusting the finished Pink Velvet Swiss Roll with powdered sugar is a classic touch that highlights its soft pink color and adds a delicate sweetness. For extra flair, sprinkle with edible rose petals or a few fresh berries to enhance the visual appeal and add a natural fruity note.

Side Dishes

This Swiss roll pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries or a light citrus compote to cut through the richness of the cream cheese filling and refresh your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, slice the roll into even rounds and arrange them on a platter with a drizzle of raspberry coulis. Another fun idea is to serve individual slices inside pretty glass jars layered with extra whipped cream and fruit, turning this Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe into a stunning portable dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Pink Velvet Swiss Roll, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This keeps the cake moist and the filling fresh for up to three days, making it easy to savor a slice or two later without any loss in flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save your Swiss roll for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer it at room temperature, simply unwrap and leave it out for 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can spoil the texture of the delicate cake and filling.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

You can use regular food coloring, but gel food coloring is recommended because it provides a more vibrant pink color without altering the batter’s consistency or adding extra liquid.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm, using the sugared towel to help it hold its shape gently. Letting the cake cool completely without rolling first often causes cracks during the second roll with filling.

Is there a dairy-free option for the filling?

Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and replace cool whip with coconut whipped cream to create a delicious dairy-free version of this Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe.

Can I make this recipe a day ahead?

Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the cake, then refrigerate it overnight. This resting time actually helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes slicing cleaner and easier.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice into 2 tablespoons of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use that as a perfect buttermilk substitute for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pink Velvet Swiss Roll Recipe is a delightful adventure that rewards you with a stunningly beautiful and wonderfully tasty dessert. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet moment to brighten your day, this recipe brings warmth and smiles with every bite. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!