Step aside red velvet—this Elegant Purple Velvet Cake Roll is here to steal the spotlight. With its rich cocoa flavor, striking hue, and creamy whipped filling, this cake roll is equal parts decadent and whimsical. It’s the perfect showstopper for birthdays, bridal showers, or any occasion where you want your dessert to dazzle.
Despite its bakery-worthy appearance, this rolled beauty is surprisingly easy to make with pantry staples, a bit of color, and a touch of finesse. Drawing from your love for visually stunning desserts ( Lemon Coffee Cake, and Peanut Butter Cups Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites) and chocolatey treats (like Fudgy Brownie Cookies), this cake roll is a must-bake. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant purple hue stands out on any dessert table.
- Soft and Spongy: The cake is light, moist, and rolls without cracking.
- Light and Creamy Filling: Whipped cream keeps it fresh and airy.
- Perfect for Celebrations: A great alternative to standard layer cakes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it ahead for easy slicing and serving.
What you will need + Easy Substitutions
Here’s your go-to guide for the cake, filling, and glaze components—with swaps for dietary needs or flavor creativity:
Cake Batter
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution Options |
|---|---|---|
| 🥚 Eggs | 4 large | Use flax eggs (4 tbsp flaxseed + 12 tbsp water) for egg-free option |
| 🍬 Granulated Sugar | ¾ cup | Coconut sugar or maple sugar |
| 🧈 Unsalted Butter | ¼ cup (melted) | Vegan butter or neutral oil |
| 🍶 Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Almond or lavender extract |
| 💧 Milk | ½ cup | Almond, oat, or soy milk |
| 💜 Purple Food Coloring | 1 tbsp | Gel food coloring for a bolder hue |
| 🍞 All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup | Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend |
| 🍫 Cocoa Powder | ½ cup | Dutch-processed for deeper flavor |
| 🧂 Salt | ½ tsp | Sea salt or pink Himalayan salt |
| 🥄 Baking Powder | 1 tsp | Ensure freshness for optimal rise |
Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution Options |
|---|---|---|
| 🍦 Whipped Cream | 1 cup | Whipped coconut cream or mascarpone |
Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution Options |
|---|---|---|
| 🍬 Powdered Sugar | 1 cup | Sifted erythritol for a sugar-free glaze |
| 💧 Milk | 2 tbsp | Plant-based milk of choice |
| 💜 Purple Food Coloring | ½ tsp | Adjust for desired color intensity |
| 🍶 Vanilla Extract | ½ tsp | Almond or lemon extract |
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips)
Preheat & Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
Tip: Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Beat the Eggs & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat:
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until thick, pale, and fluffy.
Tip: Beat until the mixture ribbons when lifted.
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp purple food coloring
Stir gently until fully combined.
Tip: Cool melted butter slightly to avoid cooking the eggs.
Add Dry Ingredients
Sift into the wet mixture:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Fold gently until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
Tip: Use a spatula and fold, not stir, to keep the batter airy.
Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Tip: Check at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking, as a flexible sponge is key for rolling.
Roll the Cake
Immediately lift the cake out of the pan with the parchment. Roll it (with the parchment still on) into a log starting from the short side. Let it cool completely.
Tip: Rolling while warm prevents cracks later.
Add the Filling
Once cool, carefully unroll the cake. Spread 1 cup whipped cream evenly over the surface. Re-roll gently without the parchment.
Chill for 30 minutes to firm up before glazing.
Tip: Whip cream to soft peaks for easy spreading.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp purple food coloring
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Drizzle over the chilled cake roll.
Slice & Serve
Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices.
Tip: Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
Decoration Ideas
- Edible Flowers – For a spring-themed finish.
- Sprinkles or Pearls – For birthdays or baby showers.
- Fresh Berries: Blueberries or raspberries for tart contrast.
- Cocoa Dusting – Light dusting for a sophisticated look.
- Violet Sugar Sprinkles: Thematic and sweet for flair.
- Piped Whipped Cream – Rosettes along the top add elegance.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Based on 10 servings using full dairy and sugar ingredients.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerator:
- Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
- Wrap the unglazed roll tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight and add glaze before serving.
Tip: Slice and wrap individual portions for single-serve treats!
What to Serve with Elegant Purple Velvet Cake Roll
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool for a decadent pairing.
- Mixed Berry Compote: Tart and juicy for balance.
- Coffee: An espresso to complement the cocoa.
- Chamomile Tea: Light and floral for elegance.
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring for cake roll?
Absolutely! Gel delivers a more vibrant color and won’t affect texture.
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream?
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream?
Why did my cake roll crack when rolling?
It may have cooled too long before rolling. Always roll while warm.
Can I make cake roll ahead of time?
Yes—roll and chill the cake up to 1 day in advance. Glaze just before serving.
Can I make cake roll without cocoa for a vanilla version?
Yes! Omit the cocoa powder and increase the flour to 1¼ cups for a vanilla base.
Elegant Purple Velvet Cake Roll
Equipment
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for dry ingredients)
- Spatula (for folding and spreading)
- Clean kitchen towel (for rolling)
- Small mixing bowl (for glaze)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack (for cooling)
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp purple food coloring
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup whipped cream for filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tbsp milk for glaze
- ½ tsp purple food coloring for glaze
- ½ tsp vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until thick and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add melted butter, vanilla extract, milk, and purple food coloring, mixing until combined.
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture, folding gently until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.
- Immediately roll the warm cake with the parchment paper into a log, let cool completely, then unroll, spread with whipped cream, and re-roll; chill for 30 minutes.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp purple food coloring, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth and glossy; drizzle over the chilled cake roll and let set before serving.
This Elegant Purple Velvet Cake Roll brings together stunning presentation and dreamy texture in one unforgettable dessert. It’s surprisingly simple, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to impress—whether it’s served at a birthday party or a bridal brunch.
With every slice revealing a swirl of cream inside a cocoa-kissed purple sponge, this dessert proves that elegance can be easy. So grab your whisk, roll up your sleeves (literally), and create a showstopper your guests will never forget!
