A decadent twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, this Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Cake combines the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet with the warm, spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls—all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion, this recipe yields a stunning pan of pillowy rolls that will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Classics in One: Merges the beloved flavors of red velvet cake and cinnamon rolls into a single, unforgettable treat.
Visually Striking: The vibrant red hue makes for an eye-catching presentation, ideal for holidays like Valentine’s Day or festive gatherings.
Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy, velvety icing seeps into every crevice, elevating these rolls from delicious to divine.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight, making morning or event-day baking a breeze.

Ingredients

1¼ cups warm water (110 °F)
1 (2¼ ounce) package active dry yeast
1 (15.25 ounce) box red velvet cake mix
2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1½ cups packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Kosher salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces, room temperature, plus more for pan
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1½ cups confectioners’ sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Proof the Yeast
In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until slightly bubbly.
Form the Dough
Add the red velvet cake mix and 2 cups of the flour. Stir vigorously for 1 minute until a cohesive dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled, about 1 to 1¼ hours.
Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until lump-free. Work in 12 tablespoons of the butter until smooth; set aside.
Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, remaining 4 tablespoons butter, and a pinch of salt until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
Shape the Rolls
Gently deflate the dough, turn it onto a floured surface, and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges.
Roll and Cut
Tightly roll the dough from a short side into a log. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and arrange cut-side up in the prepared pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Bake the rolls until puffed and a deep brick-red color, 20–25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes.
Finish
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1–1¼ hours (first rise) + 30 minutes (second rise)
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

From-Scratch Dough: Replace cake mix with ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and 2–3 drops red food coloring to create a homemade red velvet dough.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil and drizzle over the finished rolls.
Spiced Filling: Add ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Mini Rolls: Cut the log into 16–20 smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Individually wrap cooled rolls in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Warm in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds until heated through.

FAQs

1. What makes a cinnamon roll “red velvet”?

A red velvet cinnamon roll replaces traditional dough with red velvet–flavored dough—typically using cake mix or a cocoa-based dough combined with red food coloring—while retaining the classic cinnamon-sugar filling.

2. Can I intensify the red color?

Yes. To achieve a deeper hue, add one or two drops of red gel food coloring to the dough before rolling it out.

3. Is the cake mix necessary?

No. You can create a homemade red velvet dough by combining cocoa powder, flour, sugar, yeast, liquid, and red food coloring.

4. Why does the dough sometimes get sticky?

Over-mixing or over-kneading develops too much gluten, causing the dough to become elastic and sticky. Stir or knead just until combined.

5. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.

6. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

They should appear puffed, set, and display a deep brick-red color, with the filling bubbling around the edges.

7. Why should I refrigerate finished rolls?

The cream cheese frosting contains dairy that can spoil at room temperature; refrigeration helps extend freshness.

8. Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?

Yes. After shaping, freeze the pan of rolls uncovered until firm, then wrap tightly. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

9. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Warm the rolls slightly and top with extra frosting or a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar.

10. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

You may, but dark brown sugar offers a richer, molasses-forward flavor that complements the red velvet.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Cake offers the best of two worlds: the tender crumb and signature flavor of red velvet cake combined with the comforting warmth of cinnamon-sugar swirls. With its vibrant appearance, luscious cream cheese frosting, and make-ahead flexibility, it is destined to become a new favorite for celebrations, brunches, or whenever a show-stopping sweet is in order. Enjoy crafting and sharing this irresistible treat!