Show off your red white and blue with this festive 4th of July Cake Roll. This dessert not only tastes delicious but also adds a fun and patriotic touch to any celebration. Perfect for Independence Day parties, family gatherings, or summer barbecues, the vibrant colors and delightful flavors are sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-Catching Design – The beautiful red, white, and blue layers make this cake a showstopper at any gathering.
- Easy to Make – With simple steps and common ingredients, this cake roll is accessible even for novice bakers.
- Customizable Flavor – You can adjust the flavors by adding different extracts or fillings, making it versatile for various occasions.
- Perfect for Sharing – This recipe serves 10-12 people, making it ideal for parties where you want to feed a crowd.
- Memorable Presentation – When sliced, the vibrant colors create a stunning visual that will wow your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your 4th of July Cake Roll, gather the necessary tools to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Half sheet pan (18”x13”)
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Kitchen towel
- Cooling rack
- Ziplock bags (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer – Helps achieve a light and fluffy frosting quickly.
- Half sheet pan – Provides ample space for baking the cake evenly.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking, making it easier to roll the cake without tearing.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil, (plus more for the pan)
– 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, (plus more for the pan)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
– 1 teaspoon blue gel food coloring
– powdered sugar, (for dusting)
– 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, (at room temperature)
– pinch of salt
– 3 cups marshmallow creme
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 2-4 tablespoons milk
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make 4th of July Cake Roll
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Brush vegetable oil on the bottom and sides of a half sheet pan (18”x13”). Line it with parchment paper and brush oil on top of the parchment. Sprinkle flour over the pan and tap out the excess to coat the oil with flour.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
* All-purpose flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
In another bowl, whisk together:
* Vegetable oil
* Granulated sugar
* Milk
* Eggs
* Vanilla extract
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Whisk just until combined.
Step 3: Prepare Colored Batter
Pour half of the batter into another bowl (about 1 1/2 cups). Add red gel food coloring to one bowl and blue gel food coloring to another. Stir just until combined.
Step 4: Create Stripes in Pan
Spread red and blue batter in alternating stripes within the pan—three stripes of each color. Use ziplock bags to pipe them if preferred for less mess. Each stripe should be about 2 inches wide; don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly straight.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven until the top springs back when pressed—about 15 minutes. Let sit for 3 minutes before loosening edges with a knife if needed. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
Step 6: Roll Cake
Place a kitchen towel over the top (avoid terry cloth). Invert onto a cooling rack lined with another towel. Remove parchment paper carefully, then roll up using the towel from one long end. Allow it to cool completely for at least 1.5 hours.
Step 7: Make Frosting
In a stand mixer, beat together unsalted butter and pinch of salt until light and creamy—about one minute. Add marshmallow cream and vanilla; beat for an additional two to three minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar while incorporating milk one tablespoon at a time until spreadable consistency is reached.
Step 8: Assemble Cake Roll
Gently unroll cooled cake. Spread half of frosting over its entire surface up to edges. Re-roll without the towel and trim edges as needed. Use remaining frosting to coat outside of cake roll before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously festive 4th of July Cake Roll!
How to Serve 4th of July Cake Roll
Serving your 4th of July Cake Roll is just as important as making it. Presentation can enhance the festive spirit and make your dessert even more inviting. Here are some creative ideas for serving this delightful cake roll.
Individual Slices
- Serve each slice on a decorative plate for a personal touch.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top or alongside for extra creaminess.
Fruit Garnish
- Top the cake roll with mixed berries like strawberries and blueberries.
- Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Festive Platter
- Arrange slices on a large platter, alternating with star-shaped fruit or cookies.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or icing for added flair.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Offer vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside each slice for a refreshing contrast.
- Consider serving in a dessert bowl topped with sprinkles.
Themed Decorations
- Use red, white, and blue sprinkles to enhance the patriotic theme of your dessert.
- Place small American flags on each slice for an extra festive touch.
How to Perfect 4th of July Cake Roll
To ensure your 4th of July Cake Roll turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs, butter, and milk will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Be precise with measurements: Accurate measuring leads to the right consistency in your batter and frosting.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Cool completely before frosting: Letting the cake cool ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt off.
- Practice rolling technique: Roll gently but firmly to maintain the shape without cracking the cake.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Cake Roll
While your 4th of July Cake Roll shines as a dessert centerpiece, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your celebratory meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter makes a tasty summer side.
- Patriotic Fruit Salad: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and bananas adds freshness and color.
- Classic Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to sweet desserts.
- BBQ Chicken Wings: Spicy wings balance out the sweetness of the cake roll beautifully.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a must-have at any summer gathering.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a 4th of July Cake Roll can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to steer clear of them:
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Not allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting can cause the frosting to melt. Be patient; cooling takes at least 1.5 hours.
- Not Using Enough Powdered Sugar: Failing to dust the top with powdered sugar before rolling can make it stick. Generously dust it for easy rolling.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may result in uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Rolling Too Tight or Loose: Rolling the cake too tightly can cause cracks, while rolling too loosely may result in an unstructured cake roll. Aim for a comfortable, even roll.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your 4th of July Cake Roll in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing 4th of July Cake Roll
- Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating 4th of July Cake Roll
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm for about 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place on a plate over simmering water, covering it with a lid, for gentle warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I achieve vibrant colors in my 4th of July Cake Roll?
Using gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring ensures brighter, more vibrant colors that won’t affect the batter’s consistency.
Can I use different flavors for my filling?
Absolutely! You can customize your filling using various flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even cream cheese if desired.
How do I prevent my cake roll from cracking?
To prevent cracking, be gentle when rolling and ensure you let it cool completely before unrolling and frosting.
What’s the best way to serve a 4th of July Cake Roll?
Slice it into even pieces and display it on a festive platter. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh berries for extra flair!
Final Thoughts
The 4th of July Cake Roll is not only visually stunning but also deliciously versatile. Its vibrant colors and delightful flavor make it perfect for any summer celebration. Feel free to customize your filling or add extra decorations, making it uniquely yours. We encourage you to try this recipe and impress your guests with this festive dessert!
4th of July Cake Roll
Celebrate Independence Day with a delightful 4th of July Cake Roll, complete with festive red, white, and blue layers. This eye-catching dessert is not only a visual treat but also incredibly delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for your summer gatherings. Easy to prepare, this cake roll is suitable for bakers of all skill levels and can serve up to 12 people. Customize the flavors to suit your taste and impress your guests with its stunning presentation.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon blue gel food coloring
- powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
- pinch of salt
- 3 cups marshmallow creme
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and prepare a half sheet pan with oil and flour.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another; combine them.
- Divide batter into two bowls; color one red and the other blue.
- Spread the colored batters in alternating stripes on the pan.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cake springs back when pressed.
- Roll cake with a towel while warm; let cool completely.
- Prepare frosting by beating butter and mixing in marshmallow creme and powdered sugar.
- Unroll the cooled cake, apply frosting, re-roll, and coat with remaining frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors that won’t alter batter consistency. Customize filling flavors like chocolate or strawberry for added variety. Ensure the cake cools completely before frosting to prevent melting.
