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    Home » Recipes » 4th of July

    Red White and Blue Cake Roll

    Posted: Jul 2, 2021 · Updated: May 24, 2024 by Sara · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Red White and Blue Cake Roll - A red, white and blue cake roll filled with creamy vanilla frosting. A perfect dessert for the 4th of July!

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    The 4th of July is only two days away! If you're planning a party or picnic with friends, do I have an amazing dessert for you!

    This Red, White, and Blue Cake Roll is a family favorite made with simple ingredients that will be the star of the show for your patriotic party.

    HOW TO MAKE A CAKE ROLL

    To make this red, white and blue roll cake, you'll need:

    • Box white cake mix
    • Red and blue food coloring
    • Butter
    • Vanilla
    • Powdered sugar
    • Milk

    MIXING UP THE CAKE BATTER

    Steps to make cake roll

    Steps 1 & 2: Prepare cake batter according to directions.

    Step 3: Separate batter evenly into 3 bowls. Add a couple drops of red food coloring to one bowl and blue to the other and mix until the colors are uniform throughout.

    Step 4: Transfer batter into 3 ziplock bags.

    CREATING THE CAKE ROLL

    Steps for making a red, white and blue cake roll

    Step 1: Cut a small corner off of each bag. In a diagonal pattern, squeeze strips of each color until the pan is filled. If you have batter remaining, you can go back and fill in as needed.

    Step 2: Gently shake the pan to even out the cake batter. Using a toothpick, draw swirls in the batter to create a tie dye look.

    Step 3: Bake, then remove from oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes.

    Step 4: Place a towel on a flat surface and sprinkle flour on it. Flip the cake out of the pan and onto a clean towel.

    Sprinkle a small amount of flour on the top side of the cake and cover it with another towel. Starting on one end, roll the cake up with a towel on each side. Try to keep it as tight as possible.

    cake rolled in white towel

    With the cake tightly rolled, set it aside to completely cool. When cool, gently unroll it.

    PREPARING THE FROSTING

    steps for making cake roll frosting

    Step 1: To prepare frosting, add butter, vanilla and powdered sugar to bowl.

    Step 2:Add enough milk while whipping ingredients to reach the frosting consistency you desire.

    Step 3: The frosting should look creamy and fluffy.

    Step 4: Spread on the frosting, covering the top of the cake.

    Begin rolling the cake from one end, using a towel to help guide you. When the cake is completely rolled, wrap the towel tightly around it to help hold its form.

    Place the cake roll in the freezer for 4 hours, then remove it and cut it into slices. 

    stack of red white and blue cake roll slices

    WHAT TYPE OF CAKE MIX DO I NEED FOR THIS RECIPE?

    You’ll need a box of white cake mix to prepare this recipe. This is the best option since you are going to dye two bowls of the batter red and blue!

    patriotic cake roll on a cutting board

    HOW DO I ROLL UP THE CAKE?

    You’re going to need to use a towel on both sides of the cake to roll it up as tightly as you can. Be careful and gentle while making sure to hold a tight grip on it to keep the cake from coming loose.

    It’s fine to use a dish towel, but make sure it’s clean and floured before you get started.

    slice of red white and blue cake roll with frosting

    WHAT IS THE CAKE ROLL FILLING MADE OF?

    The filling consists of the frosting that you’ll create using milk and powdered sugar. It’s more of a frosting than a filling.

    You can always substitute your favorite pre-made frosting here as well.

    red white and blue cake roll piece

    HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

    Keep your cake roll fresh by storing left over slices in a food storage container and keeping them in the fridge or freezer. 

    hand holding cake roll with frosting

    MORE PATRIOTIC DESSERTS FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY

    • Red, White, and Blue Jello Poke Cake
    • Berries and Cream Angel Food Cake Dessert
    • Red White and Blue Trifle
    • No-Bake Cherry Torte
    • Patriotic Icebox Cake
    red white and blue cake roll piece

    Red White and Blue Cake Roll

    A red, white and blue cake roll filled with creamy vanilla frosting. A perfect dessert for the 4th of July!
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    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 40 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 12 minutes mins
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 225kcal
    Author: Sara
    adjust servings: 10 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 box white cake mix (prepared using ingredients on box)
    • Red and blue food coloring
    • ½ cup butter (softened)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 3-4 tablespoons milk

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325º Fahrenheit.
    • Prepare a jelly roll pan with shortening and flour. Set aside for later.
    • Prepare cake batter according to the box directions.
    • Separate batter evenly into 3 bowls.
    • Add a couple drops of red food coloring to one bowl and blue to the other and mix until the colors are uniform throughout.
    • Transfer batter into 3 ziplock bags. Cut a small corner off of each bag.
    • In a diagonal pattern, squeeze strips of each color until the pan is filled. If you have batter remaining, you can go back and fill in as needed.
    • Gently shake the pan to even out the cake batter.
    • Using a toothpick, draw swirls in the batter to create a tie dye look.
    • Bake for 18 minutes or until the cake is set.
    • Remove from oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
    • Place a towel on a flat surface and sprinkle flour on it.
    • Flip the cake out of the pan and onto a clean towel.
    • Sprinkle a small amount of flour on the top side of the cake and cover it with another towel.
    • Starting on one end, roll the cake up with a towel on each side. Try to keep it as tight as possible.
    • With the cake tightly rolled, set it aside to completely cool.
    • When cool, gently unroll it.
    • To prepare frosting, add butter, vanilla and powdered sugar to bowl.
    • Add enough milk while whipping ingredients to reach the frosting consistency you desire.
    • Spread on the frosting, covering the top of the cake.
    • Begin rolling the cake from one end, using a towel to help guide you.
    • When the cake is completely rolled, wrap the towel tightly around it to help hold its form.
    • Place cake roll in the freezer for 4 hours.
    • Remove from freezer and cut into slices. Serve and enjoy.

    Notes

    • You will need white cake mix for this recipe. 
    • You can switch up the colors and serve this cake roll for different holidays. 
    • Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 11mg | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.02mg
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    Sara Zenner, blogger at Bitz N Giggles

    welcome!

    Hey, I’m Sara!

     Born and raised in Wisconsin, where family and fun are at the heart of it all - I inherited a deep appreciation for home cooking and family traditions. I’m all about quick and easy recipes, tidying up, and laid back “up north” living.

    Read more!

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