Nothing says “summer celebration” quite like a July Cake Roll—a light, fluffy sponge cake rolled with creamy filling and decorated in vibrant red, white, and blue. Perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any summer gathering, this stunning dessert is as impressive as it is delicious.
With its soft, airy texture, luscious filling, and festive design, this cake roll is easier to make than it looks. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through every step—from baking the perfect flexible sponge to achieving those picture-perfect patriotic stripes.
Why You’ll Love This July Cake Roll
✔ Showstopping Presentation – A gorgeous red, white, and blue swirl makes it the star of any dessert table.
✔ Light & Fluffy Texture – The sponge cake is tender and moist, never dry.
✔ Customizable Fillings – Use whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or even lemon curd.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be assembled a day in advance.
✔ Great for All Ages – Kids and adults alike will love this festive treat!
Ingredients
For the Patriotic Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Red and blue gel food coloring (liquid can make the batter too wet)
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened (optional, for stability)
For Decoration (Optional):
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries)
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream stars
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sponge Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 5 minutes until pale and thick.
- Mix in vanilla.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold until just combined.
2. Create the Patriotic Colors
- Divide batter evenly into 3 bowls.
- Leave one bowl plain (white).
- Tint one bowl red and the other blue with gel food coloring.
3. Pipe the Stripes
- Spoon each color into separate piping bags (or ziplock bags with a corner snipped).
- Pipe parallel stripes of red, white, and blue batter onto the prepared pan.
- Gently spread with an offset spatula to smooth (don’t overmix colors).
4. Bake & Roll
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.
- Immediately invert onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Carefully peel off parchment paper.
- Roll the cake lengthwise (with the towel inside) and let cool completely.
5. Make the Filling
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- For extra stability, beat in softened cream cheese until smooth.
6. Assemble the Cake Roll
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread filling evenly.
- Re-roll without the towel, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
7. Decorate & Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Top with berries and whipped cream stars.
- Slice to reveal the beautiful spiral!
Pro Tips for Success
✔ Room-temperature eggs whip better for a fluffier sponge.
✔ Don’t overbake—the cake must stay flexible to roll.
✔ Chill before slicing for clean cuts.
✔ Use gel food coloring for vibrant stripes without thinning the batter.
Variations & Substitutions
🍓 Berry-Lovers’ Version – Add chopped strawberries and blueberries inside the roll.
🍋 Lemon Blueberry – Use lemon curd and blueberry compote as filling.
🍫 Chocolate Patriotic Roll – Add cocoa powder to half the batter for a marbled effect.
🌱 Dairy-Free – Swap whipped cream for coconut cream.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✔ Refrigerate for up to 3 days (wrap tightly).
✔ Freeze (unfilled) for up to 1 month—thaw, fill, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- With vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent dessert.
- As a festive centerpiece at BBQs and picnics.
- With sparklers on top for a Fourth of July wow factor.
Final Thoughts
This July Cake Roll is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration on a plate! With its stunning swirls and irresistible flavor, it’s guaranteed to be the highlight of your summer spread.