The American Flag Cake is a festive and easy dessert that’s ideal for patriotic holidays. This fun cake combines a moist base, creamy frosting, and vibrant fresh fruit to create a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or attending a potluck, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
*OR homemade:- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract*
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Offset spatula (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.- If using boxed cake mix, prepare the batter according to the package instructions.
- For homemade cake: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Bake the cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely. - Make the frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. - Frost the cake:
Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or offset spatula. - Decorate with fruit:
- Arrange blueberries in the top left corner to represent the stars of the flag.
- Place strawberry slices in rows to create the stripes of the flag, leaving spaces for the white stripes of frosting.
- Serve:
Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice and serve for a festive and delicious treat!
Tips
- Fruit substitutions: If strawberries and blueberries aren’t available, use raspberries or blackberries for a similar look.
- Extra flair: Add sparklers or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake the day before and frost it on the day of serving for optimal freshness.
This American Flag Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is patriotic. With its light, fluffy cake and refreshing fruit topping, it’s perfect for celebrating any red, white, and blue occasion. Enjoy this stunning centerpiece with friends and family!
American Flag Cake Recipe
Celebrate in patriotic style with this American Flag Cake! A soft, fluffy cake topped with whipped cream and decorated with fresh blueberries and strawberries to resemble the American flag. Perfect for Fourth of July or Memorial Day!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Offset spatula (optional)
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
- *OR homemade:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract*
- For the Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Decoration:
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1 pint fresh strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the cake base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- If using boxed cake mix, prepare the batter according to the package instructions.
- For homemade cake: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- Make the frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
- Frost the cake:
- Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or offset spatula.
- Decorate with fruit:
- Arrange blueberries in the top left corner to represent the stars of the flag.
- Place strawberry slices in rows to create the stripes of the flag, leaving spaces for the white stripes of frosting.
- Serve:
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice and serve for a festive and delicious treat!
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