If you’re looking to create a dessert that truly celebrates the vibrant red, white, and blue spirit of America, this American Flag Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s not just a cake; it’s a festive work of art made with layers of moist, tender cake and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, crowned by fresh raspberries and blueberries arranged perfectly to resemble the stars and stripes. Whether you’re marking the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or simply showing your patriotic pride, this cake will steal the show and bring smiles to everyone gathered around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this cake is a breeze with a handful of wonderful ingredients that each play a crucial role. The combination of cake flour and leaveners ensures a soft crumb, while the fresh berries add natural sweetness and vivid color. The cream cheese frosting ties it all together with a tangy, creamy finish that’s impossible to resist.
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour: Gives the cake its delicate texture and light crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a fluffy feel.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients for tender softness.
- 3/4 cup shortening or softened butter: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right.
- 1 1/4 cups milk (whole or 2%): Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract: Infuses warm, inviting flavors.
- 5 large egg whites (room temperature): Lightens the cake for a fluffy texture.
- 1 cup blueberries: Adds juicy bursts of intense blue color.
- 1 cup red raspberries: Brightens the cake with fresh, tart notes.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The base for a rich, tangy frosting that complements the fruit.
- 1/2 cup softened butter: Makes the frosting silky and spreadable.
- 3 tbsp cream or milk: Adjusts frosting consistency perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract: Adds depth and sweetness to the frosting.
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to ideal creaminess.
- Additional 32 oz red raspberries and 12 oz blueberries: For decorating the top in a classic American flag pattern.
How to Make American Flag Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking pans so the cake comes out effortlessly. In a mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; these dry ingredients form the structure of your cake. In a separate large bowl, cream together the shortening or butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy — this is key for a tender crumb. Slowly add in the milk and vanilla extract, alternating with the dry ingredients, to keep the batter smooth and lump-free. Finally, gently fold in the egg whites, whipped just enough to add airiness without deflating, for that soft and moist texture that everyone loves.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Pour the batter evenly into two or three round cake pans, depending on your preference for thickness. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell during baking is simply irresistible, promising a wonderful celebration ahead. After baking, let the layers cool completely on wire racks—this step is essential so the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the cream and vanilla extract, beating continuously until the frosting is light and fluffy. This frosting adds a lovely tang that offsets the sweetness of the cake and really brings out the fresh flavors of the berries.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate the Cake
Place your first cooled cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread with the cream cheese frosting. Add the next layer on top, and cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of frosting. Now for the fun part: decorate the top with the fresh raspberries and blueberries to form the American flag design. Use raspberries to create the red stripes and berries, while blueberries form the star field in the corner. This colorful, eye-catching arrangement makes the cake truly patriotic and festive.
How to Serve American Flag Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of edible glitter or a few mint leaves can add a touch of elegance to your American Flag Cake Recipe. A light dusting of powdered sugar around the edges brings out the vibrant colors of the berries and adds a delicate sweetness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake alongside a refreshing berry salad or a cool glass of lemonade for a perfect summer gathering. Light, fruity sides keep the overall meal balanced and complement the rich flavors of the cake and frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra festive touch, serve slices on red, white, and blue plates or arrange patriotic-themed napkins to enhance the visual celebration. You can also make mini American Flag Cupcakes using the same frosting and berry decoration for a fun and portable treat at picnics or barbecues.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or keep the entire cake covered in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to save this gem for later, freeze individual cake layers wrapped well in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and decorating to maintain that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Since this is a frosted cake, it’s best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
While fresh berries are recommended for their firmness and vibrant color, you can use frozen berries if fresh are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s texture and decoration.
Is this American Flag Cake Recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The recipe is straightforward, with simple steps and common ingredients. Decorating the flag pattern might take a little patience, but the process is fun and rewarding even for those new to baking.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to maintain the cake’s structure and tenderness.
What could I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
You can try a classic buttercream frosting by substituting the cream cheese with more butter and adjusting the sugar to taste. Remember, the tangy flavor from the cream cheese is part of what makes this American Flag Cake Recipe special, so your frosting will have a different profile.
How do I keep the berries from sinking into the frosting?
To prevent sinking, chill the cake for a bit after applying the frosting so it firms up slightly before decorating. Also, gently press berries into the frosting without pushing too deep, and use slightly firmer berries to maintain shape.
Final Thoughts
Making this American Flag Cake Recipe is such a joyful way to celebrate any patriotic occasion or to brighten up your dessert table with a splash of color and flavor. The combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and fresh berries is truly a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and bake this showstopper to share with your loved ones—you’ll be creating not just a dessert but a memorable experience packed with sweetness and sparkle.
Print
American Flag Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate any occasion with this patriotic American Flag Cake, featuring layers of moist vanilla cake decorated with fresh raspberries and blueberries to resemble the stars and stripes of the U.S. flag. The cake is beautifully layered with a smooth cream cheese frosting, making it as delightful to taste as it is to behold.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup shortening or softened butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups whole or 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 5 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup red raspberries
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 tbsp cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Decoration
- 32 oz red raspberries (approximately 83 berries)
- 12 oz blueberries (approximately 48 berries)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In a separate large bowl, cream the shortening (or softened butter) with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract alternately with the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. Finally, gently fold in the egg whites until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool completely on wire racks before removing them from the pans.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the cream or milk and vanilla extract until the frosting has a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top. Arrange a layer of blueberries and red raspberries on the frosting if desired for internal decoration. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting evenly.
- Decorate the Cake to Look Like the American Flag: Using fresh red raspberries, create the red stripes of the flag by arranging them in rows on the cake’s top surface and sides. Next, arrange the blueberries in the top left corner (canton) of the cake to represent the stars section of the flag. Make sure the berries are spaced closely together to mimic the flag’s iconic look.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help create a lighter, fluffier cake.
- Use fresh, firm berries for the best appearance and taste.
- The number of berries may vary depending on their size; adjust accordingly.
- For a more vibrant color, opt for clear vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
