American Flag Cake

Transform your gathering into a memorable celebration with this homemade American Flag Cake! This stunning dessert features a moist, fluffy vanilla cake that creates a delightful base. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting.

To showcase the patriotic theme, the cake is beautifully decorated with fresh fruit, including luscious strawberries and blueberries that create the iconic flag design. This eye-catching creation is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a delicious treat that will undoubtedly impress your guests!

Some more 4th of July themed desserts we love are berry icebox cake, berry coconut trifle, easy berry cheesecake cups, or these 4th of July cookie sticks.

Before You Get Started

FRUIT: If you plan to prepare this the day before, avoid adding the strawberries until closer to serving time, or opt for raspberries instead. Cut strawberries will release some of their juice as the cake sits. Frozen fruit is not suitable for this recipe. If you rinse your fruit, it must be completely dry before adding to the cake.

ROOM TEMPERATURE: It is very important that the butter, sour cream, eggs, and cream cheese be at room temperature for the best outcome.

RIPE FRUIT: For the best flavor, select fruit that is fully ripe. Look for strawberries that are a deep red color with no white tops. Choose blueberries that are a rich blue rather than green.

How To Make An American Flag Cake

STEP 1: Prepare the baking sheet

Butter and flour an 18×13 baking sheet (or cookie sheet).

***PRO TIP: I like to use the butter wrappers to butter cake pans. Just place the buttered side of the wrapper in the pan and smear the leftover butter around, making sure to get into the corners!

STEP 2: Creaming the butter and sugar

Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl of a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs in 1 at a time, mixing just until combined before adding in the next. Add the sour cream and vanilla and mix just until combined.

***PRO TIP: Be sure to scrape the sides of the mixing bowl often to ensure all the ingredients incorporate evenly.

STEP 3: Mixing the batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour to the butter mixture and mix on low just until combined. Pour into prepared pan and smooth into and even layer.

***PRO TIP: After spreading out the cake batter, I like to bang the pan on the countertop a few times to help bubbles rise to the surface and pop.

STEP 4: Mixing the frosting

Combine the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat on high until smooth.

STEP 5: Decorating the cake

Spread about half of the frosting on the cake. Arrange the fruit to resemble the American flag. Use the remaining frosting to pipe the white stripes and a few stars if desired.

***PRO TIP: I used a 6B tip to make the stripes and stars.
***DECORATING TIP: If you wash your fruit before using it, ensure it is completely dry before decorating the cake with it.

Storage and Make-Ahead

STORAGE: Store leftover cake covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cut strawberries will begin to bleed into the frosting the longer it sits.

MAKE-AHEAD: If you want to use strawberries, add them closer to serving time to avoid them bleeding into the frosting. Otherwise, you can use raspberries. Don’t make more than 24 hours in advance and use the freshest fruit possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

More 4th of July Recipes To Try

• Classic Burger
• Bruschetta Pork Chops
• Easy Fruit Salad
• Creamy Macaroni Salad
• Old Fashioned Potato Salad

DID YOU KNOW….
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