American Flag Cake

This colorful and delicious American Flag Cake is the perfect recipe to celebrate the 4th of July! It’s a super moist sheet cake with a cream cheese frosting and topped with fresh berries arranged like the American flag! Ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, or festive events, this cake not only looks stunning but also tastes incredible. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors of the strawberries and blueberries create a stunning visual that will impress your guests.
• Delicious Flavor: Moist cake paired with creamy frosting makes every bite delightful.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for the 4th of July, birthdays, or any summer gathering.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake serves 12, making it ideal for parties or family events.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this American Flag Cake is simple with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (or pan)
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking for a perfectly cooked cake.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding in ingredients gently.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 220 g Vegetable oil
• 400 g Granulated sugar
• 4 Eggs (room temperature)
• 240 g Yogurt, thick Greek or Turkish style (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 375 g All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon Baking powder
• 2 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt

For the Frosting

• 600 g Cream cheese (full fat (33%+) eg. Philadelphia)
• 200 g Mascarpone (full fat (41%+))
• 100 g Powdered sugar (sifted)

For Topping

• 500 g Strawberries (medium sized strawberries cut into half)
• 100 g Blueberries

How to Make American Flag Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your baking sheet or pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Vegetable oil
2. Granulated sugar
3. Eggs
4. Yogurt
5. Vanilla extract

Whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt

Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the cake is baking, prepare your frosting by beating together:
1. Cream cheese
2. Mascarpone
3. Sifted powdered sugar

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once baked, let the cake cool completely before frosting it generously with your cream cheese mixture.

Step 8: Decorate with Berries

Arrange halved strawberries on one side of the cake to form stripes and place blueberries in one corner to represent the stars on the American flag.

Now your American Flag Cake is ready to be enjoyed! Celebrate with friends and family as you share this delightful dessert.

How to Serve American Flag Cake

Serving your American Flag Cake is all about making it a centerpiece at your celebration. This colorful dessert is not only delicious but also visually stunning, fitting perfectly into any festive occasion.

Individual Slices

• Present each slice of the cake on a decorative plate for a charming touch.
• Drizzle some extra cream cheese frosting on the side for an indulgent experience.

Family Style

• Place the entire cake on a large platter and allow guests to serve themselves.
• Add fresh mint leaves around the cake for a pop of color and freshness.

Picnic Style

• Cut the cake into squares and wrap them in parchment paper for easy transport.
• Include some napkins and festive forks for a fun outdoor gathering.

Dessert Buffet

• Serve slices alongside other desserts to create a delightful dessert table.
• Use small flags or labels to identify each dessert, including your American Flag Cake.

How to Perfect American Flag Cake

To ensure your American Flag Cake is a showstopper, consider these simple tips. They will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a lighter texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Cool completely before frosting: Make sure your cake is completely cool; otherwise, the frosting might melt off or slide.
• Arrange berries carefully: Place strawberries and blueberries in lines to mimic the flag’s design beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for American Flag Cake

Pairing side dishes with your American Flag Cake can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this festive dessert.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn grilled to perfection offers a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
2. Classic Coleslaw – A refreshing slaw adds crunch and balances out the sweetness of the cake.
3. BBQ Chicken Wings – Savory wings are perfect for summer gatherings and provide a hearty option alongside dessert.
4. Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad pairs well with cakes, offering another comfort food option.
5. Watermelon Salad – A light watermelon salad with mint refreshes your palate after sweet treats.
6. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil skewers add a burst of flavor that complements dessert beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect American Flag Cake can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a successful bake.

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or yogurt can lead to a dense cake. Always let your ingredients sit out before starting.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
• Forgetting to Preheat the Oven: Starting with a cold oven can affect baking time and texture. Always preheat your oven for even baking.
• Neglecting Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, it won’t hold its shape. Ensure it’s thick enough by using full-fat cream cheese.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store the American Flag Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will keep well for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing American Flag Cake

• item Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating American Flag Cake

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• item Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the American Flag Cake.

How do I decorate my American Flag Cake?

You can create the flag design using strawberries for red stripes and blueberries for stars. Arrange them artfully on top of the frosted cake.

Can I use other fruits on my American Flag Cake?

Absolutely! You can mix or replace strawberries and blueberries with raspberries or blackberries according to your preference.

What is the best way to serve American Flag Cake?

Slice it into squares and serve on colorful plates for festive occasions like Independence Day celebrations or summer parties.

How long does it take to make an American Flag Cake?

The total time from start to finish is approximately 90 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Final Thoughts

This vibrant American Flag Cake is not only stunning but also delicious, making it perfect for celebrations. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or flavorings to make it your own. Enjoy this festive dessert at your next gathering!