American Flag Cake Recipe

Name: American Flag Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 sticks (1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature); 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs (at room temperature); 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (leveled); 1 cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 stick (½ cup unsalted butter, softened); About 5½ cups powdered sugar (divided); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 half-pint (6 oz fresh blueberries); 4 half-pints (24 oz fresh raspberries)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Before diving into the delightful world of American Flag Cake, let’s chat about what to serve alongside it. This cake is not just visually stunning; it is the centerpiece of any gathering, particularly for summer celebrations. When you want to create a memorable meal, pairing your cake with yummy sides can elevate the entire experience. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Burgers: Juicy and fresh off the grill, burgers are a classic summer staple that matches perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, this buttery delight adds a crunchy contrast to the cake’s texture.
Potato Salad: A cool, creamy potato salad complements the cake and adds a hearty side.
Fruit Salad: Keeping it simple with seasonal fruits can balance the richness of the dessert.

The sun is shining, the barbeque’s fired up, and the atmosphere is filled with laughter—a perfect environment to present an American Flag Cake. This dessert isn’t just a cake; it’s a celebration of colors, flavors, and memories. It evokes feelings of nostalgia and community, especially during holidays like Independence Day. For those who love to bake, this cake presents an opportunity to show off your skills while indulging the taste buds of family and friends.

What is an American Flag Cake?

At its core, American Flag Cake is a visually striking dessert made up of layers of moist cake, fluffy frosting, and vibrant berries arranged to resemble the flag of the United States. Traditionally, it employs features like vanilla cake, adorned in red and blue hues from strawberries and blueberries, symbolizing patriotism. This cake combines the rich flavors of vanilla buttercream with the tartness of fresh fruit, making each bite both delicious and festive.

Why Does This Recipe Work?

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it delivers a moist cake base that complements the sweetness of the frosting and the natural tang from the berries. Second, it’s versatile—feel free to experiment with flavors and textures according to your preference. Lastly, the presentation can’t be beaten. It looks complex, yet it’s easy to assemble, allowing even beginner bakers to feel like pros.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Before jumping in, let’s gather the necessary ingredients.

For the cake:

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature
2¾ cups all-purpose flour, leveled
1 cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the frosting and topping:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
About 5½ cups powdered sugar, divided

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 half-pint (6 oz) fresh blueberries

4 half-pints (24 oz) fresh raspberries

How to Make American Flag Cake

Creating an American Flag Cake involves a straightforward approach that seamlessly blends flavors and visually exciting techniques. You’ll be layering cake and frosting, then decorating it artistically. The steps below will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cakes slide out easily once baked. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Expect this to take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and lemon zest for that delightful fresh note. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Baking the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, allow them to cool in the pans for ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Making the Frosting

For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble. Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread an even layer of frosting on top, then add another cake layer. Repeat the process. After adding the final layer, use the remaining frosting to coat the top and sides, creating a clean finish.

Step 6: Decorating the Cake

This is where your creativity shines! Arrange the blueberries in a square shape on the top left corner to represent the stars of the flag. Use the raspberries to create stripes across the remaining top area. Note that the raspberries should be arranged so that they resemble the flag’s red stripes. Step back and admire your handiwork!

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

Here are some great tips to consider for optimizing your American Flag Cake:

Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s crucial for butter, eggs, and cream cheese to be at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
Make Your Own Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Leveling Your Cakes: Once baked and cooled, level each cake layer using a serrated knife for even stacking.
Chill Before Decorating: If your cake appears to be soft, chill it for about 30 minutes before frosting to achieve better stability.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have excess cake, store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftover cake, it’s essential to store it correctly. Ideally, you should refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container. This will keep the cake moist and tasty. If you expect leftovers will last more than a few days, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This way, you can enjoy a slice down the road.

Nutrition Information

While dessert should always be enjoyed, understanding nutrition helps in moderation. Here’s a rough estimate per serving, assuming the cake is cut into 12 pieces:

How Would I Recommend Serving American Flag Cake?

When it comes to serving this festive dessert, consider these suggestions:

Family Gatherings: Perfect for Sunday dinners or family reunions. Everyone loves a dish that sparks conversations and smiles.
Fireworks Night: Why not bring this to the park? Its visual appeal can match the brilliant colors of the fireworks.
Picnics: Easy to transport, American Flag Cake is an excellent option for any outdoor gathering.
Birthday Celebrations: It’s not just an American flag; it’s a celebration flag! Make it for any birthday that falls during the summer months.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?

Sometimes you find yourself missing an ingredient here or there. Don’t worry! Here are some good substitutes:

Unsalted Butter: Margarine works in a pinch. However, for the best flavor, stick with butter whenever possible.
Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can contribute a different taste. Keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
Cake Flour: All-purpose flour can be used if you don’t have cake flour. For every cup, remove two tablespoons of flour and replace it with cornstarch.
Fresh Berries: If seasonal fruits aren’t available, consider using frozen berries. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Before diving into the delightful world of American Flag Cake, let’s chat about what to serve alongside it.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 217 kcal

Equipment

Stand mixer
A large bowl

Ingredients

2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs at room temperature

2¾ cups all-purpose flour leveled
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

About 5½ cups powdered sugar divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

1 half-pint 6 oz fresh blueberries
4 half-pints 24 oz fresh raspberries