Nothing says summer celebration quite like a homemade American flag cake. From Memorial Day and the Fourth of July to family reunions and BBQs, this colorful sheet cake brings smiles to every table. I’ve made it a tradition to bake an American flag cake every summer, and over the years, it’s become the one dessert my friends ask for by name.
This patriotic dessert isn’t just for looks, beneath the red, white, and blue lies a tender vanilla cake that’s topped with creamy whipped frosting and loaded with juicy fresh berries. Whether you’re hosting a big crowd or planning a casual backyard party, this American flag cake fits right in. It’s festive, fun to make, and even more fun to eat.
So if you’re looking to bake something that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and photogenic enough for Instagram, this is it. And yes, we’re using real fruit and no artificial dyes here, so the flavor is as honest as the flag itself.
Table of contents
What Makes This American Flag Cake a Crowd Favorite
There are plenty of American flag cake recipes out there, but this one stands out for its simplicity, versatility, and fresh ingredients. The base is a fluffy vanilla sheet cake—easy to slice and serve, but rich and moist thanks to the addition of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Instead of heavy buttercream, I use a lightly sweetened whipped topping that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the berries.
Here’s what really makes it special:
- Fresh berries: No artificial coloring needed when you have vibrant strawberries and blueberries.
- Whipped topping: Creamy, fluffy, and not overly sweet—perfect for warm-weather events.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can bake the cake the day before and assemble it before serving.
- Customizable: Use different berries, change the frosting, or swap the base for your favorite vanilla cake or even a box mix in a pinch.
Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Watching sugar? Use your favorite sugar alternative. Celebrating with kids? Let them help place the berries, it’s fun and interactive!
The Ultimate American Flag Cake Recipe Card
American Flag Cake Recipe
12
servings25
minutes35
minutes360
kcalThis American flag cake is light, fluffy, and topped with whipped cream and berries arranged into a patriotic flag. A festive dessert favorite.
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Ingredients
- For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups 2 1/2 all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp 2 1/2 baking powder
1/2 tsp 1/2 baking soda
1/2 tsp 1/2 salt
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups 1 3/4 granulated sugar
4 large 4 eggs
1 cup 1 sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tsp 2 pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup 1/2 milk
- For the Topping:
2 cups 2 heavy cream
1/3 cup 1/3 powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
1 pint 1 fresh blueberries
1 pint 1 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until combined.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the cooled cake.
- Arrange blueberries in the upper left corner and create red and white stripes with strawberry slices and extra whipped cream.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use a boxed vanilla cake for convenience. Adjust berry amounts as needed. For a vegan version, use plant-based alternatives and dairy-free whipped topping.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 4g
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Tips for a Star-Studded Flag Cake
This cake may look impressive, but it’s easier than it appears. With these tips, you’ll bake and decorate it like a pro:
- Use room temperature ingredients
This helps the batter mix evenly and rise well. Cold eggs or butter can cause the batter to clump or bake unevenly. - Grease and line your pan
Use parchment paper at the bottom for easy removal, especially if you plan to present it outside the pan. - Cool completely before frosting
Whipped toppings melt fast on warm cake, so be sure your base is fully cool before decorating. - Use a piping bag for precision
If you’re aiming for a neat flag design, a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped) makes adding white stripes easy. - Chill before serving
Once decorated, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes. It helps set the frosting and keeps the berries fresh.
Make It Yours: Delicious Variations
1. Chocolate American Flag Cake
Craving chocolate? Swap the vanilla base with your favorite chocolate sheet cake. The deep cocoa flavor balances beautifully with the sweet berries and whipped topping. It adds a rich twist while still looking festive and classic.
2. Lemon Berry Flag Cake
Add fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy version. This lemon cake version is especially refreshing in summer and pairs naturally with berries.
3. Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Want something a little tangier? Replace the whipped cream topping with cream cheese frosting. It holds up well in warm weather and adds a smooth, slightly tangy layer that complements the fruit.
4. Mini American Flag Cupcakes
Instead of a sheet cake, bake the batter in cupcake tins. Frost and top each cupcake with mini berry flags using thin strawberry slices and single blueberries. Perfect for kids or grab-and-go parties.
FAQs and Troubleshooting about American flag Cake
Make sure the cake is fully cooled before topping and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can stabilize the whipped cream by adding 1 tbsp of instant pudding mix.
Absolutely! A white or yellow cake mix works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just follow the package directions and decorate as usual.
Place it in a deep-lidded container or cover it loosely with plastic wrap and transport in a cooler bag with ice packs, especially in hot weather.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover
Turn extra slices into a trifle by layering them in jars with more whipped cream and berries. Or freeze individual portions for a festive treat any time of year. Cake scraps also make fun cake pops when mixed with frosting and dipped in chocolate.
Conclusion: The Perfect Flag-Waving Dessert
This American flag cake is more than just a festive dessert, it’s a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a big Independence Day BBQ or a quiet gathering with loved ones, it brings a touch of patriotic cheer to any table. Plus, with its fluffy vanilla base and fresh berries, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
If you enjoyed this cake, you might also love my Strawberry Rhubarb Cake or Italian Cream Cake. They’re just as festive and every bit as irresistible.
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