How to Make a Showstopping American Flag Cake for July 4th
Elevate your spread with a red velvet sheet cake that dazzles in patriotic colors.
American Flag Cake: The Ultimate Fourth of July Dessert
If you’re looking to wow your guests this Independence Day, nothing says celebration quite like a homemade American Flag Cake. This festive sheet cake features rich red velvet, classic cream cheese frosting, and a stunning flag design crafted from colorful nonpareils. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or attending a family gathering, this patriotic dessert is sure to be the centerpiece of your Fourth of July feast.
Why Make an American Flag Cake?
Flag cakes are a beloved tradition that combines patriotic spirit with irresistible flavor. Vibrant red, white, and blue decorations on a soft, flavorful cake make for a memorable finish to any holiday menu. Plus, sheet cakes are easy to serve to a crowd, and the festive appearance makes it feel extra special—even if you’re new to cake decorating.
- Perfect for feeding a large group at cookouts and parties.
- Celebrates the holiday with a cheerful, edible centerpiece.
- Simpler to decorate than you might think, thanks to easy techniques.
Ingredients
Below you’ll find all the ingredients needed for both the red velvet sheet cake and the luscious cream cheese frosting, plus the signature flag decorations.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour (for a tender crumb)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) liquid red food coloring
- 1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon whole milk (plus more as needed)
Decoration
- Red, white, and blue nonpareils (do not mix before decorating)
- Parchment paper (for easy, crisp lines)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cake Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Generously coat a rimmed baking sheet (approximately 13×18 inches) with cooking spray to ensure easy release after baking.
2. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate small bowl, mix the red food coloring, cocoa powder, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined, forming the signature red velvet hue with a hint of cocoa flavor.
3. Beat the Sugar, Oil, and Eggs
Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl until smooth (about 1 minute). This creates a fluffy, moist base for the cake.
4. Combine Everything Into Batter
Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Add the food coloring-cocoa mixture, then increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the batter is smooth (20–30 seconds).
5. Bake the Cake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with an offset spatula for even baking. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until smooth. Add the milk to adjust the consistency—frosting should be spreadable but not runny. If needed, add extra milk a teaspoon at a time.
7. Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface with an offset spatula. Smooth and level for a polished finish, as this will showcase the flag design.
How to Decorate Your American Flag Cake
The iconic flag effect is achieved using nonpareils and parchment paper as a stencil. Follow these simple steps for crisp, colorful results:
- Cut a parchment sheet to match the size of your cake. With the long side facing you, mark out 13 equal-width stripes. In the top left corner, mark a square that covers a little less than half the cake’s width and extends down to the seventh stripe. Cut out this square.
- Apply the parchment stencil over the frosted cake. Gently press it so it adheres.
- Blue field: Cover the exposed square in the upper left with blue nonpareils. Carefully tilt the cake to pour off excess, then lift away the parchment.
- Stripes: Cut the same parchment into 13 strips. Lay every other strip on your cake to mask the areas that will remain white. Sprinkle red nonpareils over the exposed stripes to form the red stripes of the flag.
- Finishing touches: Remove the parchment strips to reveal crisp, alternating white and red stripes. Scatter a few white nonpareils onto the blue field to suggest stars.
This method results in a visually striking, clean flag design. It’s both foolproof and fun for bakers of any skill level.
Pro Tips for the Best Flag Cake
- Cool the cake completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide.
- Use an offset spatula for smooth, professional-looking frosting and for spreading the batter evenly pre-bake.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added—just mix until combined for a tender cake.
- Buttermilk gives traditional red velvet its tang and tenderness. Don’t skip it!
- For easy serving, cut the cake in the pan once decorated. Sheet cakes are made for sharing!
- Want a lighter touch? Use less frosting, or frost just the top of the cake and leave the sides bare for a modern look.
Flag Cake Variations and Customization
- Berry Flag Cake: Use blueberries for the stars’ field and raspberries or sliced strawberries for stripes. Pipe dollops of frosting for stars.
- Different Flavors: Swap the red velvet base for white cake, lemon, or even chocolate to suit your taste.
- Mini Flag Cakes: Divide the batter between smaller pans for personal-sized treats or a dessert sampler.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a reliable gluten-free cake flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Added Sugar | 24g |
| Protein | 3g |
Note: Actual nutrition values will vary depending on serving size and exact ingredient choices.
Serving and Storing Your Flag Cake
- Slice and serve directly from the pan for easy entertaining.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cake stays moist and flavors meld even more over time.
- Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Make-Ahead and Planning Tips
- Bake the cake up to two days ahead. Wrap tightly and refrigerate.
- Frost and decorate the day of serving for the freshest look—keep chilled if made ahead.
- Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a boxed cake mix to make a flag cake?
Yes! If you’re short on time, substitute your favorite boxed red velvet or white cake mix and bake as directed in a sheet pan. Decorate with the frosting and nonpareils as described.
How do I get crisp stripes and squares?
Use parchment paper stencils and press gently into the frosting before sprinkling. Carefully remove parchment to reveal sharp edges.
What if I want to use fresh fruit?
Replace nonpareils with blueberries for the blue field and sliced strawberries or raspberries for the stripes. Pipe or dollop frosting for the stars.
Can I make this cake gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cake flour blend or your favorite gluten-free cake recipe. For dairy-free, substitute dairy-free margarine, plant-based milk, and vegan cream cheese in the frosting. Decorations can remain the same.
Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, store the cake covered in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving if preferred.
Additional Decorating and Baking Tips
- To make clean, even stripes, use a ruler to measure and score the parchment before cutting.
- Have extra nonpareils on hand so you can easily fill in any uneven spots.
- Experiment with different piping tips or cut parchment into stars for even more creative decorating.
Celebrate in Style with a Patriotic Centerpiece
An American Flag Cake offers a festive and flavorful way to mark the Fourth of July. With easy-to-follow steps and a few simple tools, even novice bakers can create a patriotic masterpiece. Make this dessert the highlight of your holiday table, and enjoy the compliments to follow!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43804395/american-flag-cake-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11633/fourth-of-july/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43622436/fourth-of-july-cakes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43688117/red-white-and-blue-desserts/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g61474692/ree-drummond-favorite-4th-of-july-recipes/
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