Flag Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a festive spirit to any gathering. This vibrant cake features layers of fluffy vanilla cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and adorned with fresh strawberries and blueberries, making it perfect for celebrations like the Fourth of July, birthdays, or family reunions. Its striking appearance and mouthwatering flavor make it a standout choice that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Flag Cake recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve impressive results without stress.
- Festive Presentation: The beautiful arrangement of berries creates an eye-catching design that’s perfect for patriotic holidays and special events.
- Delicious Flavor: With a rich butter and cream cheese base, this cake is moist and bursting with flavor, making each slice irresistible.
- Serves a Crowd: With 24 servings, this cake is ideal for gatherings, ensuring there’s enough for everyone to enjoy.
- Versatile Decoration: You can easily customize the toppings or add your favorite fruits to suit different occasions.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Flag Cake, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet pan (18×13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet pan: Ensures even baking and provides enough space for the cake to rise properly.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients to achieve a light and airy batter.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients gently without deflating the batter.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 18 tablespoons (2¼ sticks) unsalted butter, (at room temperature)
- 3 cups granulated white sugar
- 6 extra large eggs, (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream, (at room temperature)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Frosting
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, (at room temperature)
- Three 8-ounce packages cream cheese, (at room temperature)
- 1 pound powdered sugar, (sifted)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For Topping
- 2½ cups blueberries
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
How to Make Flag Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Butter and flour an 18×13 by 1½-inch sheet pan to prevent sticking.
Continue following these steps in your recipe process to complete your Flag Cake masterpiece!
How to Serve Flag Cake
Flag Cake is a festive dessert that’s perfect for celebrations, especially during patriotic holidays. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious cake.
Individual Portions
- Use small dessert plates to cut the cake into squares for easy serving.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra richness.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve slices of Flag Cake alongside additional fresh strawberries and blueberries for a colorful touch.
- A side of mixed berries can enhance the fruity flavors of the cake.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Offer vanilla ice cream as a delightful pairing. The creaminess complements the rich cake.
- Consider adding a scoop of strawberry or blueberry ice cream for a fun twist.
Decorative Presentation
- Arrange slices on a large platter and garnish with mint leaves for an elegant look.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce over individual servings for added indulgence.
At Potlucks or Gatherings
- Cut the cake into smaller bite-sized pieces, making it easy for guests to enjoy.
- Provide toothpicks for easy handling and serving.
How to Perfect Flag Cake
Creating the perfect Flag Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure yours turns out beautifully.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Level your oven rack: Position it in the center of the oven before baking for even heat distribution.
- Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert it in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
- Cool completely before frosting: Letting it cool prevents melting the frosting and helps layers set properly.
Best Side Dishes for Flag Cake
Flag Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its sweet flavors. Here are some excellent options.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Pasta Salad: A tangy pasta salad can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies offer a smoky flavor that pairs well with desserts.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy ones, enhances the overall dining experience.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create an inviting appetizer that refreshes the palate.
- Potato Salad: Classic potato salad offers comfort and pairs nicely with festive meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Flag Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy Flag Cake.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements ensure your cake rises correctly and has the right flavor.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and ruin the presentation.
- Ignoring oven calibration: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Wrap slices in plastic wrap for individual servings.
Freezing Flag Cake
- Freeze wrapped slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Flag Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes. This keeps the cake moist.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place slices on a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Flag Cake?
A Flag Cake is a festive dessert typically decorated with fruits resembling the American flag, making it perfect for patriotic celebrations.
How do I make a dairy-free Flag Cake?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk yogurt or coconut cream. Ensure all replacements fit your dietary needs.
Can I customize my Flag Cake?
Absolutely! You can switch out the fruit toppings or even add different flavors to the cake base according to your preference.
How long does it take to make Flag Cake?
The total time from prep to finish is about 75 minutes, with 45 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of baking time.
How should I store leftover Flag Cake?
Leftover Flag Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Flag Cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously versatile. Perfect for any celebration, you can customize it with different fruits or flavors based on your taste. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to impress family and friends!
Flag Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 24 1x
Description
Celebrate with a vibrant and delicious Flag Cake that’s sure to be the highlight of your gatherings. This eye-catching dessert features layers of fluffy vanilla cake, creamy cream cheese frosting, and a colorful array of fresh strawberries and blueberries, making it perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, birthdays, or family reunions. Not only is it visually stunning, but its rich flavor and moist texture will leave your guests asking for more. Ideal for serving a crowd, this cake is easily customizable to fit any occasion or preference.
Ingredients
- 18 tablespoons (2¼ sticks) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 3 cups granulated white sugar
- 6 extra large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream (at room temperature)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- Three 8-ounce packages cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 pound powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups blueberries
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 18×13 inch sheet pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese mixture topped with strawberries and blueberries arranged like an American flag.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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