Flag Cake

A Flag Cake is a delightful dessert that bursts with patriotic spirit, perfect for celebrations like the 4th of July or any festive gathering. This Red, White, and Blue Flag Cake features fluffy vanilla layers adorned with vibrant fruit colors and creamy frosting, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The combination of flavors and textures makes this cake irresistible, showcasing your baking skills while bringing joy to every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: This cake’s striking red, white, and blue layers make it a showstopper at any event.
• Delicious Flavor: The fluffy vanilla cake paired with rich buttercream creates a delightful taste experience.
• Customizable Design: You can easily modify the decoration to suit any occasion or personal preference.
• Family-Friendly Baking: This recipe is fun and easy enough for everyone to join in the kitchen and help out.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for holidays and gatherings, this cake adds a touch of celebration to any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Flag Cake, gather all necessary tools and equipment. Being prepared will ensure a smoother baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• 8-inch cake pans (x4)
• Parchment paper
• Offset spatula
• Biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter (4-inch)

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures even mixing for a fluffy cake texture.
• Cake pans: Four identical pans allow you to bake all layers at once, speeding up the process.
• Offset spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly on your cake layers for a professional finish.

Ingredients

To create this beautiful Red, White, and Blue Flag Cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake Layers

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (3 sticks), room temperature
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1½ cups milk
• 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree
• 2-3 tablespoons blueberry puree
• A few drops of red gel food coloring
• A few drops of blue gel food coloring

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 3 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Flag Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare four 8-inch cake pans by buttering them generously. Line each pan with parchment paper and butter the parchment as well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt

Set aside these dry ingredients for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer:
1. Beat the room temperature butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix in pure vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add in the flour mixture in three batches.
2. Alternate adding two batches of milk while beginning and ending with flour.
3. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Divide and Color Batter

Divide the batter into four equal parts:
1. Color two portions with strawberry puree along with a few drops of red gel food coloring.
2. Pour these into two prepared pans.
3. For blue cake: Color another portion with blueberry puree plus blue gel food coloring.
4. Pour into another prepared pan.
5. The last portion remains uncolored for the white layer; pour it into the final pan.

Step 6: Bake Cakes

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown (30-35 minutes) or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Level Cakes

Once cooled:
1. Level off any domed tops by trimming them.
2. Slice each cake horizontally to create thin layers (totaling four).

Step 9: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In an electric mixer:
1. Whip softened butter on medium speed for about 8 minutes until pale and creamy.
2. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar along with milk and extracts; mix on low then increase to medium speed for about six minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 10: Assemble Your Flag Cake

On a cake stand:
1. Place one red layer down; spread about ½ cup frosting on top using an offset spatula.
2. Add one white layer followed by more frosting; then top with another red layer.
3. Frost again before placing the blue layer gently on top.
4. Carefully spread frosting inside blue layer; insert the white round piece from earlier into its center followed by a red round piece pressed gently into place.
5. Finish frosting around top and sides as desired before decorating further if you wish!

How to Serve Flag Cake

Flag cake is a festive treat perfect for celebrations, especially during summer holidays like the Fourth of July. Serving this vibrant cake is as delightful as making it, and it can be enjoyed in various ways.

Individual Slices

• Serve each guest a slice of flag cake topped with fresh strawberries or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover pieces of flag cake into fun cake pops. Simply crumble the cake, mix with frosting, and form into balls on sticks before dipping in colorful candy melts.

Parfait Style

• Layer pieces of flag cake with whipped cream and mixed berries in a glass for a visually appealing dessert parfait.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place slices of flag cake between scoops of your favorite vanilla or berry ice cream for a delicious twist on traditional ice cream sandwiches.

How to Perfect Flag Cake

Creating the perfect flag cake requires attention to detail and a bit of practice. Here are some tips to ensure your cake stands out.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
• Level Your Cakes: Ensure each layer is level before stacking to avoid a lopsided cake.
• Chill Your Frosting: If your frosting becomes too soft while decorating, chill it briefly to achieve the right consistency.
• Color Consistently: When using food coloring, add gradually until you reach your desired shade for even color distribution across layers.
• Decorate Creatively: Use fresh fruit or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal of your flag cake.

Best Side Dishes for Flag Cake

Pairing sides with your flag cake can elevate the overall dining experience. Here are some complementary side dishes that work well with this festive dessert.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream: A light dollop can enhance each slice of flag cake, adding creaminess and richness.
3. Ice Cream: Vanilla or berry-flavored ice cream complements the flavors of the flag cake beautifully.
4. Lemonade: A refreshing lemonade provides a tangy contrast to the sweet flavors of the dessert.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory balance alongside the sweet elements.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly seasoned grilled veggies offer a healthy contrast that pairs well with rich desserts like flag cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Flag Cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Boldly Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can ruin your cake.
• Boldly Skipping the Cooling Step: Don’t rush to frost a warm cake. Let it cool completely to ensure your frosting doesn’t melt off.
• Boldly Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect the cake’s rise.
• Boldly Not Leveling Layers: Uneven layers can make stacking difficult. Use a serrated knife to level each cake before assembling.
• Boldly Forgetting to Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and other ingredients for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-5 days for best freshness.

Freezing Flag Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Flag Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place a slice on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium-low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Flag Cake.

What is the secret to a fluffy Flag Cake?

The key is to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, which helps achieve a fluffy texture.

Can I use different flavors for my Flag Cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with lemon zest or almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

How do I decorate my Flag Cake?

Use whipped cream or additional frosting to create stars and stripes, or add fresh berries on top for decoration that also enhances flavor!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup as a direct replacement.

How long does it take to make Flag Cake?

The total time from prep to finish is about one hour including baking and cooling time.

Final Thoughts

This Red, White, and Blue Flag Cake is not only visually stunning but also versatile enough to fit various occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or decorations. Give it a try at your next gathering!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Red, White, and Blue Flag Cake

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with our vibrant Red, White, and Blue Flag Cake, a show-stopping dessert suitable for any celebration! This delightful layered cake features fluffy vanilla layers complemented by rich buttercream frosting, all adorned with colorful fruit purees that create a stunning patriotic presentation. Perfect for summer gatherings like the Fourth of July, this cake is easy to customize and is sure to impress guests of all ages. With its light texture and sweet flavor, this Flag Cake not only pleases the palate but also adds a visual feast to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (3 sticks), room temperature
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1½ cups milk
• 2–3 tablespoons strawberry puree
• 2–3 tablespoons blueberry puree
• A few drops of red gel food coloring
• A few drops of blue gel food coloring
• 3 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare four 8-inch cake pans with butter and parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients and milk alternately until just combined.
5. Divide the batter into four parts: two colored with strawberry puree for red, one with blueberry puree for blue, and one left uncolored for white.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
7. Level cakes before assembling: layer red, white, red again, then blue on top with frosting in between.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg