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Classic Grandma’s Flag Cake

Classic Grandma’s Flag Cake Recipe - featured image
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A nostalgic and easy-to-make vanilla cake decorated with fresh berries to resemble the American flag, perfect for 4th of July celebrations and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature (can be swapped with almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (for the red stripes)
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (for the blue field)
  • White frosting (serves as the white stripes and background)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans; optionally line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream, mixing on low speed.
  10. Add vanilla extract and salt, then beat on high for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting on top. Add second layer and frost entire cake with a smooth white base.
  12. Arrange blueberries in the upper left corner to form the blue field of the flag. Use sliced strawberries to form red stripes horizontally across the cake. White frosting serves as white stripes.
  13. Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes to set frosting and meld flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for smooth blending. Do not overmix batter to keep cake light and fluffy. Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting application. Chill cake after frosting to set and prevent melting. Fresh berries are preferred for best appearance and taste; if using frozen, thaw and drain well.

Nutrition

Keywords: flag cake, 4th of July dessert, vanilla cake, berry cake, patriotic cake, summer dessert, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/classic-grandmas-flag-cake-recipe-easy-4th-of-july-dessert-ideas/