Print

Patriotic Flag Cake Recipe – Easy 4th of July Dessert with Fresh Berries

Patriotic Flag Cake - featured image
Print Recipe

This festive sheet cake features a moist vanilla base, creamy cream cheese frosting, and a vibrant flag design made with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any summer celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 pint fresh raspberries (optional)
  • Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk 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. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
  5. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
  8. For the frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and salt. Add milk as needed for spreadable consistency.
  9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake using an offset spatula or butter knife.
  10. Decorate: Arrange blueberries in the top left corner for the ‘stars.’ Alternate rows of sliced strawberries and blank frosting for the stripes. Add raspberries for extra color if desired. Garnish with mint leaves if using.
  11. Chill cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to set frosting and keep berries fresh.
  12. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Pat berries dry before decorating to prevent bleeding. Cake can be made a day ahead and decorated before serving. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use 1:1 gluten-free flour and plant-based dairy alternatives. Chill cake before slicing for neat pieces.

Nutrition

Keywords: flag cake, patriotic dessert, 4th of July, sheet cake, berry cake, summer dessert, Memorial Day, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/patriotic-flag-cake-recipe-easy-4th-of-july-dessert-with-fresh-berries/