Description
This festive American Flag Cake is a light and fluffy vanilla cake topped with Cool Whip and decorated with fresh blueberries and strawberries to create a patriotic flag design perfect for celebrations and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Topping and Decoration
- 16 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, halved or sliced, stems removed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking dish or use baking spray or homemade cake release to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside for later use.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, kosher salt, and baking powder until fully combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar for about two minutes until creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add Egg Whites and Vanilla: Into the butter and sugar mixture, add the 5 large egg whites and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Continue beating for another two minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture along with the 3/4 cup of buttermilk. Beat just until the batter is blended and smooth; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to set and avoid melting the topping.
- Decorate the Cake: Once cooled, spread the 16 ounces of thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake. Arrange the fresh blueberries in one corner to form the stars of the flag. Use the halved or sliced strawberries to create stripes across the rest of the cake surface, mimicking the American flag design.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and egg whites to ensure a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying Cool Whip to prevent it from melting.
- Fresh berries should be washed and thoroughly dried before decorating for the best presentation.
- This cake is best served the same day it is decorated but can be stored refrigerated uncovered or lightly covered.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
