Flag Cake with Whipped Frosting

Why This Flag Cake Is Perfect for Summer & Special Events

• Visually dazzling and instantly festive

• Uses seasonal berries for natural red, white, and blue colors

• No alcohol or gelatin; entirely family-safe and inclusive

• Light whipped topping keeps cake fresh in warm weather

• Easy to bake in a standard sheet pan—great for crowds

• Can be made ahead and refrigerated until serving

This cake combines classic flavors with patriotic presentation, evoking both nostalgia and seasonal celebration. Its simplicity and impact make it ideal for busy party hosts.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake Base

• 2¾ cups (330g) all-purpose flour

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Whipped Frosting

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream or aquafaba cream for vegan version

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 cups fresh blueberries

• Optional: mint leaves or edible star sprinkles

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How to Bake the Flag Cake

Prepare the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175 °C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in milk and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until smooth, taking care not to overmix.

Bake the Cake

Spread batter evenly in pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

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Make the Whipped Frosting

Chill bowl and beaters for best results. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. If using coconut-based or aquafaba topping, follow package instructions for best stability. Frosting should hold shape under fruit.

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Assemble & Decorate the Cake

After the cake has completely cooled:

1. Spread a thick, even layer of whipped frosting over top.

2. In the top-left corner, arrange blueberries to form the “stars” field.

3. Create patriotic stripes using sliced strawberries arranged in horizontal rows across the rest of the cake.

4. Leave a bit of white frosting visible between red rows for the white stripes.

5. Optionally, garnish with mint leaves or edible star sprinkles.

Keep chilled until serving. Serve with a pie server or spatula to show off the layers.

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Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

• Use fresh, firm berries and dry them gently before decorating to avoid moisture.

• Use a straight spatula for smooth frosting application.

• Chill the bowl and utensils before whipping cream to improve volume and stability.

• For easy cutting, slice cake while still cold.

• Decorate just before serving for optimum freshness and visual impact.

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Variations to Try

• Lemon cake base with strawberry-lemon frosting swirl

• Chocolate variation: Add cocoa powder to half the batter for red-and-white stripes with blueberry-lined top

• Mini flag cakes: Bake in small square pans or mini muffin tins; decorate each little piece with a berry star and stripe

• Vegan & Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend and vegan whipped cream; naturally works well as dairy-free

• Birthday theme: Use strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for more red hues or mix with white chocolate curls for flair

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Serving Suggestions & Best Pairings

• Serve alongside fresh lemonade, iced tea, or berry mocktails for a light summer dessert spread

• Display on a dessert table with patriotic decor (mini flags, red-white-blue napkins)

• Pair with other mini desserts like cheesecake bites or Jello cups for variety

• Offer sliced melon, fresh berries, and fruit salads for lighter accompaniment

• Great for picnics—slice into candy-colored bars that stand up well to transport

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Storage & Make-Ahead Plan

• Bake the cake base up to one day in advance (wrap tightly).

• Whip frosting and refrigerate in covered bowl.

• Assemble and decorate a few hours before serving; keep chilled until serving time.

• Store leftover cake in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered to prevent drying.

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Nutrition Snapshot (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~300 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~40 g

• Sugars: ~25 g

• Fat: ~14 g

• Protein: ~4 g

Nutrition will vary based on portion size, cake thickness, and amount of frosting. Fresh fruit boosts vitamins and hydration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a box cake mix?
Absolutely! Choose vanilla or white mix and bake in 9×13 pan. Cool completely before decorating.

Can I assemble a day ahead?
You can bake and frost the cake a day ahead. For best decoration and berry freshness, add fruit only the day of serving.

What if berries aren’t available?
Use raspberries, cherries, or even strawberries alone. Blueberries are easiest for the star field, but you can improvise.

Is the whipped cream stable in heat?
It’s best served chilled. If hosting outdoors, keep cake under shade and serve immediately after decorating to avoid melting.

Can I freeze the cake?
You can freeze undecorated cake or baked slices wrapped tightly; but whipped topping and fresh berries are not freezer-friendly.

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Why This Dessert Stands Out

This Flag Cake with Whipped Frosting delivers stunning visual appeal, light flavor, and summer ease. With minimal fuss, no oven required once baked, and predictable slices for crowds, it’s a dessert that lets you focus on celebrating rather than sweating over the stove. Perfect for Labor Day or any red-white-blue gathering, it’s a beloved treat for all ages.

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Final Thoughts

Celebrate patriotism, summer, and simplicity by creating a cake that tastes as light and refreshing as it looks festive and memorable. This flag cake design brings together the best of sweet berries, airy whipped cream, and moist cake in every chilled slice—no alcohol, no pork, just pure family-friendly fun.

Let this cake be your centerpiece and symbol of celebration at your holiday cookout, picnic, or backyard party.