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Perfect Classic American Flag Sheet Cake Recipe with Easy Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

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A visually stunning and delicious American flag sheet cake with light, tangy whipped cream cheese frosting, perfect for patriotic celebrations like the Fourth of July.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 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 vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (can substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • Red and blue gel food coloring
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly flour it or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide batter into three bowls: one plain (white), one colored red, and one colored blue using gel food coloring.
  7. Pour white batter evenly into prepared pan. Spoon red batter in stripes on top of white, then blue batter in the top left corner for stars. Use a toothpick to swirl slightly if desired.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness at 35 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
  9. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack or leave in pan to cool completely before frosting.
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add heavy cream or milk to reach spreadable consistency and whip until light and fluffy.
  11. Spread whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled cake. Optionally decorate with red and blue sprinkles or fresh berries.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the batter. Do not overmix colored batters to keep distinct stripes. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. Frosting can be chilled if too soft before spreading. Cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: American flag cake, Fourth of July dessert, patriotic cake, sheet cake, whipped cream cheese frosting, easy cake recipe, red white and blue cake

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/perfect-classic-american-flag-sheet-cake-recipe-with-easy-whipped-cream-cheese-frosting/