American Flag Cake
Summer Dessert
When summer rolls around and fresh strawberries are in season, there’s nothing quite like whipping up a delightful American Flag Cake. Every year my family looks forward to this summertime treat. This recipe takes a classic box cake mix and elevates it to homemade status with a few simple swaps and additions, resulting in a cake that’s bursting with flavor and patriotism.
Homemade Status
Taking a cake from a simple box mix to a homemade delight is all about using better ingredients. By making a few key swaps, you can elevate the flavor and texture of your American Flag Cake. For instance, using milk instead of water adds richness, while an extra egg contributes to a moist and tender crumb. Swapping out the vegetable oil for melted butter brings a luxurious flavor and texture to the cake. These small changes may seem simple, but they can make a world of difference in the final result, transforming a basic cake mix into a homemade masterpiece.
The Season for Strawberries
Strawberries are typically in season during the late spring and early summer months, depending on your location. In the United States, strawberry season can start as early as April in some southern states and last through June or July in more northern areas. However, the exact timing can vary based on local climate and growing conditions. It’s best to check with local farmers markets or grocery stores to find the freshest strawberries in your area. Making your American Flag Cake with the fresh, in-season strawberries will make a world of difference in the taste.
Classic Strawberry Shortcake
By omitting the berries on the very top of the American Flag Cake, you can transform it into a classic strawberry shortcake. This simple change allows the sweet, juicy strawberries and whipped topping nestled between layers of moist, strawberry-infused cake to take center stage. The result is a timeless dessert that is perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to exciting birthday parties. With just a few adjustments, this versatile recipe showcases the delicious flavors of fresh strawberries in a delightful and satisfying treat.
Ingredients for American Flag Cake
- 1 Box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 stick butter
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 tub whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Start by preparing the box cake according to the package directions, but make a few adjustments to enhance the flavor. Instead of using water, use milk for a richer taste. Add an extra egg for added moisture and richness. Lastly, swap out the oil for melted butter for a more indulgent texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a rectangular pan and bake according to the package instructions.
- Prepare the Strawberries: While the cake is baking, wash and slice 1.5 lbs of the strawberries. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the white sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until it’s time to decorate the cake.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Add the Strawberry Topping: Pour the refrigerated strawberry mixture, along with all the juices, evenly over the cake, allowing the strawberries to soak into the cake.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the whipped topping over the strawberry layer, creating a fluffy and decadent topping for the cake.
- Decorate the Cake: Wash and slice the remaining strawberries. Wash the blueberries. Place the blueberries in the upper left-hand corner of the cake to represent the stars of the American flag. Use the sliced strawberries to create red stripes on the cake, leaving space between each stripe to create a contrast of red and white stripes, resembling the American flag.
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Summer Celebration
This American Flag Cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a festive and patriotic addition to any summer celebration. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy cake, and creamy whipped topping is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this delightful dessert as you celebrate summer and all of the flavors of the season!
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American Flag Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 stick butter
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 tub whipped topping
Instructions
Prepare box cake according to the package directions but make the following adjustments:
- Swap out the water for milk
- Use 1 extra egg
- Swap the oil for melted butter
Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake in a rectangle pan
Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash and slice 1.5 lbs of the strawberries and add to a bowl with the sugar. Stir until combined, cover, and place in the refrigerator until time to decorate the cake. *If your strawberries vary in size, use the smaller ones for this step.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, use a fork to poke holes in the top
- Pour the refrigerated strawberries and all of the juice evenly over the cake
Decorate the Cake:
- Top with whipped topping
- Wash and slice the remaining strawberries.
- Wash the blueberries
- Place the blueberries in the upper, left-hand corner of the cake to represent the stars
- Use the strawberries to create red strips taking care to leave space between each stripe so you get a contrast of red and white stripes.
Made this for a Memorial Day cookout and it was requested again for the 4th of July, big hit!