Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red, White, and Blue Fourth of July Cake is a festive and eye-catching dessert that’s perfect for Independence Day celebrations. With vibrant layers of red, white, and blue cake, topped with whipped cream or buttercream frosting and fresh berries, this cake delivers both patriotic flair and delicious flavor. It’s a showstopper centerpiece that will impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourgranulated sugareggsunsalted butterbaking powdersaltmilkvanilla extractred food coloringblue food coloringwhipped cream or buttercream frostingfresh strawberriesblueberries

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.

Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.

Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to another, leaving the third bowl plain for the white layer.

Pour each colored batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled, level the cake layers if needed.

Stack the cakes in red, white, and blue order, spreading frosting between each layer.

Frost the top and sides of the cake and decorate with fresh strawberries and blueberries.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 slices.Preparation time: 25 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesCooling and decorating time: 60 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

Add a touch of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy note.

Create a tie-dye pattern by swirling red and blue into the white batter.

Make a sheet cake version for easier serving at parties.

storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Bring to room temperature before serving.For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Yes, use a white or yellow cake mix and divide it into three portions for coloring.

Do I have to use fresh berries?

No, you can use other patriotic-themed decorations like sprinkles or colored candies.

How do I get vibrant colors in the cake layers?

Use gel food coloring for bolder, more intense shades without thinning the batter.

Can I bake this in advance?

Yes, bake the layers ahead of time and freeze them until ready to assemble.

Is this cake suitable for outdoor events?

Yes, but keep it cool until serving to prevent the frosting from melting.

Can I use whipped cream instead of frosting?

Yes, but stabilize it with a bit of gelatin or use store-bought whipped topping for better structure.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and check all other ingredients for gluten.

What can I use instead of berries?

Try colored candies, edible glitter, or themed cake toppers.

Do I need a special tool to level the cakes?

A serrated knife or cake leveler works best for even layers.

How do I transport this cake safely?

Place it on a cake board and in a cake carrier, then keep it chilled during transport.

Conclusion

Red, White, and Blue Fourth of July Cake is the ultimate patriotic dessert that combines festive colors, rich flavor, and stunning presentation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or attending a fireworks celebration, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable highlight of the day.