Perfect Berry Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A quick and easy patriotic cake featuring a moist white or yellow cake base topped with creamy homemade cream cheese frosting and a vibrant fresh berry flag design. Perfect for summer celebrations and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (about 150 g)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 150 g)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (about 125 g)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the cake completely on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, then beat on high speed for another 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cake evenly with the cream cheese frosting using a spatula.
- Create the berry flag design by placing blueberries in the top left corner, then arrange horizontal rows of sliced strawberries and raspberries alternating to mimic stripes.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting and meld flavors. Bring out about 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs and dairy for best results. Pat berries dry before placing on frosting to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake mix and check frosting ingredients. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cream cheese and butter. Dip knife in hot water and wipe dry before slicing for clean cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 3
Keywords: berry flag cake, cream cheese frosting, patriotic cake, summer dessert, easy cake recipe, berry cake, celebration cake