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American Flag Cake Recipe

A festive vanilla sheet cake layered with fresh berries and crowned with a silky mascarpone whipped cream, this American Flag Cake is a delightful centerpiece for any patriotic gathering.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: American Flag Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 14

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder heaping
  • 1/4 cup sour cream 60ml, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 18 oz blueberries
  • 1 cup whole milk 240ml, room temperature
  • 2 1/4 cups cake flour 300g, plus extra for dusting berries
  • 6 egg whites room temperature
  • 18 oz raspberries
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 342g
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter 176g, room temperature

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup confectioners sugar 125g
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream 720ml, cold
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese 225g, room temperature

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 13"x9" sheet pan with parchment paper. Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar, whisk to combine, and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with the milk, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. Fit a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and cream the room-temperature butter until soft. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until a crumb-like texture forms. Pour in half of the wet mixture, blend, scrape down the sides, then add the remaining liquid and beat until just incorporated. Halve the raspberries, drizzle them with lemon juice, sprinkle with a pinch of flour, and toss gently. Fold both the raspberries and blueberries into the batter by hand. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then scatter a few extra berries on top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • In the stand mixer fitted with a whisk, whip the cold heavy cream and confectioners sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and whip briefly. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese by hand with a spatula, then whisk until smooth and fluffy.
  • Once the cake is cool, trim the edges if desired for a clean finish. Use an ice cream scoop to dollop the frosting on top, then smooth it evenly with an offset spatula. Sketch the flag design lightly using a ruler for precision, then arrange blueberries in the upper left corner and lay raspberries in rows to complete the flag pattern.

Notes

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for several days, but for optimal taste and texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Feel free to substitute other fresh berries of your choice; larger fruits should be chopped and lightly floured to prevent sinking. Due to its high moisture content, monitor the cake closely as baking times may vary; use a skewer to test the center and ensure it’s fully set.