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Perfect Flag Sheet Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting for Celebrations

flag sheet cake recipe - featured image

A moist vanilla sheet cake topped with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting and decorated with fresh berries to create a festive flag design, perfect for patriotic celebrations and parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 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 pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Optional: edible star sprinkles or white chocolate chips for extra star shapes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, then lightly flour it to prevent sticking.
  2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. With mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk—start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until fully cooled.
  9. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Add vanilla and salt. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
  10. Using an offset spatula, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. Chill briefly if frosting feels too soft to hold decorations.
  11. Arrange the blueberries in the top left corner as the ‘stars’ section. Use sliced strawberries to form red stripes across the rest of the cake, leaving white frosting stripes in between.
  12. Add edible star sprinkles if desired. Chill cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Chill frosting if too soft before decorating. Fresh berries add natural brightness and flavor. Cake can be made a day ahead and decorated on the event day. For allergen-friendly options, substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free alternatives as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: flag cake, sheet cake, cream cheese frosting, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July cake, vanilla cake, berry cake, celebration cake