This American Flag Cake is a delightful treat for any celebration, especially Independence Day! With its vibrant layers of red, white, and blue, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a delicious vegan dessert. Featuring fruity flavors and an all-natural color palette, this cake is perfect for gatherings, picnics, and festive occasions. You’ll love how easy it is to make this stunning centerpiece that will impress family and friends alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan-Friendly: Made entirely without dairy or animal products, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Colorful Presentation: The eye-catching layers of red, white, and blue create a beautiful display that’s perfect for celebrations.
- Delicious Flavors: A delightful combination of lemon, strawberry, and almond flavors makes each bite refreshing and enjoyable.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the colors or flavors based on your favorite ingredients or seasonal fruits.
- Great for Gatherings: This cake serves up to 22 people, making it ideal for parties and family get-togethers.
Tools and Preparation
To make this American Flag Cake, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake pans (8-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Ensures smooth mixing of batter for even texture.
- Cake Pans: The right size helps achieve even baking and prevents overflow.
- Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without condensation buildup.
Ingredients
For the White Cake Layer
- 300 grams unsweetened dairy free milk, room temperature
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar (to be mixed with dairy free milk)
- 460 grams organic flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 250 grams granulated sugar
- 170 grams salted vegan butter, room temperature (I recommend Flora Plant butter)
- 190 grams unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Juice from 1 lemon + 1 tsp lemon zest
For the Red Cake Layer
- 300 grams unsweetened dairy free milk, room temperature
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar (to be mixed with dairy free milk)
- 460 grams organic flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 250 grams granulated sugar
- 170 grams salted vegan butter, room temperature (I recommend Flora Plant butter)
- 130 grams unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
- 130 grams strawberry jam
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food color: 1-2 tsp pitaya food coloring powder + 1 tsp beet powder or your favorite vegan red food coloring
For the Blue Cake Layer
- 200 grams unsweetened dairy free milk, room temperature
- 1 1/3 tsp apple cider vinegar (to be mixed with dairy milk)
- 310 grams all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 1 1/3 tsp baking powder
- 2/3 tsp baking soda
- 165 grams granulated sugar
- 114 grams salted vegan butter, room temperature (I recommend Flora Plant butter)
- 130 grams unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 tsp almond extract
- Blue Food coloring: 3 tsp Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Powder or your favorite vegan blue food coloring
For the Frosting
- 1 cup vegan butter, room temperature
- 1 cup vegan cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make American Flag Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans
If you have seven 8” cake pans, prepare them all; otherwise, prepare just three by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and oiling the sides. Measure all ingredients before starting each layer.
Step 2: Make Vegan Buttermilk
Combine the unsweetened dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5–6 minutes while you measure other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix White Cake Batter
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer:
* Cream together the salted vegan butter and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
* Add in the applesauce, lemon juice + zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
* Gradually add half of the dry mixture along with half of the vegan buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
* Add in remaining dry mixture and buttermilk. Mix on medium speed until no dry streaks remain.
Step 4: Bake White Cake Layers
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 27–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 5: Make Red Cake Layer
Repeat steps from white cake layer using strawberry jam instead of lemon juice + zest. Don’t forget to add red food coloring after mixing in applesauce!
Step 6: Bake Red Cake Layers
Bake as directed in step 4. Cool completely before moving on.
Step 7: Make Blue Cake Layer
Again repeat steps from white cake layer but use almond extract instead of lemon juice + zest. Add blue food coloring after mixing in extracts.
Step 8: Assemble Cakes
Torte any uneven layers if needed. Use scraps creatively!
Step 9: Prepare Frosting
In a stand mixer with whisk attachment or large bowl:
* Cream together vegan butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
* Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing on medium-high speed.
* Add vanilla extract last; mix until fluffy.
Step 10: Frost the Cakes
Ensure cakes are fully cooled before frosting. Use a turntable for ease:
* Stack layers starting with red at the bottom followed by alternating colors as desired.
Once assembled, chill if necessary before serving!
Enjoy your festive American Flag Cake that’s sure to wow everyone at your celebration!
How to Serve American Flag Cake
Serving an American flag cake can be a delightful experience, especially during festive occasions like the Fourth of July. This colorful cake is not only a treat for the eyes but also a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy. Here are some creative ways to serve this festive cake.
Individual Slices
- Use a serrated knife to cut even slices for each guest. This ensures everyone gets a piece of the beautiful layers.
Cake Pops
- If you have leftover cake scraps, crumble them and mix with frosting. Roll into balls and dip in vegan chocolate for fun cake pops.
Mini Cakes
- Create mini versions of the American flag cake using smaller pans. Perfect for individual servings, these can be decorated similarly.
Parfaits
- Layer pieces of the cake with vegan whipped cream and fresh berries in clear cups for an attractive parfait presentation.
Ice Cream Sundaes
- Serve slices of cake alongside scoops of your favorite vegan ice cream. Top with fruit or chocolate sauce for added flavor.
Themed Plates
- Present the slices on red, white, and blue plates to enhance the festive spirit of your gathering.
How to Perfect American Flag Cake
Making an American flag cake can seem daunting, but with a few tips, you can achieve perfection. Here are some suggestions to help you create this stunning dessert.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature will help achieve a smooth batter.
- Measure accurately: Weighing out your ingredients can lead to consistent results in texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined helps keep the layers light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing after adding dry ingredients.
- Cool layers completely: Allow each layer to cool before assembling to avoid melting your frosting and making a mess.
- Chill before serving: Letting the assembled cake chill in the fridge enhances flavors and makes slicing easier.
- Decorate creatively: Feel free to add fresh berries or edible flowers on top of your frosted cake for an extra festive touch!
Best Side Dishes for American Flag Cake
Complementing your American flag cake with delicious side dishes will elevate your meal. Here are some great options that pair well with this festive dessert:
- Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the rich cake. - Vegan Coleslaw
This crunchy side provides texture and balances sweetness with its tangy flavor. - Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn brushed with vegan butter makes for a classic summer side dish that complements any barbecue spread. - Roasted Veggies
A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized offers savory goodness alongside your sweet treat. - Potato Salad
A creamy vegan potato salad is easy to make ahead and adds heartiness to your meal alongside dessert. - Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, basil, and dairy-free mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze give a burst of flavor that’s easy to eat at gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an American Flag Cake can be a fun experience, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not preparing the pans properly: Always line your cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides. This makes it easier to remove the cakes once baked.
- Skipping the vegan buttermilk: Don’t forget to mix your dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cake.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cakes. Always mix until just combined, especially after adding dry ingredients.
- Ignoring cooling times: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the American Flag Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep slices separated with parchment paper if stacking.
Freezing American Flag Cake
- Wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating American Flag Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place a slice on a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an American Flag Cake?
An American Flag Cake is a festive dessert typically made with layers of red, white, and blue cake, often enjoyed during celebrations like the Fourth of July.
Can I make this American Flag Cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in this recipe to make it gluten-free while still enjoying its delicious flavors.
How can I customize my American Flag Cake?
Feel free to experiment with different flavors like chocolate or matcha instead of vanilla. You can also change up the fruit fillings or use different natural food colorings for variation.
How do I achieve vibrant colors for the layers?
To get bright and vivid colors, use high-quality vegan food coloring or natural alternatives like beet powder for red and spirulina for blue. Mix well until evenly colored.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought vegan frosting is a great option. Just ensure it’s dairy-free if you’re keeping it vegan!
Final Thoughts
The American Flag Cake is not only visually stunning but also offers delicious layers of flavor perfect for any celebration. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings. Don’t hesitate—give this festive cake a try and impress your friends and family!
American Flag Cake
This American Flag Cake is a stunning, vibrant dessert that captures the spirit of celebration, especially during Independence Day! With layers of red, white, and blue, this vegan cake combines delightful fruity flavors—lemon, strawberry, and almond—to create a refreshing treat that’s perfect for gatherings and picnics. Not only visually appealing but also easy to customize, this cake serves up to 22 people, making it an impressive centerpiece for any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a picnic, this cake is sure to wow your friends and family with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 22 people 1x
Ingredients
- 300 grams unsweetened dairy free milk
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 460 grams organic flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 250 grams granulated sugar
- 170 grams salted vegan butter
- 190 grams unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Juice from 1 lemon + 1 tsp lemon zest
- 130 grams strawberry jam
- 1–2 tsp pitaya food coloring powder + 1 tsp beet powder
- 200 grams unsweetened dairy free milk
- 310 grams all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 165 grams granulated sugar
- 114 grams salted vegan butter
- 130 grams unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 3 tsp Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Powder
- 1 cup vegan butter
- 1 cup vegan cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare seven 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Combine dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar for vegan buttermilk; let sit.
- For each cake layer (white, red, blue), cream together the vegan butter and sugar; add wet ingredients followed by dry ingredients.
- Bake each cake layer for 27-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Prepare frosting by creaming vegan butter and cream cheese; gradually add powdered sugar.
- Assemble layers (red on bottom) with frosting in between each layer. Chill before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg