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Perfect American Flag Sheet Cake with Vanilla Buttercream and Fresh Berries

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A festive and comforting sheet cake featuring a tender vanilla crumb, silky homemade vanilla buttercream, and fresh berries arranged to mimic the American flag. Perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • For the Vanilla Buttercream:
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Fresh Berries Topping:
  • 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • Optional: raspberries or blackberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently after each addition.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For the buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar on low speed.
  9. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream until spreadable and fluffy.
  10. Spread buttercream evenly over cooled cake using an offset spatula.
  11. Arrange sliced strawberries and blueberries on top to mimic the American flag pattern.
  12. If berries are juicy, pat dry before arranging. Chill cake if frosting softens during decorating.

Notes

Use softened butter (not melted) for best texture. Do not overmix batter after adding flour to keep cake tender. Sift powdered sugar for smooth buttercream. Chill cake if frosting softens during decorating. Pat berries dry if juicy to prevent soggy frosting. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and almond or oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: American flag cake, sheet cake, vanilla buttercream, fresh berries, Fourth of July dessert, patriotic cake, summer dessert, easy sheet cake

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/perfect-american-flag-sheet-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-vanilla-buttercream-and-fresh-berries-tutorial/