Perfect American Flag Layered Berry Sheet Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
A festive and easy-to-make layered berry sheet cake featuring red strawberries, white cream cheese frosting, and blue blueberries arranged like the American flag. Perfect for summer celebrations and patriotic occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh blueberries
- Optional: fresh raspberries or blackberries for extra flair
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch sheet pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract.
- With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three additions alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool cake completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
- Make the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. Beat until fluffy.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake.
- Arrange sliced strawberries in rows on the left side to mimic red stripes.
- Add rows of blueberries in the top left corner to form the blue field.
- Fill remaining stripes with alternating rows of strawberries and frosting to replicate white stripes.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set frosting.
- Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices to keep layers distinct.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for best results. Thaw and drain frozen berries fully to prevent soggy frosting. Chill cake before frosting to avoid melting. If frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar; if too stiff, add a splash of milk. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 4
Keywords: American flag cake, berry sheet cake, cream cheese frosting, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July cake, layered cake, summer dessert