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Perfect Layered Flag Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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A festive and fuss-free layered flag cake featuring vibrant strawberry-flavored red layers, tangy cream cheese frosting, and fresh blueberries for a fresh contrast. Perfect for summer occasions and simple celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • About 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until batter is smooth and glossy.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract and pureed strawberries until batter is pink-red.
  6. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Stir in red food coloring until color is vibrant and even.
  8. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
  9. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  10. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks and cool completely before frosting.
  11. Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  12. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low until combined, then medium speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  13. Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt briefly.
  14. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a ½-inch layer of frosting on top.
  15. Add second cake layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting, smoothing with an offset spatula.
  16. Arrange fresh blueberries in a rectangle on top left corner to mimic flag stars.
  17. Use sliced strawberries to create stripes across the rest of the cake.
  18. Chill cake for at least 30 minutes to set frosting.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Trim domed cake tops for even layers. Cake tastes better after a few hours in fridge. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, try vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: layered cake, flag cake, cream cheese frosting, strawberry cake, summer dessert, patriotic cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/perfect-layered-flag-cake-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting-tutorial/