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Perfect Red Velvet American Flag Sheet Cake

red velvet american flag sheet cake - featured image

A quick and easy red velvet sheet cake decorated with fresh blueberries and strawberries to create an American flag design, perfect for patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix (preferably Duncan Hines)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia brand recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh blueberries
  • 1 1/2 cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, sliced lengthwise

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and uniform. Add a splash more water if batter is too thick.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  5. Remove from oven and transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let the cake cool completely (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
  6. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and salt, then beat for another 2 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
  7. Frost the cooled cake evenly using a spatula or offset spatula.
  8. Arrange blueberries in the upper left corner in a neat rectangle (about one-third width and half the height). Lay sliced strawberries in horizontal rows across the rest of the cake to mimic the stripes.
  9. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting set and flavors mingle.

Notes

Use parchment paper to ensure the cake lifts out cleanly and keeps edges crisp. Room temperature ingredients mix better. Beat frosting slowly at first to avoid powdered sugar clouds. Use a serrated knife to slice the cake to prevent crumbling. Dry fruit thoroughly before placing on frosting to avoid sogginess. Frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature and whip before use. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, see variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, American flag cake, patriotic dessert, sheet cake, cream cheese frosting, Fourth of July dessert, easy cake recipe