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Perfect Red Velvet Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

red velvet flag cake - featured image
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A festive and moist red velvet cake with tangy cream cheese frosting, designed to resemble the American flag. Perfect for celebrations and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil (neutral-flavored like canola or sunflower)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and espresso powder if using.
  4. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and cakes spring back when lightly pressed.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until thick and spreadable.
  9. Trim domed tops of cakes to create flat layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread about ½ cup frosting evenly over it. Repeat with the second layer.
  10. Cover the entire cake with frosting smoothly. Decorate with stripes of frosting and arrange blueberries and sliced strawberries to mimic the American flag design.
  11. Keep frosting chilled if kitchen is warm; refrigerate cake if frosting becomes too soft.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter to avoid dense cake. Chill frosting if too soft and trim cake domes for even layers. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, see variations. Keep frosting chilled to prevent melting.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/perfect-red-velvet-flag-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting-tutorial/