Brimming with patriotic spirit and pure fun, Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping is the ultimate party dessert for summer celebrations. Moist white cake, vibrant strawberry Jell-O, and a lush cream cheese whipped topping come together under a parade of fresh berries arranged into a flag design, making every square a festive treat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue for the 4th of July or gathering family for Canada Day, this cake is refreshingly easy yet always a showstopper. It’s the recipe that turns a simple dessert into the centerpiece everyone talks about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping lies in its short ingredient list, where every component makes a splash — from the fluffy cake base to the eye-catching berry decoration. Simple, familiar ingredients combine to create a stunning presentation and an irresistible flavor combo of sweet, creamy, and fruity.
- White cake mix (14.25 ounces): Your shortcut to a perfectly soft and fluffy foundation with minimal effort.
- Strawberry Jell-O (1 box, 4 serving size): Soaks into the cake, creating vibrant stripes and juicy flavor through every bite.
- Blueberries (1 cup): Juicy little bursts of tangy sweetness and the star of any flag pattern.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pint or more as needed): Their color and flavor are perfect for creating vivid flag stripes or maple leaves.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The secret to a lusciously creamy, slightly tangy topping.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese just right without overwhelming it.
- Whipped topping (8 ounces, or 3 cups stabilized whipped cream): Folds in for a cloud-like, spreadable finish that holds up beautifully under berries.
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box: Don’t forget the eggs, oil, and water — they make the cake come to life!
- Boiling water and cold water: Essential for dissolving the Jell-O and ensuring it permeates the cake perfectly.
How to Make Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing the white cake mix according to the package instructions, baking it in a 9 x 13-inch pan. This base is the sturdy, yet airy, canvas for all your patriotic designs. Make sure to let the cake cool fully before moving to the next step so the Jell-O sets beautifully instead of soaking straight through.
Step 2: Perforate and Soak with Jell-O
Once the cake is cooled, grab a fork and poke holes evenly across the top — this is your golden ticket for the Jell-O to seep in! Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until no granules remain, then blend in ½ cup cold water. Drizzle this mixture gently and evenly over the cake, letting it slip down those little tunnels for ribbons of color and flavor. Slide the whole pan into the fridge for at least 4 hours, allowing the magic to happen.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Topping
While your cake is chilling and soaking up all that fruity goodness, it’s time to whip together the star topping. Use a hand mixer to beat softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping, stopping once the mixture is smooth and spreadable. This cloud-like layer brings sweet, creamy tang and makes a dreamy bed for your berries.
Step 4: Decorate Your Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping
Now comes the most fun part: decorating your Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping! For a classic American flag, arrange your blueberries in a neat rectangle at the top left of the cake. Next, slice strawberries in half and form them into even, horizontal rows for those fantastic stripes. Celebrating Canada Day? Slice strawberries from top to bottom for triangular shapes and assemble them into a maple leaf, lining additional sliced strawberries along the edges to create the flag sides. Don’t forget — consult a photo of the flag to guide your delicious artistry!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
After your masterpiece is complete, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours so the topping firms up and everything melds together. The result: sharp, distinct berry patterns and flavor in every bite. When ready to serve, slice into squares and enjoy both the wow factor and the fresh, sweet taste.
How to Serve Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra blueberries or diced strawberries around the edge adds pops of color and extra freshness. If you want to get fancy, add a scatter of white chocolate curls or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for that glossy, bakery-window finish. Mint leaves offer a little color contrast and a whiff of natural freshness, too.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs so nicely with light, fresh sides — think tangy lemonades, fresh fruit salads, or even a crisp, bubbly punch with plenty of citrus. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside really makes each serving feel like a special treat, especially on a hot summer day.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to up the wow factor? Try assembling individual Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping parfaits by layering cake cubes, Jell-O, cream cheese topping, and berries in mason jars or clear cups. Or, cut the cake into mini flag-shaped bars before arranging them on a big platter. For big parties, let everyone decorate their own slice with an assortment of berries and toppings for an interactive, Instagram-worthy dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (by some miracle) you have leftovers of your Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping, just cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The berries might soften a bit over time, but the cake stays delightfully moist and flavorful.
Freezing
Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping freezes surprisingly well! Simply remove any fresh berries before wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. For best texture, freeze the cake and topping but add fresh berries after thawing. Enjoy within two months for peak flavor and color.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled cake, you don’t need to reheat it. If serving from frozen, let slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about an hour. Add fresh berries just before serving to maintain their snap and vivid color.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your own stabilized whipped cream — just beat heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and a pinch of cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. This homemade touch adds freshness and can make your Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping even more luscious.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the cake and add the Jell-O, then refrigerate overnight. Add the cream cheese topping and berries the morning of your party or event for the freshest appearance and taste.
How do I keep the fruit looking fresh on top?
To keep your berries bright and beautiful, add them as close to serving time as possible and gently pat them dry after rinsing so they’re not watery. You can also lightly brush cut strawberries with warmed apricot jam to give them a glossy finish!
Can I use different flavors of Jell-O?
Definitely! Feel free to play with raspberry, cherry, or even blue Jell-O for a unique twist. The method stays the same, and it’s a fun way to adapt Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping for other color themes or flavor preferences.
Is this cake suitable for other occasions?
Of course! While the flag presentation is tailor-made for patriotic holidays, the concept is endlessly adaptable. Try seasonal fruit arrangements for birthdays, showers, or any celebration needing a centerpiece dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a festive, foolproof dessert that invites oohs and aahs, you can’t go wrong with Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping. It’s as simple as it is stunning, and always the first empty plate at the party. Give it a try, get creative with your toppings, and make memories as sweet as every bite!
PrintFlag Cake with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe
A festive flag cake topped with a cream cheese topping that is perfect for 4th of July or Canada Day parties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Cake, Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cake:
- 14.25 ounces white cake mix plus ingredients required on the box
Jell-o Mixture:
- 1 box strawberry Jell-o (4 serving size)
Fruit Toppings:
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (more as needed)
Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces whipped topping or 3 cups stabilized whipped cream
Instructions
- Cake: Prepare cake in a 9×13 pan according to package directions. Cool and poke the entire cake with a fork.
- Jell-o Mixture: Add 1 cup of boiling water to the Jell-o mixture and stir until all powder is dissolved. Stir in ½ cup cold water. Gently pour over cake and refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Topping: With a hand mixer, mix softened cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add whipped topping. Spread over cake.
- Decoration: For Canadian flag, cut strawberries into a triangular shape. For American flag, create a blueberry rectangle in the top left corner of the cake. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Serving Tip: Cut the cake into squares once the Jell-O has set, before adding the cream cheese layer.
- Leftover cake can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove berries & freeze portions for future use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 173
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
