Description
Looking for a dessert that’s as vibrant as a 4th of July flag and super simple to make? This Easy Strawberry Jello Flag Cake is your perfect treat! With a fluffy vanilla cake soaked in strawberry Jello, topped with creamy whipped cream, and decorated with fresh strawberries and blueberries to resemble the American flag, it’s a showstopping, no-fuss dessert ideal for Independence Day, summer picnics, or any patriotic celebration.
Ingredients
An Easy Strawberry Jello Flag Cake needs simple ingredients for a 9×13-inch pan (serves 12-16). Here’s what you’ll need:
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Cake Base:
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16.5 oz vanilla cake mix
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1 cup water
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3 large eggs
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⅓ cup canola oil
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Why it matters: The vanilla cake mix creates a light, fluffy base that absorbs the Jello for extra flavor.
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Substitutions: Use a white or yellow cake mix. For homemade, mix 3 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla. Use vegetable oil or melted butter for canola oil.
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Jello Layer:
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3 oz strawberry Jello mix
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1 cup boiling water
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½ cup cold water
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Why it matters: Strawberry Jello adds a sweet, red soak that enhances flavor and the patriotic theme.
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Substitutions: Use raspberry or cherry Jello for a similar red color. Sugar-free Jello works for a lighter option.
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Topping and Decoration:
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8 oz whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
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1 pint blueberries
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1 ½ quarts strawberries
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Why it matters: Whipped cream creates a white “flag” background, while blueberries and strawberries form the blue field and red stripes.
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Substitutions: Use Cool Whip or make whipped cream (2 cups heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla). Swap blueberries for blackberries, strawberries for raspberries or sliced cherries.
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Tip: Use fresh, ripe berries for vibrant colors and flavor. Pat berries dry to prevent excess moisture. Choose a reliable cake mix brand for consistent results.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
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Wash 1 pint blueberries and 1 ½ quarts strawberries under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Hull strawberries by removing green tops with a small knife or huller, then slice lengthwise into thin pieces.
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Tip: Dry berries well to keep the cake neat. Slice strawberries evenly for uniform stripes.
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Step 2: Bake the Cake
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Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box (usually 350°F/175°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray or butter and flour.
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In a large bowl, combine 16.5 oz vanilla cake mix, 1 cup water, 3 eggs, and ⅓ cup canola oil. Mix according to package directions (usually 2 minutes with a hand mixer).
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed (typically 25-35 minutes) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool the cake in the pan for 15-20 minutes.
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Tip: Follow box timing closely to avoid overbaking. Use a glass or metal pan for even baking.
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Step 3: Prepare the Jello
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In a medium bowl, dissolve 3 oz strawberry Jello mix in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved (about 2 minutes).
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Add ½ cup cold water and mix well.
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Tip: Stir thoroughly to avoid grainy texture. Let Jello cool slightly (but not set) before pouring.
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Step 4: Poke and Soak the Cake
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Using the tines of a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake, about 1 inch apart, going halfway through.
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Slowly pour the Jello mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
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Allow the cake to finish cooling completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes).
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Tip: Pour Jello gradually to fill holes evenly. Use a fork for smaller, more uniform holes.
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Step 5: Add Whipped Cream
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Spread 8 oz whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
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Tip: For homemade whipped cream, beat 2 cups chilled heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread smoothly for a clean flag base.
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Step 6: Decorate the Flag
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In the top left corner of the cake, arrange 5 or more rows of blueberries to form the blue star field (about a 4×5-inch rectangle).
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Arrange sliced strawberries in 4 horizontal rows across the remaining cake to create red stripes, leaving white whipped cream visible between rows as white stripes.
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Tip: Place berries tightly to mimic flag stripes. Adjust rows based on pan size for a balanced look.
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Step 7: Chill and Serve
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Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours to set the Jello and flavors.
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Slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
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Tip: Wipe the knife between cuts for neat slices. Serve on patriotic plates with extra berries on the side for flair
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