Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Wash 1 pint blueberries and 1 ½ quarts strawberries under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

2. Hull strawberries by removing green tops with a small knife or huller, then slice lengthwise into thin pieces.

   • Tip: Dry berries well to keep the cake neat. Slice strawberries evenly for uniform stripes.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box (usually 350°F/175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray or butter and flour.

3. 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).

4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed (typically 25-35 minutes) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool the cake in the pan for 15-20 minutes.

   • Tip: Follow box timing closely to avoid overbaking. Use a glass or metal pan for even baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Jello

1. In a medium bowl, dissolve 3 oz strawberry Jello mix in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved (about 2 minutes).

2. Add ½ cup cold water and mix well.

   • Tip: Stir thoroughly to avoid grainy texture. Let Jello cool slightly (but not set) before pouring.

Step 4: Poke and Soak the Cake

1. Using the tines of a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake, about 1 inch apart, going halfway through.

2. Slowly pour the Jello mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

3. Allow the cake to finish cooling completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes).

   • Tip: Pour Jello gradually to fill holes evenly. Use a fork for smaller, more uniform holes.

Step 5: Add Whipped Cream

1. Spread 8 oz whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.

   • 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.

Step 6: Decorate the Flag

1. 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).

2. 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.

   • Tip: Place berries tightly to mimic flag stripes. Adjust rows based on pan size for a balanced look.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours to set the Jello and flavors.

2. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

   • Tip: Wipe the knife between cuts for neat slices. Serve on patriotic plates with extra berries on the side for flair