This easy American Flag Cake is the perfect 4th of July dessert! Made with cake, Cool Whip, and fresh berries—it's festive, kid-friendly, and totally unforgettable.
Looking for the perfect easy and festive dessert for your 4th of July celebration? This American Flag Cake is a total classic—and such a core memory from my own childhood.
My mom made it every year for the Fourth, and it was always the star of the cookout.
Now I make it with my kids, and they love helping arrange the berries into stars and stripes.
Best part? You barely have to bake. It’s super customizable, kid-friendly, and makes a big visual impact with very little effort.
Let’s make it!
Super Easy American Flag Cake
- No need to be a baker—boxed cake, premade cake, or store-bought all work!
- Easy enough for kids to help decorate.
- A nostalgic treat that looks impressive but takes very little time.
Whether you’re headed to a backyard BBQ or just want a fun dessert with your family, this American Flag Cake is the easiest way to add some patriotic flair to your Fourth of July celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 rectangular cake – I used this angel food cake mix, but any boxed cake mix or homemade recipe will work
- 1 tub Cool Whip – Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes to soften
- 1 pint strawberries – Hulled and sliced in half
- ½ pint blueberries – Washed and dried
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the cake
Start with your favorite rectangular cake—mine was a 9x12 angel food cake. If you’re using angel food cake, do not grease the pan! Bake according to the directions until golden brown on top, and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Add the topping
Let your Cool Whip sit out for 30 minutes so it softens a bit. Then gently spread it over the cooled cake with a baking spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Add the stars
Arrange blueberries in the top-left corner in a rectangle shape to represent the stars. Bonus points if you use exactly 50 berries for all 50 states!
Step 4: Create your stripes
Use sliced strawberries to create the red stripes of the flag, placing the red side of the berry facing up.
You’ll want to make 7 red stripes, leaving white Cool Whip stripes between each for a total of 13 (just like the flag!).
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. This cake is light, refreshing, and the perfect ending to a hot summer day.
Keep it chilled and enjoy those core memories in the making!
Hey there, I'm Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I've made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈
