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Perfect Red Velvet Flag Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and firm red velvet cake layered and frosted with silky smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, designed to mimic the American flag. Perfect for patriotic occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or dairy-free milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (mild canola oil recommended)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) red food coloring (gel recommended)
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Batter should be thick but pourable.
  5. Divide batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (about 1 hour).
  7. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then add vanilla extract and salt. Beat on high for 2 minutes until fluffy.
  8. Slice each cake horizontally to create four thin layers total. On a serving plate, layer cake and frosting alternately to resemble stripes of a flag. Finish by frosting the outside of the cake generously.
  9. Refrigerate assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to set frosting and meld flavors before serving.

Notes

Use gel red food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the batter. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. Soften cream cheese and butter to room temperature for smooth frosting. Chill cake before slicing for clean cuts. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/perfect-red-velvet-flag-cake-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-cream-cheese-frosting/