Imagine cutting into a stunning cake that literally embodies the spirit of celebration - red, white, and blue layers that will make your guests gasp with delight! This Red White and Blue Layer Cake isn't just a dessert; it's a showstopping masterpiece that transforms an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary event. Whether you're celebrating Independence Day, Memorial Day, or simply want to create a jaw-dropping dessert that screams American pride, this recipe will elevate your baking game and become the talk of any party.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- Blue food coloring
- Whipped cream for frosting
- Fresh strawberries and blueberries for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Divide the cake batter equally into three separate bowls. Leave one bowl white, add red food coloring to the second bowl, and blue food coloring to the third bowl. Mix each color thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Pour each colored batter into a prepared cake pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure smooth surfaces.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, level the cakes if needed to ensure flat surfaces for stacking.
- Place the blue layer as the bottom, spread a thin layer of whipped cream, then add the white layer. Repeat with another layer of whipped cream and top with the red layer.
- Frost the entire cake with remaining whipped cream, creating a smooth, even coating.
- Decorate the top and sides with fresh strawberries and blueberries in a patriotic pattern.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow frosting to set and flavors to meld.
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to prevent a tough cake.
- Food Coloring Tip: Use gel food coloring for vibrant, even colors without altering the batter's consistency.
- Leveling Hack: Use a serrated knife or cake leveler to create perfectly flat cake layers for a professional look.
- Whipped Cream Frosting Trick: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for faster, fluffier whipped cream.
- Decorating Pro Tip: Arrange berries in a deliberate pattern for maximum visual impact.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better when chilled for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
