This is one of the most addicting cakes I’ve ever tasted…so make sure you are taking it to a party or you may find yourself sitting on the couch with an empty cake pan.
Flag Cake Recipe
- 1 pkg. white or yellow cake mix (plus the extra ingredients on the box)
- 1 3oz. pkg. strawberry gelatin
- 1/2 c. boiling water
- 1 3oz. pkg. instant cheesecake pudding (French vanilla also works)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 cups cool whip, thawed
- 1 cup (or more) blueberries
- 1 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, optional
Begin by preparing the cake according to the instructions on the package. You need to be able to remove the cake from the pan, so I highly recommend greasing your 9×13, cutting out a wax paper insert that fits the bottom of the pan and then greasing on top of the wax paper as well before pouring the batter in.
After the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for 12-15 minutes and then remove it onto a wire rack to completely cool.
The above picture is not what you want to have happen 😦 My cake came out of the pan perfectly, but I tried to hold it and adjust it in the in-between stage a bit too long. I’ve made this recipe several times before and as long as you just put the cake directly on the rack, you will not have any issues. Due to the above, I decided to creatively change this recipe to a trifle since I had committed to bringing this to a party. And honestly, the trifle concept was easier.
For this next step, you will want to either cover the rack with wax paper before putting the cake onto it or place the rack onto a cookie sheet. Poke the cake with the end of a wooden spoon at 1″ intervals. Dissolve the gelatin in boiling water; slowly drizzle over the cake to allow the gelatin to seep into holes. Chill for 1 hour.
Prepare the pudding according to the package except using 1 1/2 cups of milk. Once set, fold in 1 cup of cool whip and 1/2 cup blueberries (I always add more berries).
Normally, your next step would be to split the cake horizontally. I have previously done this using floss and then with a couple spatulas and the help of a family member transferred one half of the cake onto the serving dish. However, the trifle concept was much easier as I just crumbled half the cake into my serving dish.
Layer the pudding mixture, the remaining crumbled cake and the rest of the cool whip.
Before this step, I had prepared the strawberries by slicing them in half and putting some sugar on them.
Arrange the remaining blueberries and strawberries to form a flag. If you made the cake version, use blueberries and marshmallows to decorate the sides. Refrigerate until serving.
Note: You can always change the design on this cake so that that it functions as a BBQ dessert and not just a 4th of July cake.
Delightful Flavors 