The perfect cake for the 4th of July 🇺🇸
Ingredients 🧈🥚
Cake
• 13½ tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2¼ cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs + 1 yolk
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp baking soda
Frosting
• 21 tbsp butter, softened
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2⅔ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
• blueberries • blackberries
• cherries • strawberries
• raspberries
Instructions 📝
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda and set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-30 mins. Let the cake cool completely.
Frosting
1. Beat together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
Making a patriotic cake for the 4th of July is always a hit at gatherings, and this American flag-inspired cake is no exception. The combination of butter and sour cream in the batter creates a rich and tender crumb that complements the tangy cream cheese frosting beautifully. One tip I've learned through experience is to let the cake cool completely before frosting, as this prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off. When assembling the cake, arranging the berries thoughtfully to mimic the American flag adds an impressive visual appeal. Blueberries work great for the 'stars' section at the top corner, while alternating rows of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries create the red and white stripes effect. Using fresh and ripe berries not only enhances the taste but also ensures the cake looks vibrant. For extra flavor, sometimes I like to add a splash of lemon zest in the batter or the frosting to give a subtle citrus note that balances the sweetness. Also, chilling the cake for a short while after frosting helps set the layers and makes slicing easier. This cake pairs wonderfully with cold summer drinks and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser whether you're hosting a BBQ, picnic, or fireworks viewing party. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it's a great dessert to bake even if you're new to cake making. Embracing seasonal fresh fruits makes it feel even more special for the 4th of July celebration.
