A 4th of July layer cake with red, white, and blue sponge layers, covered in white frosting and topped with patriotic sprinkles and mini American flags.

4th of July Layer Cake

by

🎂 A Patriotic Dessert That Steals the Show

Make your 4th of July celebration unforgettable with this bold and beautiful 4th of July Layer Cake! Featuring layers of red, white, and blue vanilla cake, silky buttercream frosting, and festive decorations, this cake is as delicious as it is dazzling. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a fireworks picnic, this cake brings fireworks to the dessert table — no sparklers required.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

  • 🇺🇸 Eye-catching red, white & blue layers

  • 🎉 Perfect for parties and holiday gatherings

  • 🧁 Fluffy vanilla cake with rich, creamy frosting

  • 🧒 Fun to decorate — great activity for kids or the whole family

  • 🍰 Easily customizable for flavor and size

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • Red and blue gel food coloring

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened

  • 6 cups powdered sugar

  • 2–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: Red and blue food coloring for decorating

For Decorating:

  • Red, white & blue sprinkles

  • Fresh berries (optional: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

  • Mini flags or edible glitter stars

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour.

3. Color and Divide Batter

Divide batter evenly into three bowls:

  • Leave one plain (white)

  • Add red gel coloring to one bowl

  • Add blue gel coloring to the third bowl

Stir until colors are evenly distributed.

4. Bake the Layers

Pour each batter into its own prepared pan. Bake 22–26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

5. Make the Buttercream

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached. Beat until fluffy (2–3 minutes).

6. Assemble the Cake

Level the cooled cake layers if needed. Place blue layer on the cake stand, spread frosting on top. Repeat with white, then red layers. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 30 minutes.

Frost the entire cake with a final thick layer of buttercream. Smooth with an offset spatula or cake scraper.

7. Decorate

Top with red, white & blue sprinkles, piped rosettes, fresh berries, edible glitter, or mini flags. Get creative!

Variations

  • 🍓 Strawberry shortcake-style: Use whipped cream frosting and fresh berries between layers

  • 🍫 Chocolate twist: Swap white layer with chocolate for a bold flavor contrast

  • 🧁 Cupcake version: Use the same batter in lined muffin tins (bake 15–18 minutes)

  • 🧁 Ombre look: Use varying intensities of red and blue for a gradient effect

  • 🧊 Ice cream cake hack: Use store-bought pound cake and layer with red and blue sorbet and vanilla ice cream

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • ✅ Bake layers up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped in the fridge

  • ✅ Frosting can be made 3 days in advance and refrigerated — just rewhip before using

  • ❄️ Freeze unfrosted layers up to 1 month

  • 🍰 Store decorated cake in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered

Pro Tips

  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant, non-watery hues

  • Chill layers before assembling to prevent sliding or crumbling

  • A cake leveler ensures clean, even stacking

  • Use a turntable for easier frosting and decorating

Final Thoughts

This 4th of July Layer Cake is more than just dessert — it’s a centerpiece! Whether you go big on the decorations or keep it classic, every slice delivers patriotic pride and sweet celebration. Make it once and it’ll become a holiday tradition for years to come.

Leave a Comment