Can I make this flag cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s best when made 24 hours in advance so the flavors meld beautifully.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes! Just make sure it’s stabilized so it holds up in the fridge.

How long does this cake last?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated and covered.

Can kids help decorate?

Definitely! This is a kid-friendly patriotic dessert that’s fun and mess-friendly.

Flag Cake Recipe: Easy Strawberry Jello Dessert for July 4th

Name: Easy Strawberry Jello Flag Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; Eggs, oil, and water (as specified on the cake mix box); 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jello; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup cold water; 1 tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade); 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced; 1/2 pint fresh blueberries

Description

This patriotic dessert is the star of any July 4th celebration—layers of soft white cake soaked in strawberry Jello, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit arranged as an American flag. It’s festive, refreshing, and so easy to make, it’ll become your new summer tradition!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box white cake mix
Eggs, oil, and water (as specified on the cake mix box)
1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jello
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1 tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade)
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 pint fresh blueberries

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (or as directed on your cake mix).
Prepare the white cake mix according to the box instructions.
Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (about 25–30 minutes).
Allow the cake to cool for 15–20 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine strawberry Jello with 1 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved.
Add 1/2 cup cold water and mix well.
Using a fork, skewer, or wooden spoon handle, poke holes all over the cake—spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Slowly pour the Jello mixture evenly over the entire cake. It should seep into the holes, creating a vibrant marbled effect.
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Once chilled, spread whipped topping evenly over the surface.
In the top-left corner, place a square of blueberries to represent the ‘stars.’
Use sliced strawberries to create red ‘stripes’ across the rest of the cake.

Notes

Try raspberry or cherry Jello for a twist. Swap in gluten-free cake mix or coconut whipped topping to meet dietary needs. Make it a day ahead for the best flavor and easy prep!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Refrigerated
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 240
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg