Easy Red White and Blue Cake: A Patriotic Treat for July 4th

Every 4th of July, I remember the dazzling desserts my Nonna used to make—cakes so vibrant they looked like fireworks on a plate. Her favorite? A playful, swirled bundt cake bursting with patriotic colors and topped with a sugary drizzle and sprinkles. We called it the firecracker cake because of its surprise inside: bold layers of red, white, and blue that lit up every slice.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a picnic, or just love festive baking, this red white and blue cake is your new go-to. It’s colorful, kid-friendly, beginner-approved, and perfect for Memorial Day, Independence Day, or any summer celebration. Think of it as an edible fireworks display—minus the loud noises!

What You Need to Make a Red White and Blue Cake

Before we bake, gather your festive ingredients and tools. This is a boxed cake mix recipe with a homemade twist—easy, efficient, and oh-so-delicious.

Main Cake Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup egg whites (about 5 large)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional for flavor boost)
• Red and blue gel food coloring

Frosting & Decorations

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Additional red and blue gel coloring
• Patriotic sprinkles (stars, stripes, red-white-blue blends)

Pan & Tools

• Bundt pan (6 or 12-cup)
• Mixing bowls (at least three)
• Spoons or piping bags for drizzle

Why Use a Boxed Mix for Your Red White and Blue Cake?

Don’t underestimate the power of a good ol’ boxed white cake mix—especially when it’s “doctored up” with sour cream, egg whites, and cream. The result? A moist cake from box mix that’s just as satisfying as homemade, minus the guesswork.

For busy parents or last-minute planners, this trick is gold. It also means you can focus more on what makes this a color swirl cake masterpiece—those show-stopping vibrant layers and dreamy buttercream drizzle.

Pro Tip: Sour cream adds richness and tang, while egg whites keep the texture airy and light.

How to Make a Red White and Blue Cake: Step-by-Step

Ready to bake your patriotic cake? Let’s create those fireworks in every bite.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your bundt pan well.
2. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine white cake mix, sour cream/heavy cream, oil, egg whites, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
3. Divide the batter into three bowls:
   • Leave one bowl white.
   • Tint one with red food coloring.
   • Tint the last with blue food coloring.
4. Let the colored batters rest for 5–10 minutes for the colors to intensify.
5. Layer in bundt pan: Pour the red batter first, then white, and finish with blue. Avoid swirling—layers are better than a blend!
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean). Internal temp should hit 205°F.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Let cool completely before decorating.

Bundt Pan Tips for Your Red White and Blue Cake

• 6-cup bundt pan: Remove ½ to ¾ cup batter to prevent overflow.
• 12-cup pan: Cake will be shorter but still stunning!
• Don’t have a bundt pan? Use a loaf or round pan, adjusting baking time as needed.

Decorating Your Red White and Blue Cake with Frosting and Sprinkles

Now for the best part—frosting that drizzles like fireworks .

Buttercream Drizzle

1. Cream the butter with a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, then cream and vanilla until fluffy.
3. Divide frosting into three bowls. Color one red, one blue, and leave one white.
4. Microwave each color for 5–10 seconds to make it pourable (like a thick syrup).
5. Drizzle in layers: white first, followed by red and blue. Use a spoon or zip bag.
6. Immediately top with sprinkles before frosting sets.

This drizzle technique makes your cake with sprinkles a visual centerpiece—an Instagram-worthy dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Extra Tips for the Perfect Red White and Blue Cake

• Gel food coloring gives vibrant results without thinning your batter.
• Softening butter fast? Microwave at 30% power in 5-10 second bursts.
• Cool cake fully before frosting to avoid melting colors.
• Use piping bags or spoons for more control with your drizzle.
• Want to impress? Add edible glitter or small flag toppers for patriotic cake decorations.

Red White and Blue Cake Nutrition Information

Based on 12 servings:

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbs: 46g
• Fat: 21g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 33g

Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or opt for a sugar-free frosting alternative.

More Red White and Blue Cake-Inspired Recipes to Try

Love this cake? Try these other festive showstoppers:

• Explore our stunning red white and blue marble cake
• Bake these fun firecracker cupcakes for the Fourth of July
• Need something smaller? Try our mini patriotic cheesecakes
• Or wow your guests with a colorful 4th of July fruit pizza

Want more deliciously festive ideas?

• Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more festive baking ideas
• Explore more creative recipes on our Pinterest profile
• Get inspired with our 4th of July food ideas board on Pinterest

Print