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Perfect Red White Blue Layer Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

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A quick and easy red, white & blue layer cake featuring moist red velvet layers, tangy cream cheese frosting, and fresh berries, perfect for celebrations and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened (full fat)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for thinning frosting)
  • 1 ½ cups (about 225g) fresh blueberries, washed and dried
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries (optional)
  • White chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk lightly to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar.
  4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly into the three pans (about 2 cups per pan). Tap pans gently to remove air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low until combined.
  9. Add vanilla extract and, if needed, 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream to reach spreading consistency.
  10. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ½ cup frosting evenly on top. Repeat with second layer.
  11. Place final layer on top and frost the outside and top with remaining frosting using an offset spatula for smooth finish.
  12. Decorate with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries in a festive pattern. Optionally, sprinkle white chocolate shavings.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without thinning batter. Chill cake before decorating if kitchen is warm to help frosting set. For gluten-free version, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum if needed. Avoid overbaking to keep cake moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, patriotic cake, red white blue cake, easy cake recipe, summer dessert, celebration cake

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