Ina Garten Fourth of July Cake – A Patriotic and Festive Summer Dessert

Nothing says celebration like a beautiful, vibrant cake—and Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake brings both charm and flavor to your holiday table. With a tender white or yellow cake base, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a bold American flag design made from fresh berries, this dessert is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or Independence Day potlucks. It’s festive, easy to decorate, and sure to impress your guests.

What is Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake?

Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake is a sheet cake topped with a cream cheese frosting and decorated to resemble the American flag using blueberries and raspberries. The cake itself is soft, buttery, and subtly sweet, acting as the perfect base for the tangy frosting and fresh berries. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that celebrates summer’s best flavors with patriotic flair.

Other Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten’s Overnight Steel-Cut Oats
• Ina Garten Peach Pie
• Ina Garten Beatty’s Chocolate Cake
• Ina Garten Tequila Lime Chicken

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake

• Visually stunning – Makes a bold, patriotic centerpiece.
• Light and fluffy texture – Perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
• Fresh berry topping – Adds natural sweetness and color.
• No complicated layers – Simple sheet cake format.
• Cream cheese frosting – Rich, tangy, and smooth.
• Easy to decorate – Even beginner bakers can pull this off.
• Great for a crowd – Serves 12 or more, ideal for parties.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake

For the Cake:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks), at room temperature
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for freshness)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

For Decoration:

• 1 pint of fresh blueberries
• 1 pint fresh raspberries (or sliced strawberries)
• Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Fourth of July Cake

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet cake pan or line with parchment paper for easier removal.

Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using), mixing well after each addition.

Incorporate dry ingredients and buttermilk

Reduce speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.

Frost the cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Decorate with berries

Using blueberries, create a square in the top left corner of the cake. Arrange raspberries or sliced strawberries in horizontal stripes to resemble the American flag.

Chill before serving

Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to help set the frosting and keep the berries fresh.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake

• Serve with lemonade or iced tea – Light and refreshing pairing
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream – Enhances the berries and cake
• Top with extra whipped cream – For an extra indulgent bite
• Pair with fresh fruit salad – Keeps things bright and seasonal
• Serve with cold brew coffee – Rich contrast to the sweet frosting
• Offer mini American flags as toppers – A fun, decorative touch
• Add a berry coulis on the side – For extra flavor and elegance

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake

• Use room-temperature ingredients – For a smoother batter and better rise
• Don’t overmix the batter – Ensures a tender, fluffy texture
• Cool the cake completely – Prevents frosting from melting
• Use ripe, firm berries – Keeps the flag design neat and appealing
• Frost just before decorating – Ensures the berries stick well
• Chill the cake after decorating – Helps set the frosting and preserve the fruit
• Use a serrated knife for cleaner slices – Especially helpful with berries on top

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake

• Use whipped cream frosting – For a lighter finish
• Make individual flag cupcakes – Easy to serve and decorate
• Add lemon curd layer beneath the frosting – A surprise zing
• Swap berries for colored candy – For a more vibrant, kid-friendly version
• Try a chocolate cake base – For a decadent twist
• Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese – Offers a subtle sweetness
• Decorate with star-shaped fruit – Use cookie cutters on melon or apple slices

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Fourth of July Cake

• Store in the fridge covered – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
• Avoid stacking or wrapping directly on the frosting – Use a cake dome if possible
• Don’t freeze with berries on top – Berries will weep when thawed
• Store unfrosted cake layers separately – Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months
• Keep chilled until serving on warm days – Prevents frosting from melting

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake

• This cake is best served cold or at room temperature – No reheating needed
• Let slices sit at room temp for 15 minutes – For a softer texture, if chilled
• Avoid microwaving frosted cake – It may cause the frosting to melt andthe berries to soften
• Serve straight from the fridge on hot days – Keeps the texture firm and refreshing

Nutrition Value (per serving – based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Sugar: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day ahead. Store the cake covered at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting separately. Assemble and decorate with berries on the day of serving for the freshest look and taste.

How do I prevent the berries from bleeding onto the frosting?

Use dry, firm berries and gently pat them with a paper towel before placing them on the cake. Add the fruit just before serving or shortly before refrigerating to keep the colors vibrant and prevent excess moisture.

Can I use a boxed cake mix instead of a homemade cake?

Yes, a boxed white or yellow cake mix works fine for convenience. Just be sure to use a high-quality cream cheese frosting and fresh berries to elevate the flavor and presentation.

What size pan is best for this cake?

A 9×13-inch sheet pan is ideal. It provides a perfect surface area for the flag design and makes serving a crowd easy. If you use a larger or smaller pan, adjust the baking time accordingly.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Fourth of July Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration on a plate. With its bright berries, creamy frosting, and soft cake base, it’s the perfect patriotic treat to end a summer gathering. Easy to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious, this cake deserves a spot on your holiday table year after year.

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