Ina Garten Half Flag Cake

Want to celebrate with a patriotic dessert but don’t need a full-sheet cake? Ina Garten’s Half Flag Cake is the perfect solution. It’s a smaller version of her iconic American flag cake—moist, buttery, and topped with fresh berries and cream cheese frosting to resemble the stars and stripes.

What Is Ina Garten’s Half Flag Cake?

The Half Flag Cake is a scaled-down version of Ina’s famous American flag cake. It’s a buttery vanilla sheet cake baked in a 9×13-inch pan and topped with sweet cream cheese frosting. Fresh blueberries form the “stars” section, while rows of strawberries or raspberries create the “stripes.” It’s festive, flavorful, and perfect for smaller gatherings.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Egg Salad Tartines
• Ina Garten Garlic Toast
• Ina Garten Turkey Roulade
• Ina Garten Couscous with Pine Nuts

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Half Flag Cake

• Ideal for small gatherings – Perfect size for a family or small party
• Visually stunning – Fresh fruit flag design makes it a centerpiece
• Simple to decorate – No advanced piping skills needed
• Moist and flavorful cake base – Buttery and tender crumb
• Make-ahead friendly – Bake and frost ahead of time
• Customizable with fruits – Use what’s fresh and seasonal
• A crowd-pleaser – Both adults and kids love it

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Half Flag Cake

For the cake:

• 1¾ sticks (14 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup whole milk

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted

For decorating:

• Fresh blueberries (about ½ cup)
• Fresh strawberries or raspberries (about 1½ cups), halved

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Half Flag Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add the vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the batter alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

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

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in the sifted confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the surface using an offset spatula.

Step 6: Decorate Like a Flag

In the top-left corner, create a rectangle of blueberries to mimic the stars. Use rows of halved strawberries or raspberries to form the red stripes. Leave frosting lines in between as the white stripes.

What to Serve With Ina Garten Half Flag Cake

• Vanilla ice cream – Classic pairing with moist cake
• Iced tea or lemonade – Complements fruity sweetness
• Fresh berry salad – Keeps the patriotic theme going
• Sparkling water with citrus – Refreshing and festive
• Whipped cream dollops – Light and airy side
• Mint garnish – Adds a touch of green freshness
• Chilled rosé or prosecco – For adult celebrations

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures even mixing
• Sift the confectioners’ sugar – Prevents lumpy frosting
• Cool cake fully before frosting – Avoids melting the topping
• Pat berries dry before decorating – Prevents bleeding onto frosting
• Don’t overmix the batter – Keeps cake light and tender
• Use an offset spatula – Makes spreading frosting easy
• Chill cake briefly before serving – Sets frosting and fruit

Variations of the Recipe

• Try lemon zest in the batter – Adds brightness
• Use raspberries and blackberries – For visual contrast
• Make it gluten-free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute
• Use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting – For a lighter version
• Add a jam layer under the frosting – Boosts fruit flavor
• Bake in two pans and layer – For a layered flag cake
• Top with edible stars or silver sprinkles – Adds sparkle

How to Store Leftovers

• Cover and refrigerate – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
• Use a cake dome or plastic wrap – To prevent drying
• Remove fruit if storing longer than a day – Prevents sogginess
• Label with date if refrigerated – For easy tracking
• Slice and store in airtight containers – Great for portioning
• Don’t freeze with berries on top – Frosted cake can be frozen separately
• Serve chilled or bring to room temp before eating – Your choice

How Do I Reheat or Serve Ina Garten Half Flag Cake?

• Best served cold or room temp – No reheating needed
• Bring to room temp if refrigerated – For a softer texture
• Avoid microwave – It may melt frosting and ruin texture
• Top with fresh berries before serving – If stored without fruit
• Cut with a clean knife – Wipe between cuts for neat slices
• Serve on chilled plates for summer – Keeps frosting from melting

Nutritional Value (per slice, approx. 12 servings)

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

What size pan is used for Ina Garten’s Half Flag Cake?

A 9×13-inch baking dish is used for the half-size version, making it perfect for smaller gatherings while still showing off the flag design.

Can I make Ina Garten’s flag cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake and make the frosting a day ahead. Store the cake covered and unfrosted, then frost and decorate with berries just before serving.

How do I prevent the fruit from bleeding into the frosting?

Gently pat the berries dry with paper towels before placing them on the frosting. This helps avoid extra moisture from seeping into the icing.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries and blueberries?

Yes, raspberries can replace strawberries, and blackberries or pitted cherries can substitute for blueberries, depending on your preference and availability.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Half Flag Cake is a patriotic dessert that’s festive, manageable, and irresistibly delicious. With its tender crumb, creamy frosting, and juicy berries, it’s a showstopper in both taste and presentation. Perfect for holiday celebrations, small gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something a little special.

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