Name: American Flag Cake
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: Makes 1 (13- by 9-inch) cake
Ingredients: 1 cup boiling water; 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional flour for dusting pan; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional butter for greasing pan; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 cup sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted; 1 1/2 pints raspberries (about 3 cups total); 1/2 pint blueberries (about 1 cup total); Equipment: 13- by 9-inch metal baking pan, stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, pastry bag, star-shaped pastry tip (such as Wilton #2110)

Image may contain Plant Raspberry Fruit Food Strawberry and Blueberry

July 4th Flag CakeKelly Senyei

No Fourth of July celebration is complete without a traditional flag cake studded with sweet summer berries. But slice into our Stars and Stripes creation and you'll quickly discover this isn't your everyday vanilla sheet cake with buttercream frosting. For a fresh new take on everyone's favorite red, white, and blue finale, we paired moist chocolate cake with tangy cream cheese frosting, and finished with juicy raspberries and blueberries. Have no fear if cake decorating isn't your strong suit. You'll be able to master this patriotic design using our step-by-step photos and tips for frosting and adorning the ultimate Independence Day dessert.

Recipe notes

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