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

red white and blue layer cake - featured image
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A quick and easy festive layer cake with red, white, and blue layers paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for patriotic occasions and last-minute celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can swap 1 cup with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature (or dairy-free milk)
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Blue gel food coloring
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently on low speed until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into three bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one, blue to another, and leave one plain for the white layer.
  7. Pour each colored batter into prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each cup. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  10. Place blue layer on cake stand. Spread frosting on top. Add white layer, frost again, then top with red layer.
  11. Apply a crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes.
  12. Apply a final thicker coat of frosting, smoothing with an offset spatula or butter knife. Chill again if needed before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and dairy for best batter consistency. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep cake tender. Level domed cake tops with a serrated knife for even layers. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Cake can be made ahead and stored in fridge up to 4 days or frozen in slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: red white and blue cake, layer cake, cream cheese frosting, patriotic dessert, easy cake recipe, homemade cake, festive cake

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/perfect-red-white-and-blue-layer-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting/