Make this Easy Angel Food Cake for the 4th of July!

Looking for a quick and festive dessert that’ll wow your guests without turning on the oven? This easy American Flag Angel Food Cake is light, patriotic, and comes together in just 15 minutes!

When I was growing up, the 4th of July was all about sticky watermelon slices, sparklers (my favorite!!) in the front yard, and a table full of food that somehow tasted better under the summer sun. I still love those simple, all-American traditions—and I’m always looking for easy desserts that look festive and are easy to make. This American Flag Angel Food Cake is exactly that.

We usually have a big family get-together for the 4th of July. This will be the first year that I can ever remember that we won’t have lots of kids, grandkids, and extended family at my house for the 4th of July. Kids have grown up and moved away, and other family members have either passed away or had to move away. Things change, and sometimes that change feels hard.

But whether you’re serving a crowd or it’s just you and your husband – or a friend – celebrating Independence Day, this cake is simple enough you’ll be excited to make it! This recipe serves about 5 people, so double the recipe if you’re feeding more than that!

This cake is as easy as it gets—light, fluffy, and ready in no time. This cake is semi-homemade, meaning you’ll buy the angel food cake from the store – although homemade will work too – just bake the cake in a 9 x 13 sheet cake pan (the cake texture will be denser) and double the frosting recipe. Alternatively, you can also use a boxed angel food cake mix, too.

Note: This decorating technique will also work on any white sheet cake. So, feel free to make a white sheet cake in a 9 x 13 cake pan and double the frosting recipe.

Fresh berries to give it that sweet, patriotic flair. Whether you’re setting the table for a summer potluck or just want something fun to serve at home, this little flag cake is sure to get compliments… and will disappear before you know it.

Why You’ll Love This Semi-Homemade American Flag Cake

• Fast and fuss-free – It takes less than 15 minutes to make.
• No oven needed – A huge win during hot July days.
• Light and refreshing – Perfect after a heavy summer meal.
• Adorably patriotic – It’ll be the star of your table.
• Kid-friendly – Let the little ones help with the fruit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this together:

• 1 angel food cake log (store-bought is just fine!)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (about half a block)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
• ½ cup sliced strawberries
• 12 fresh blueberries
• Piping bag + Wilton tip #21 (optional, but it adds a nice touch!)

How to Make this Easy American Flag Angel Food Cake

Step 1: Mix the frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth—about 2 minutes. Add the Cool Whip and mix again until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Frost the cake
Using an offset spatula (or the back of a spoon), spread a layer of the frosting evenly over your angel food cake log.

Step 3: Pipe the border
Scoop the remaining frosting into a piping bag fitted with Wilton tip #21. Pipe stars along the bottom edge by gently squeezing the bag and lifting up to form little peaks.

Step 4: Plan your flag
Lightly place the blueberries in one corner of the cake and arrange the strawberry slices in rows for the stripes. This step helps you visualize where everything goes before adding more frosting. You’ll temporarily remove the blueberries after you place the strawberries.

Step 5: Add the piped details
Pipe white frosting stripes between the strawberries and a small square in the corner where your blueberries will sit. Finish by piping a border around the top edge of the cake.

Step 6: Finish and chill
Place your blueberries back on the piped square, and you’re done! Refrigerate the cake until you’re ready to serve.

Tips for Success

• Use cold Cool Whip for a better texture when mixing.
• Don’t worry about perfect lines—homemade is always charming.
• Want a shortcut? Skip the piping and just layer the berries on top.
• If your cream cheese is too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.

Variations to Try

• Use pound cake or shortcake instead of angel food for a denser dessert.
• Swap in homemade whipped cream if you prefer it over Cool Whip.
• Add extra berries and frosting between layers of cake if you’re feeling extra!

Serving & Storage

This cake is best served chilled. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days (though it’s usually gone by then!). It travels well, too, making it a great option for potlucks or family picnics.

More Ideas for Summer You’ll Love

• Tips for Summer Outdoor Entertaining
• Classic Summer Activities for Families
• Summer Outdoor Entertaining: Amazon Roundup

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something that looks special. This little cake is proof that simple can still be beautiful—and delicious. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day or just enjoying a summer weekend with friends, this flag cake is a sweet way to enjoy the day!

If you try it, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @homemakers.society or drop a comment below with your favorite summer dessert traditions.

Want more festive recipes and homemaking ideas? Be sure to join The Homemaker’s Society or grab my free printable July bucket list for homemakers below:

Free Printable July Bucket List